The Houston Texans’ off-season has been anything but conservative; in fact, it’s been bold — highlighted by the firing of Brian Gaine post-draft. In continuation of this process, more of that spicy boldness may come by way of training camp, starting today, July 25.
From transactions to players being beaten out for their previous starting jobs or positions, nothing about these predictions are conservative. There is a bold twist on them; even if, by some accounts, they may not seem that way.
1. The Texans add a household name offensive tackle
The talk of the town in Houston has been the Texans’ offensive line and their lack of established talent on it. That get’s shaken up via the addition of a household offensive tackle. Two on the market, in particular, can do such a thing; Donald Penn (free agent), and Trent Williams (trade).
Though Penn is now 36 years old, many figure he has gas left in the tank. While he struggled to maintain his health last season (four games played), the -foot-5 tackle had been to two-straight Pro-Bowls in the seasons prior. As for Williams, he’s currently holding out due to the Washington Redskins’ medical staff. Although he’s on a contract worth $30 million over the next two seasons, he’s been to the Pro-Bowl in each of the last seven seasons.
The problem, with trading for Williams, though, is that Washington hasn’t budged on giving him away. If they do, expect substantial compensation in return.
2. Jadeveon Clowney signs his franchise tag
Is this bold? It depends on your perspective. Go through Texans Twitter, and you’ll see many sides to the Jadeveon Clowney situation. One of the first being he should be traded for a bevy of picks, another being that he should prove it on the franchise tag.
Most are in a stalemate pertaining to the talented Clowney. With that known, him settling the dispute — involving the NFLPA too — and signing the deal to be a Texan in 2019 is, in its own right, bold.
3. Bradley Roby and Aaron Colvin push Johnathan Joseph to the nickel job
The Texans signed Bradley Roby to be a starting outside cornerback, which he’s done so with mixed results. In 2018, they added Colvin to be their inside one. The ageless Johnathan Joseph is expected to start adjacent to Roby on the outside while Colvin takes nickel duties in 2019.
But, here’s where it gets bold; in essence, a swap between Colvin and Joseph. The younger Colvin has flashed potential playing on the outside and is on a pricey contract; why not test it in preseason and training camp? If he does so well, why not stick with it?
Joseph’s skill set isn’t quite suited for the press-man scheme the Texans appear to be demanding. He’s a cerebral player that knows how to time jumps and read quarterbacks but has lost a step as of late. That sounds like an ultimately good slot cornerback, and maybe the best option.
It should be worth mentioning, if not Colvin — who many are still undecided on — it could be rookie Lonnie Johnson filling in on the outside. His game is built to play in the Texans’ scheme as a boundary/shadow corner.
4. Martinas Rankin unseats Senio Kelemete for the starting LG position
A former interior offensive lineman at Mississippi State, Rankin struggled to convert to a full-time tackle for the Texans as a rookie. The coaching staff took note and tested his abilities as a left guard against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. He thrived.
While the rest of the offensive line struggled in the playoff atmosphere, Rankin locked down a trio of Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Michael Bennett for four quarters. Though he allowed one sack, it came on a misstep against a stunt blitz.
Senio Kelemete played poorly in his first season as a Texan, while Rankin did the opposite filling in for him. Considering his youthfulness and rookie contract, Houston may figure their best bet to develop a powerhouse line starts with Rankin at left guard.
