Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56). Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON — Andre Johnson departed. Vince Wilfork was signed. Ryan Mallett was re-signed and Brian Hoyer was added. The Houston Texans might not be any better in 2015. But they will be different.
Seeking to improve upon a surprising 9-7 record in Bill O’Brien’s first year as head coach, the Texans suddenly went from a non-factor to an interesting mover in free agency, allowing Johnson to freely walk to the AFC South-rival Indianapolis Colts, yet adding several intriguing pieces following his departure.
With key unrestricted free agents like cornerback Kareem Jackson and tackle Derek Newton locked down, the Texans will enter training camp with an old-fashioned quarterback battle between Mallett and Hoyer. Wilfork will add weight and Super Bowl experience to J.J. Watt on the defensive line, while the Texans should be deeper and more dangerous this year. If they have a decent quarterback.
Don’t look for the long-term answer at quarterback for the Texans to come via the draft.
The team has multiple holes to fill, primarily along the right side of the defensive line and second level. The team has yet to develop a complementary piece to Watt, while linebacker Jadeveon Clowney enters Year Two with even more questions than he faced as the No. 1 overall pick in 2014. If the Texans don’t take an edge rusher or linebacker at No. 16 overall this year, wide receiver and defensive back are realistic options.
2014 Record: 9-7, 2nd in AFC South
First Draft Pick: #16 Overall
BEST FIT: DE Shane Ray, Missouri
J.J. Watt, Vince Wilfork and Shane Ray on the same line, with a healthy Jadeveon Clowney lining up behind the Missouri defensive end on the right side? A perfect pick for the Texans.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Quarterback: The Texans have Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer to battle it out for the starting position. But 2014 fourth-round pick Tom Savage underwhelmed last season and the Texans have yet to find a true replacement for Matt Schaub.
2. Wide receiver: Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington were smart free-agent pickups. But the departure of Andre Johnson creates a huge void on and off the field. The Texans must find a future receiver to pair with No. 1 DeAndre Hopkins in the draft.
3. Linebacker: With Jadeveon Clowney recovering from microfracture surgery and the Texans losing Brooks Reed in free agency, the team is too thin at the second level. A solid class of linebackers should aid the Texans in 2015.
