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610 poll: How do you feel about the OL?

Your (letter grade) on how do you think the OL is now vs last year?

  • Total voters
    53
The reason I say B+ is from what I have seen (read) Tunsil was not able to lead the group. And the OL room was not going well. The guys we brought in are a few things that the ones we got rid of were not. 1) Dogs, they all are nasty and get after a DL 2) Larger than most of the OL last year. More for the DL to have to try to move. 3) Better coaching IMO 4) Honestly more nimble and better feet. 5) Have experienced good and bad seasons in the NFL. True, we have no idea what happens day 1. But to me my list above just seems right
 
beerlover said:
I’ve waited a moment for the dust to settle and emotions to subside. It’s been and will continueto be a difficult process. Other teams will reach early on every year in the draft to protect their franchise QB investments.

I’m hopeful, Texans have their two franchise tackles, Fisher with 3 years under contract and Ersery soon to be 4 years under contract. That is the good news. Bad news, we still have question marks both Guards and Center. With impending salary ramificstions it seems Texans prefer to play free agent value market. Look I get it, sooner or later Caserio will hit on one, maybe two but depending how this upcoming season goes, with better coaching & offensive system, urgency to protect CJ, will dictate drafting early on @ IOL positions.
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I think there would be an advantage to bringing in UFL offensive linemen for training camp invites. They would be fresh off of playing competitive football and they could be as good or better than many of the college guys that were drafted. Unless y'all think there are too many offensive linemen on the team already. If not than I don't see where it would hurt to give those young men a chance to make the team. If nothing else they would be good for depth if they make the team. It is not like we have anything to lose by giving them a chance.
 
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TxnsJuggernaut1 said:
I think there would be an advantage to bringing in UFL offensive linemen for training camp invites. They would be fresh off of playing competitive football and they could be as good or better than many of the college guys that were drafted. Unless y'all think there are too many offensive linemen on the team already. If not than I don't see where it would hurt to give those young men a chance to make the team. If nothing else they would be good for depth if they make the team. It is not like we have anything to lose by giving them a chance.
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And we could have a poll on whether they make the 53!!!
 
JB said:
And we could have a poll on whether they make the 53!!!
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No poll needed. There is a lack of expectations and most UFL players won't make the final 53. They will be lucky to make it onto the practice squad. Still inviting them into training camp can't hurt anything. The added competition could be good for the team as well.
 
TxnsJuggernaut1 said:
I think there would be an advantage to bringing in UFL offensive linemen for training camp invites. They would be fresh off of playing competitive football and they could be as good or better than many of the college guys that were drafted. Unless y'all think there are too many offensive linemen on the team already. If not than I don't see where it would hurt to give those young men a chance to make the team. If nothing else they would be good for depth if they make the team. It is not like we have anything to lose by giving them a chance.
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https://pfnewsroom.com/column/pro-football-newsrooms-midseason-2025-all-ufl-team/ UFL's best so far. Could one of these offensive linemen end up on our team and play well?
 
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B
SnakeEyes said:
The reason I say B+ is from what I have seen (read) Tunsil was not able to lead the group. And the OL room was not going well. The guys we brought in are a few things that the ones we got rid of were not. 1) Dogs, they all are nasty and get after a DL 2) Larger than most of the OL last year. More for the DL to have to try to move. 3) Better coaching IMO 4) Honestly more nimble and better feet. 5) Have experienced good and bad seasons in the NFL. True, we have no idea what happens day 1. But to me my list above just seems right
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B+ goes to Commanders.
 
beerlover said:
I’ve waited a moment for the dust to settle and emotions to subside. It’s been and will continue to be a difficult process. Other teams will reach early on every year in the draft to protect their franchise QB investments.

I’m hopeful, Texans have their two franchise tackles, Fisher with 3 years under contract and Ersery soon to be 4 years under contract. That is the good news. Bad news, we still have question marks both Guards and Center. With impending salary ramificstions it seems Texans prefer to play free agent value market. Look I get it, sooner or later Caserio will hit on one, maybe two but depending how this upcoming season goes, with better coaching & offensive system, urgency to protect CJ, will dictate drafting early on @ IOL positions.
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They had a plan to move up in the 1st round... early "rumor" was they were talking to the Jets.

On the one hand I'm glad they liked someone in the draft enough to consider moving up. Any of the rumors would have been significant moves.

On the other hand I'm glad they were able to show some restraint & not give up next year's 1st to move up.

On the other hand I'm also glad they did not go into the draft determined to fill "positions of need."
 
beerlover said:
B

B+ goes to Commanders.
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Considering the season the Waste Management Commanders just had that is a really good grade.

I still hate the way they rebranded. I wanted them to be called the Washington Dire Wolves with a bad ass Dire Wolf logo on their helmets and I envisioned a stadium full of ravenous fans howling after TD's and big plays by their team. Either that or keep the noble and strong Indian logo and call the team the Warriors. I know that the NBA also has a team named the Warriors but I don't think anybody would get them confused.

Anyway, if you thought the Commanders draft was a B+ that is a great grade to improve a losing team but for a team coming off the season the Commanders just did that is an even greater grade.
 
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TxnsJuggernaut1 said:
Considering the season the Waste Management Commanders just had that is a really good grade.

I still hate the way they rebranded. I wanted them to be called the Washington Dire Wolves with a bad ass Dire Wolf logo on their helmets and I envisioned a stadium full of ravenous fans howling after TD's and big plays by their team. Either that or keep the noble and strong Indian logo and call the team the Warriors. I know that the NBA also has a team named the Warriors but I don't think anybody would get them confused.

Anyway, if you thought the Commanders draft was a B+ thatD is a great grade to improve a losing team but for a team coming off the season the Commanders just did that is an even greater grade.
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Despite God'ells wokeness, they will always be the Redskins.
 
I voted a projected "C" right now based on the talent we have. However, If I had to compare last year's line, which I rank as a "D-" based on actual performance, we likely improved. I am hoping the coaching, culture and offensive play calling maximizes the talent and we squeak into "B-" territory. That, coupled with if the defense performs like it did last year, we will be looking really good. If we had that last year, I think it would have yielded 1-2 more wins.
 
steelbtexan said:
Bad marketing..
.
Red-skins
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The only folks who felt ashamed were the non-Native Americans. Seems as though most Native Americans were pretty proud of the Redskins.

I’m also taking a stab in the dark here….but I’m pretty sure none of the original Redskins season ticket holders told the organization they were cancelling their season tickets because of the team brand/logo or fans in general stated they would boycott team apparel b/c of the branding or logo.

Commanders is horrible marketing. They should’ve committed to changing the team colors to Navy Blue and Gold to better coincide with the logo change. Just retire the Redskins and colors and start over would’ve been a better move.
 
steelbtexan said:
Bad marketing..
.
Red-skins
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The marketing worked out alright for the fans of Golden State. It even brought about a Dynasty. Red-skins is seen by some Native Americans as offensive but I don't see how they would offend Native Americans with the bad ass Native American logo and the name becoming Warriors.
 
Texansphan said:
I don't like that we lost Tunsil. Love him or leave him, his pass protection was elite.
So until proven otherwise, they get a C which is generous as by this voting system it is above average and to my mind it is just average.
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I don't mind losing Tunsil, along with his penalties and cap hit. I'm not thrilled with the current makeup of the OL, but holding out hope on a new scheme, OC, & OL coach. I'm very much looking forward to TC & the preseason.
 
Thorn said:
Two things I want to see before departing for that great starship in the sky; proof that life exists elsewhere other than earth and a Texans SB win. For now, I like SETI's chances better. LOL
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Pretty much what I'd like to see as well!
 
steelbtexan said:
Adding vets like Tomlinson/Brown and drafting Ersery means hopefully the OL will be much smarter and able to pickup simple stunts.
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This is where I am at. The interior had to get a lot better, Shaq/Green gone and all these other guys coming in should find a combo that gets competent play. The LT position will be better running, and by end of year I suspect Ersery will have had enough reps to start being that future guy.
 
IMO

Texans/Caserio have whiffed since rebuild started (no need to interject disappointments). They continue to peck away @ tackle but both Fisher & Earsery are projects. Interior is stuffed full of back-up journeymen. Brought back Popovich to run OL despite being part of problem, last season. Then to make matters worse, did not attack the deepest RB draft class in decades, reaching late and only once to address room with no elite depth past Mixon who's career is winding down. Shows me, no commitment to running the ball. Look at what other teams have done in similar boat, like Chargers and Vikings. No way to sugar coat this New England approach to both OL and RB rooms.

:toropalm:
 
I heard that during OTAs it has looked like Howard has RG, Fisher RT, Andrews is winning the C battle, Scruggs and Tomlinson even split at LG and I didn’t catch much on the LT battle.
 
beerlover said:
IMO

Texans/Caserio have whiffed since rebuild started (no need to interject disappointments). They continue to peck away @ tackle but both Fisher & Earsery are projects. Interior is stuffed full of back-up journeymen. Brought back Popovich to run OL despite being part of problem, last season. Then to make matters worse, did not attack the deepest RB draft class in decades, reaching late and only once to address room with no elite depth past Mixon who's career is winding down. Shows me, no commitment to running the ball. Look at what other teams have done in similar boat, like Chargers and Vikings. No way to sugar coat this New England approach to both OL and RB rooms.

:toropalm:
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Tell me Trent Brown is healthy and they hit on Ersery, in addition to Andrews being good (I feel good about Andrews for some reason.) and I'm pretty happy with the ol. Hopefully Fisher shows a 2nd year jump.

As far as RB's go they like Marks more than you do. I wouldn't discount Pierce with the new scheme change.

I'm just glad they solved the WR position. It's the thing that held them back in the playoffs the most IMHO. A bad ol with WR's that struggle to separate is a big reason for the disaster we've seen the last two seasons.

Would you have rather Caserio, Ryan's have picked a RB at 3-79 rather than picked Noel? Because if you wanted an elite RB that's what needed to happen IMHO.
 
steelbtexan said:
Tell me Trent Brown is healthy and they hit on Ersery, in addition to Andrews being good (I feel good about Andrews for some reason.) and I'm pretty happy with the ol. Hopefully Fisher shows a 2nd year jump.

As far as RB's go they like Marks more than you do. I wouldn't discount Pierce with the new scheme change.

I'm just glad they solved the WR position. It's the thing that held them back in the playoffs the most IMHO. A bad ol with WR's that struggle to separate is a big reason for the disaster we've seen the last two seasons.

Would you have rather Caserio, Ryan's have picked a RB at 3-79 rather than picked Noel? Because if you wanted an elite RB that's what needed to happen IMHO.
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Trent Brown & Ersery being ready to go still in question? But do like Ersery upside. Andrews along with Tomlinson pleasant surprises at least league average.

I like Marks fine but in one of the deepest running back classes in history and given Texan RB room, Pierce, Ogunbowale, Taylor & Jordan this was wasted swing & miss. Just better hope Mixon’s foot not an issue?

They did kill WR room, very happy about that. Just wanted to upgrade RB room in addition to Marks & Guard.
 
beerlover said:
Trent Brown & Ersery being ready to go still in question? But do like Ersery upside. Andrews along with Tomlinson pleasant surprises at least league average.

I like Marks fine but in one of the deepest running back classes in history and given Texan RB room, Pierce, Ogunbowale, Taylor & Jordan this was wasted swing & miss. Just better hope Mixon’s foot not an issue?

They did kill WR room, very happy about that. Just wanted to upgrade RB room in addition to Marks & Guard.
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Like I asked would you be willing to trade 3-79 (Noel) for the type of RB you're describing? Because that's what it would've taken to get a 3 down special RB. Either that or trade one of the 2026 2nds to move into the top 75 to get the RB you want. BTW, I wanted Croskey-Merritt or James over Marks, but I dont consider the draft to be a failure because Caserio/Ryans/Caley didn't draft my guy.
 
steelbtexan said:
Like I asked would you be willing to trade 3-79 (Noel) for the type of RB you're describing? Because that's what it would've taken to get a 3 down special RB. Either that or trade one of the 2026 2nds to move into the top 75 to get the RB you want. BTW, I wanted Croskey-Merritt or James over Marks, but I dont consider the draft to be a failure because Caserio/Ryans/Caley didn't draft my guy.
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Did we not do a joint mock draft week of? We agreed on Brashard Smith RB SMU. You like Woody more now?

In my final Mock Draft I had both Higgins and Noel. So answer to both questions is a no for me. Still like Jordan James more too. But I believe was first one here to post final mock over two weeks before actual draft. Let me tell you, those were the longest two weeks as my interest increased to take TreVon Henderson over Higgins. Then doubling down 4th rd. For James, Smith or Marks.

I also would have traded up for Tate Ratledge instead of Ersery. And really like Ersery as a player, need and person. Just know this, Ratledge was key addition for Detroit & Ragnow retired. Tate would solidify RG for Texans immediately. Howard could then focus back on RT, probably beat out Fisher. Andrews is winning starting Center with Tomlinson beating out Scruggs for LG. Cameron Jordan holding down LT. Fisher looks like just a swing.

So that’s a better OL room, a better RB room (upgrade depth and ceiling) while WR room adds Noel with Kirk & Watson.

:logo:
 
I like S
beerlover said:
Did we not do a joint mock draft week of? We agreed on Brashard Smith RB SMU. You like Woody more now?

In my final Mock Draft I had both Higgins and Noel. So answer to both questions is a no for me. Still like Jordan James more too. But I believe was first one here to post final mock over two weeks before actual draft. Let me tell you, those were the longest two weeks as my interest increased to take TreVon Henderson over Higgins. Then doubling down 4th rd. For James, Smith or Marks.

I also would have traded up for Tate Ratledge instead of Ersery. And really like Ersery as a player, need and person. Just know this, Ratledge was key addition for Detroit & Ragnow retired. Tate would solidify RG for Texans immediately. Howard could then focus back on RT, probably beat out Fisher. Andrews is winning starting Center with Tomlinson beating out Scruggs for LG. Cameron Jordan holding down LT. Fisher looks like just a swing.

So that’s a better OL room, a better RB room (upgrade depth and ceiling) while WR room adds Noel with Kirk & Watson.

:logo:
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I like Smith and James more than Marks.but the fact that they took Marks over my guys in the 4th rd doesn't make the Texans draft a bad draft and I can't wait to see how this plays out

I also would've picked Ratledge over Ersery. But it's quite possible Ersery will turnout to be the better player given Ratledge injury history. It's not like Ersery wasn't Big 10 player of the year.


After the injuries at the WR position the last couple of years give me Higgins over Henderson and I like Henderson a lot. At least now if injuries hit the WR corps late in the season and they lose 2 WR's they will still have 2 competent WR's and I value that more than a RB that may get 10 carries a game. You wanted to double down on RB's?
 
Just gut feeling, Mixon is toast after this season. Henderson is one of the best pass protection RB’s in years. He fits the culture to a tee. Amazing pass catching RB out of the backfield, far more explosion than Woody along with top end speed. In fact his comp for me is Jamar Gibbs taken 12th overall!
 
My scenario:
Nick trades Tunsil due to soon to be extension request. "Toxic " in club house debatable but could be accurate.

Nick has to rectify missing on Diggs due to injury. He signs Kirk and lands a Nico Collins look alike; both of these are great moves.

Ersery is Nick's opportunity to look brilliant if he can replace Tunsil's productivity by 2026. Low risk but very high reward possibility. Most of us agreed that running back depth was significant in 2025 draft and most were willing to wait until day three. I was one of those.

Trader Nick did his thing and all of a sudden Noel was being handed his Texans cap! I was shocked that we got both Iowa State guys that I really like. I was pushing for two wide receivers as dire necessity in the draft due to my desire for a high passing attack. If Kirk is healthy, I think we could have the best wide receiver depth in the NFL. This will do quite a bit for the offensive line and Stroud as well as keeping fans happy with scoring. We already have the defense to get to the super bowl.
I am planning for Mixon to not be the guy in 2026. Perhaps Pierce or Marks will surprise us and be our two go-to guys a few more years. However I do not see that. A round three draft pick can get us a starting Workhorse back.
Or a release of Joe after this season and his 8.5 million cap savings could go get another veteran to replace him.
Running back is not an issue for me this year.
 
badboy said:
My scenario:
Nick trades Tunsil due to soon to be extension request. "Toxic " in club house debatable but could be accurate.

Nick has to rectify missing on Diggs due to injury. He signs Kirk and lands a Nico Collins look alike; both of these are great moves.

Ersery is Nick's opportunity to look brilliant if he can replace Tunsil's productivity by 2026. Low risk but very high reward possibility. Most of us agreed that running back depth was significant in 2025 draft and most were willing to wait until day three. I was one of those.

Trader Nick did his thing and all of a sudden Noel was being handed his Texans cap! I was shocked that we got both Iowa State guys that I really like. I was pushing for two wide receivers as dire necessity in the draft due to my desire for a high passing attack. If Kirk is healthy, I think we could have the best wide receiver depth in the NFL. This will do quite a bit for the offensive line and Stroud as well as keeping fans happy with scoring. We already have the defense to get to the super bowl.
I am planning for Mixon to not be the guy in 2026. Perhaps Pierce or Marks will surprise us and be our two go-to guys a few more years. However I do not see that. A round three draft pick can get us a starting Workhorse back.
Or a release of Joe after this season and his 8.5 million cap savings could go get another veteran to replace him.
Running back is not an issue for me this year.
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One other thing to consider about the RB room and the Texans running game in general is that if we have a potent passing offense, we may not need a 'world beater' at RB for this year. Again, this assumes a lot of things, so I'm not saying it's likely, but if Caley can use the pass to set up the run (if the RB are subpar/injured/ineffective) then there will be more opportunities to use play action and shouldn't hinder the offense as a whole.
 
House of Pain said:
One other thing to consider about the RB room and the Texans running game in general is that if we have a potent passing offense, we may not need a 'world beater' at RB for this year. Again, this assumes a lot of things, so I'm not saying it's likely, but if Caley can use the pass to set up the run (if the RB are subpar/injured/ineffective) then there will be more opportunities to use play action and shouldn't hinder the offense as a whole.
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Yes sir HoP. My expectation since last offseason is for the offensive coordinator to use the pass to not only set up the run but to dominate the game. Diggs and Tank were to help Collins do just that but we know how that worked out. I think this off season was even better than last offseason. I think that's one of the reasons they drafted Marks.
 
House of Pain said:
One other thing to consider about the RB room and the Texans running game in general is that if we have a potent passing offense, we may not need a 'world beater' at RB for this year. Again, this assumes a lot of things, so I'm not saying it's likely, but if Caley can use the pass to set up the run (if the RB are subpar/injured/ineffective) then there will be more opportunities to use play action and shouldn't hinder the offense as a whole.
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Fans are underestimating Mixon.

Dudes a stud.
 
Why would we be a pass happy offense with a bad-shouldered QB behind a line that cant pass block?

I would go opposite. I would use our workhorse Mixon to try to lower the number of 3rd and longs, amd dominate TOP which helps your already formidable defense stay rested and healthy. Pound the rock, set up play action, and yes take the deep strike when its there.

Youre just asking for that shoulder to become a career threatening condition if you want 40+ passes a game. Keep his throws to around ~25, when possible. Build a lead…let that D hunt, and close it out.
 
Porky said:
Why would we be a pass happy offense with a bad-shouldered QB behind a line that cant pass block?

I would go opposite. I would use our workhorse Mixon to try to lower the number of 3rd and longs, amd dominate TOP which helps your already formidable defense stay rested and healthy. Pound the rock, set up play action, and yes take the deep strike when its there.

Youre just asking for that shoulder to become a career threatening condition if you want 40+ passes a game. Keep his throws to around ~25, when possible. Build a lead…let that D hunt, and close it out.
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Nick drafted two stud wide receivers and brought in Kirk who if healthy will be an outstanding receiver. Remind me how he addressed the running back department? Marks is a guy who is well known for his receiving capabilities.
 
Porky said:
Why would we be a pass happy offense with a bad-shouldered QB behind a line that cant pass block?

I would go opposite. I would use our workhorse Mixon to try to lower the number of 3rd and longs, amd dominate TOP which helps your already formidable defense stay rested and healthy. Pound the rock, set up play action, and yes take the deep strike when its there.

Youre just asking for that shoulder to become a career threatening condition if you want 40+ passes a game. Keep his throws to around ~25, when possible. Build a lead…let that D hunt, and close it out.
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They now have weapons to beat a defense when the line is stacked to stop the run.
 
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