Somehow, the Texans made the playoffs in 2016 despite suffering through a raging fit of buyer’s remorse. The $72 million they spent to lure Brock Osweiler immediately looked like a colossal waste of money as the quarterback went on to embarrass himself and the Texans’ front office, throwing for only 2,957 yards with 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Houston’s offense averaged just 17.4 points per game with Osweiler under center and it could’ve been worse if it weren’t for the team’s ground game that ranked eighth in the league with 116.2 rushing yards per contest.
Apart from Osweiler’s utter display of incapacity to run an offense and the Texans making the postseason, J.J. Watt’s season-ending injury in Week 3 was also big news from Houston. That said, Houston managed to rank first in total defense, mostly on the strength of a pass defense that allowed just 201.6 passing yards per game.
Top Free Agency Needs
The 16 interceptions Osweiler threw in 2016 are only 16 of the 1,000 reasons why the Houston needs a new quarterback. The Texans don’t have to endure the four-year deal of Osweiler’s contract. They could cut him if he had another crappy season this 2017. In any case, the Texans look like they need to find a new quarterback. Houston’s offensive line could use some improvements. With an Osweiler-quality quarterback, the Texans will have to be better in pass protection. On defense, the Texans must be planning for life after Vince Wilfork, who is already thinking of retiring.
Top Draft Needs
Quarterback. Brock Osweiler sucked on the field in 2016. He also sucked money from the Texans, who wouldn’t surprise a lot of people if they scooped up a QB right in the very first round of the draft.
Right Tackle. Derek Newton tore both his patellar tendons in an October game last season. That’s too grave of an injury to question whether he could even get back to playing football again.
Tight End. Improving Osweiler’s weapons downfield could improve the QB’s play. Houston’s tight ends were more inclined on blocking last season than catching passes so getting an offensive threat at the position might pay at least marginal dividends for the Texans.
