The Texans Have Added Bodies to Problem Positions But There's Still Need
A Diggs-like Risk Can't Happen Again and a Running Back Draft Target List
The Houston Texans needed help along the offensive line and at wide receiver when the season ended. They still need both things, but they have dedicated additions to the positions of need.
Houston has added seven players across the offensive line and at wide receiver combined. Here’s a look at the usefulness of those seven players ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, when Houston hopefully adds more players at offensive line and wide receiver.
LT Cam Robinson
Robinson is the favorite to be the left tackle for the Texans. I would be foolish to say he is for sure the left tackle, but the financial investment gives him a healthy lead over any challengers. Robinson is a fine player. He isn’t great at anything, has good moments pass blocking, and could use a little more juice in the run game. Robinson should only be considered an option at left tackle. There is no moving around here. He is a one-year stop-gap at the tackle spot with a chance to impress and earn a contract extension.
Ideally, the left tackle of the future is on the roster after the draft.
WR Christian Kirk
If Kirk is playing closer to his first season in Jacksonville, this is a coup for the Texans when it comes to adding wideouts this offseason. Kirk has always been productive when he is healthy. The injuries have been freak one-off injuries, not recurring issues. Kirk should handle the slot duties for the Texans, as well as some outside work. When you think about Nick Caley’s background in Los Angeles and New England, this is an important role in the offense.
Kirk is currently a one-year solution, so an investment in the future at the slot is needed.
LG Laken Tomlinson
Tomlinson is an iron man. He never misses time and has been a starter for half a decade in the NFL. His play has slipped in recent years since departing San Francisco and spending time with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks. Despite the slip in play, he would have been the best guard on the Texans last season. Experience matters, especially if there will be young players in the offensive line room. Tomlinson borders between a stop-gap and a solid backup.
OT Trent Brown
Brown is coming off a serious knee injury, creating a lower ceiling for him than if he were fully healthy. He played in New England twice, overlapping with Nick Caley and new offensive line coach Cole Popovich. Brown should be a solid backup if his health allows him to make the team. If the Texans are turning to him at any time to start something has gone wrong.
RG Ed Ingram
Ingram was benched last season in Minnesota. He’s the Vikings version of Kenyon Green. Ingram had a little more success than Green last season, and when you see some of his work, he does have a little nasty streak. He’s likely a depth piece until someone beats him out.
WR Justin Watson
Watson is a gatekeeper for the final couple of spots on the depth chart at wide receiver. If a player is better than Watson, he makes the team. If he isn’t, then he won’t. Could Watson do more with 30 receptions than John Metchie did? We might find out this season.
WR Braxton Berrios
Berrios should be the kick returner and punt returner if he’s healthy after his knee injury last year. I wouldn’t expect him to be much of an option at wide receiver. Think of him similar to Steven Sims last year, but with a little more receiving upside.