The Houston Texans needed a left tackle after allowing 62 sacks to Deshaun Watson in 2018. Matt Kalil wasn’t going to cut it, and though Roderick Johnson looks promising, he wasn’t going to either.
So they did what anybody would do: trade two first-round picks and a second to Miami for one of the NFL’s brightest young left tackles in Laremy Tunsil, 25.
In doing, the Texans made an investment in Watson’s future and a sacrifice to the general future of the team; as not having a first-round pick until 2022 hurts.
But, Tunsil, despite the package given up for him, is worth that to coach Bill O’Brien. He fits what the Texans look for in a player.
“I think he’s smart, tough, dependable,” O’Brien said during Monday’s press conference.
Now, Watson has a bodyguard that allowed just two sacks on a poor offensive line last year. O’Brien, who made the trade, couldn’t be more excited.
“I feel really good about being able to get a proven left tackle to protect Deshaun Watson,” O’Brien said. “Laremy Tunsil is an excellent player, really good guy, been good getting to know him.”
With Tunsil on-board, O’Brien feels as if “the line is moving in the right direction.”
Tunsil’s first test? Protecting Watson against the likes of Cameron Wake and Marcus Davenport in New Orleans on Sept. 9. According to O’Brien, Tunsil is up fro the challenge.
“He’s humble and hungry and looking forward to being a Texan,” said O’Brien.
