A huge problem area for the Houston Texans in 2018 was the offensive line. While not all the blame for their 62 sacks conceded should land on the shoulders of their linemen, they will be well aware that performances like that cannot happen again.
Second-round rookie Max Scharping was somewhat of an unexpected selection given his small-school background. However, when the Texans chose him they brought in a versatile lineman who can lineup almost anywhere in front of quarterback Deshaun Watson and who has all the physical attributes necessary to have a decent career in the league.
“I think it’s a hard jump when you come from Northern Illinois to the Houston Texans,” coach Bill O’Brien told reporters Monday at Methodist Training Center. “Believe me, I have all due respect for Northern Illinois, but you’re lining up across from D.J. Reader and J.J. Watt and guys like that. It’s a big jump.”
His lack of big-game experience may hamper his progress initially as he makes the step up to the NFL, but Scharping still has a good chance to make the starting lineup come Week 1 due to the weaknesses they have upfront. And it would seem that O’Brien believes that Scharping is going about his first training camp in the right way.
“Max approaches every day in a very mature way,” said O’Brien. “He’s a very mature guy who works very hard. We’re moving him around. He’s played center, he’s played guard, he’s played tackle. Smart guy, works extremely hard. We see a guy that has a good future.”
The 6-6, 327-pound lineman is imposing, to say the least, and will at the very least see a good amount of reps this year as they look to ease him into a revamped offensive line.
