ESPN Insider Offseason Priorities: Houston Texans

[iowajerms]

Although they fell short of reaching the postseason, the Houston Texans improved their win total from 2013 by seven games during head coach Bill O'Brien's first year as head coach. Led by the league's best defensive player, J.J. Watt, and a promising nucleus, this team showed decided improvement and has a bright future but has one clear-cut position to fill this offseason: QB.

Here's a discussion on the quarterback situation, as well as four other areas of need for the club:

1. Identify the QB of the future

Houston was one of six NFL teams that used three starting quarterbacks this season, with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett and Case Keenum all starting at least one game in 2014. Fitzpatrick was signed as a bridge quarterback, and Mallett showed promise in a small sample, while the team also drafted Tom Savage out of Pitt this past offseason. Mallett is set to be an unrestricted free agent. Will Houston aim to re-sign him and allow him to compete for the starting job? ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported the team is also expected to show interest in free agent-to-be Brian Hoyer, who was recently benched in favor of Johnny Manziel in Cleveland.

Hoyer fits the bill as another bridge QB, if a long-term option isn't available, and while Mallett offers some upside, given his relative youth, inexperience and excellent arm strength, he is far from a sure thing. It's unlikely there will be better options available to Houston in the draft, free agency or a trade, but upgrading at the position is essential for the team to improve its win total again next season and return to the playoffs.

2. Get Clowney playing at a high level -- and healthy -- in 2015

This isn't a question so much as a reminder of how important Jadeveon Clowney is to the franchise going forward. His physical skills are rare, but recent microfracture knee surgery has the start of 2015 in doubt for Clowney. Progressing through off-field work -- film study, further understanding of the defensive concepts, etc. -- is critical for the No. 1 pick from 2014.

3. Add a wide receiver

Veteran Andre Johnson expressed frustration this past offseason, but the improvement this team showed in 2014 might be enough to mitigate the number of rumors surrounding his future this offseason. However, the team still needs to add some punch to its receiver group behind Johnson (under contract through 2016) and DeAndre Hopkins, who has the look of a No. 1 wide receiver for years to come. This draft class is considered to be deep at the receiver position, and the Texans could also look to add a good value or two in free agency.

4. Bolster the secondary

Pass defense stats aren't only a reflection of the secondary, as a porous pass rush gives any quarterback time and space to throw. But the Texans need to find ways to improve their secondary nonetheless, especially with veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph under contract through just 2015. Safety is among the positions of need.

5. Bring back Ryan Pickett

The veteran defensive lineman was signed after Week 3, motivated by a desire to improve a run defense that allowed 425 yards per game during the season's first three weeks. Although the Texans' long-term answer in the middle of their defensive front is 2014 draft pick Louis Nix III, Pickett is the kind of sturdy, dependable veteran whose price tag shouldn't prove too steep. He was signed to a minimum money deal, so the Texans can't approach Pickett on a new deal until the new league year.

Offseason fixes for the Houston Texans - NFL - ESPN
By Field Yates

 

[GenJac]

If Mallet is as good as the coaches think he is, Clowney is recovered and their rookies contribute, Texans are a dark horse to be reckoned with.