The 2023 season has just ended, and on March 14, the 2023 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. Today, a closer look at the sensation team of 2023: the Houston Texans. You will find the files for each team on this page.
With a beginner coach and quarterback, no one expected Houston in 2023. Pleasant to watch, the Texans reached the playoffs and even won a game in the 1st round!
In 2024, we must confirm and, if possible, do even better. This will not be easy in the most homogeneous division in the NFL. But with a hard core, young and talented, as well as a lot of money to spend on free agencythe Texans are ready to take off.
Houston Texans captains
1. CJ Stroud (QB)
2. Laremy Tunsil (OT)
3. Christian Harris (LB)
Just one season and already CJ Stroud has established himself in the NFL! His maturity is impressive for such a young player and this is undoubtedly due to his difficult life path. But inevitably, expectations for him will be immense for the 2024 season.
Few offensive tackles are more consistent in performance than Laremy Tunsil. No matter the franchise (Miami or Houston), no matter the quarterback to protect, he is in the top 5 NFL at his position.
Top 5, Christian Harris is not yet at the linebacker position. But his production, his playing intelligence as well as his leadership make him the defensive leader of the Texans. Houston hopes that in the near future he will become the strong lieutenant of the new warlords: Will Anderson (DE) and Derek Stingley (CB).
The summer man
Kenyon Green, OG, Texans
Chosen with the 15th pick in the 2022 draft, Kenyon Green had a difficult rookie season. Expected to show progress in 2023, he does not play any matches due to injury! In 2024, it must finally realize its immense potential.
Houston must above all improve the efficiency of its ground game: 3.7 yards per carry, the 29th NFL result! The quality of the runners is a factor but the offensive line is even more so. Kenyon Green can (and must) become a driving force alongside Laremy Tunsil.
The main free agents of the Houston Texans
1. Jonathan Greenard (DE)
2. Dalton Schultz (TE)
3. Steven Nelson (CB)
4. Sheldon Rankins (DT)
5. Devin Singletary (RB)
Others: Noah Brown (WR), Ka'imi Fairbairn (K), DeAndre Houston-Carson (CB), George Fant (OT), Blake Cashman (LB), Josh Jones (OT), Denzel Perryman (LB), Adrian Amos (S), Jerry Hughes (DE), Derek Barnett (DE), Scott Quessenberry (OL)
With over $50 million in salary cap room, the Houston Texans can re-sign their important players. This is the case of Jonathan Greenard and Steven Nelson on defense as well as Dalton Schultz on offense.
Some players who have exceeded expectations like Devin Singletary, Noah Brown and Blake Cashman should also be retained. Then, you will necessarily have to make choices!
The unwanted
–Robert Woods (WR)
Because Houston leaders knew they were going to choose a quarterback in the 2023 draft, they signed Robert Woods two months before. With already 10 NFL seasons of experience, the plan was to give the rookie a reliable receiver.
However, the performances of Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Tank Dell relegated him to being the Texans' No. 4 aerial option. The youngest Noah Brown could be retained while tight end Brevin Jordan could gain minutes in 2024.
Houston would save $5 million by parting ways. In order to build a competitive workforce, money is the crux of the matter with salary cap in force in the NFL: so sometimes you have to make sacrifices!
The Houston Texans' top 5 needs
1. Interior of the defensive line
2. Interior cornerback
3. Receiver
4. Edge
5. Linebacker
The duo composed of Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins worked well in 2023. But the latter is reaching the end of his contract and the rotation at this position is not up to par! On the outside of the backline, Steven Nelson (if extended) and Derek Stingley form a top-10 NFL cornerback duo. But in the slotDesmond King is at the end of his contract and the Texans must find a better replacement for him.
Houston's offense passes more through the air than on the ground (592 times compared to 444 in the regular season) so although the receiving squad has quality, it still needs to be strengthened to optimize the talent of CJ Stroud.
If Jonathan Greenard were extended then the two starting defensive ends would be back. But behind them, the quality of the rotation is mediocre at this position! THE Front 7 must be improved with a player of character capable of guiding a defensive unit composed of many young players.
Target
Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rarely in the NFL, the Houston defense uses three linebackers in its typical eleven. Although 2023 was his worst season (out of 5), the recruitment of Devin White would be a significant reinforcement.
Unhappy with his situation last year, Devin White could be seduced by the prospect of playing for a specialist in the position like DeMeco Ryans. Effective in attacking quarterbacks (68 QB Hits and 23 sacks in 5 seasons), his speed allows him to also be competent in coverage (6 passes defended including 2 interceptions in 2023).
A precociously talented player with LSU, Devin White could revive his career in Houston in 2024 and help this franchise take a step forward.
New blood
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Strong and nevertheless lively, he confirmed his talent in 2023: 11 touchdowns in 12 games! Promising with Michigan State in 2022 (798 yards and 7 touchdowns), Keon Coleman successfully transferred to Florida State.
The fact of having been able to adapt to a new environment makes him score points with NFL staff because this is the lot of any player leaving university for the NFL. In Houston, Keon Coleman would have time to develop by providing an additional option for CJ Stroud.
The Texans must continue to surround their young quarterback if they want to get to the moon.
