Armed with cap room and draft picks, Brian Gaine can do a lot this offseason.
The Houston Texans’ roster needs some new blood.
From the running back room, to the offensive line, to the cornerbacks and overall depth chart, the Texans need to reload if they have any hope of repeating the success of the 2018 regular season and finally breaking through the glass ceiling to make an impact in the NFL Playoffs.
Loaded with more than $65 million in salary cap space, Houston needs to re-sign a few key players, such as Jadeveon Clowney and Kareem Jackson, and then they need to go after some free agents.
The Texans currently have the luxury of a first round pick and two second round picks. There are lots of young players available in the 2019 NFL Draft that could contribute to this team right away.
It’s not often that a team is loaded with cap space, draft picks, and a General Manager who knows how to draft in the manner Gaine did last season. Despite not having a selection in the first or second round in 2019, bringing in players like Justin Reid, Keke Coutee, and the tight end twins of Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins was a job well done. Seeing what Gaine can do in 2019 is an armchair GM’s dream if the Texans are your team.
Yet it’s rare to see a team hit home runs in both the draft and free agency.
With that in mind, the question for today is where you think Houston will have the most success this off-season in roster refueling. The 2019 NFL Draft or free agency?
CBS Sports has a few suggestions of players the Texans should be eye-balling right now in the draft:
David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
He may not be as athletic as West Virginia’s Yodny Cajuste but Williams is a mauler in run game. He’s less consistent in pass protection that will improve with coaching. Either way, when he gets his hands on a defensive lineman, that’s a wrap.
Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Extremely athletic with good feet, Cajuste was tasked with protecting Will Grier at West Virginia. When he locks on to pass rushers he doesn’t let go. He also shows the ability to pull effectively in the running game, and while he’s not a technician, Cajuste keeps his head up and his weight balanced. He has the quickness to beat defensive ends to the spot on speed rushes and shows the ability to combo-block and get to second level with ease.
Chris Lindstrom, OL, Boston College
Lindstrom, who has strong hands and is nimble for his size, shows good footwork to manipulate defenders in the running game. He’s also proficient on combo-blocks and easily gets to second level.
Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Baker may not be the athlete of Greedy Williams or Byron Murphy but he put up better college numbers. He shows good long speed, smooth hips, and the ability to change direction. He was rarely targeted during his senior season in part because his mirroring technique was superb. He’s not great in run support but he may not need to be if his college success translates to the NFL.
With a handful of key free agents Houston could target as well, the opportunity to greatly improve an already solid roster is coming. With players like Trent Brown, Ronald Darby, Daryl Williams, Ja’Wuan James, Bryce Callahan and Rodger Saffold potentially about to be looking for work, along with Houston’s fairly sizable checkbook, Gaine could go on a spending spree to grab a few of the Top 25 Free Agents and several depth guys.
In other words, the Texans have options.
If you were Gaine, which basket would you put your eggs in? Do you think Gaine’s more of a draft guy or more of a free agency guy? Will he do better signing collegiate athletes or NFL veterans?
from Battle Red Blog - All Posts http://bit.ly/2SkHQw0
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