At a glance: The Texans desperately needed to overhaul an offensive line that allowed a league-high 62 sacks in 2018. The team neglected to touch the position in free agency but spent two of its first three draft picks on the O-Line. Now fans - and quarterback Deshaun Watson - will hope tackles Tytus Howard and Max Scharping can prove impactful in Year 1.
An extra second-round pick allowed the Texans to address its offensive line woes early in the draft, grabbing tackles Tytus Howar and Max Scharping. The two players will need to prove impactful in Year 1 so quarterback Deshaun Watson isn't tossed around like a rag doll in 2019. The team seriously risks cutting Watson's career short if it allows him get hit so many times again.
Houston's secondary underwent huge change in free agency, losing cornerback Kareem Jackson and safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Andre Hal. Signing safety Tashaun Gipson sures up the position alongside 2018 third round pick Juston Reid, but a short deal for cornerback Bradley Roby and an expiring contract for Johnathan Joseph meant the team needed to come away with at least one cornerback in the draft. Second round pick Lonnie Johnson Jr isn't touted as a ball hawk - he has one interception in two seasons - but his ability to break up passes needs to impact the yards-per-pass Houston gives up (fifth most in 2018, per ESPN).
DRAFT PICKS (per ESPN)
1.23 Tytus Howard OT
2.22 Lonnie Johnson Jr. CB
2.23 Max Scharping OT
3.22 Kahale Warring TE
5.23 Charles Omenihu DE
6.22 Xavier Crawford CB
7.06 Cullen Gillaspia RB
ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO: Houston Chronicle
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