Offseason priorities go well beyond quarterback
INDIANAPOLIS — After DeMeco Ryans was hired as Texans coach in late January, one of his first tasks was finding the right staff.
He has done that, hiring and retaining a variety of coaches include the young and the experienced.
Now it’s time for Ryans and his staff to get to work. And it figures to be an interesting offseason for the Texans, who have a wealth of draft picks and a healthy salary cap.
The Texans’ needs are clear: Fix the lines and find the right quarterback. Ryans said as much Wednesday in what was probably the most revealing news conference he’s had.
“We have a lot areas to get better in, so it’s about acquiring the best talent for our team,” Ryans said when asked about his top priorities.
Ryans is drawing on his experiences with the 49ers.
“Everything starts up front,” he said. “It’s definitely a priority to address the defensive line and the offensive line. I think on both sides, the teams that are successful — you see Philly; you see (Kansas City) — their fronts are outstanding.”
Ryans didn’t mention his own former team. But the 49ers were built to dominate on the offensive and defensive lines. It’s why they’ve had success over the past few years, even as they’ve tried to find their future franchise quarterback.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams, whom San Francisco traded for in 2020, is considered the best left tackle in the NFL and is a potential Hall of Famer. He’s the anchor of the 49ers’ offensive line.
The Texans have two star offensive tackles themselves. But they need to get better on the interior of their line. Rookie guard Kenyon Green struggled at times with penalties and allowing sacks. Center Justin Britt unexpectedly took a leave of absence in training camp and didn’t return, leaving the Texans vulnerable.
It’s unclear if Britt will return, but the Texans likely will address center in free agency or the draft.
They also have to fix the defensive line.
The 49ers have Nick Bosa, who won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award this past year and had 18½ sacks. The 49ers allowed just 1,321 rushing yards during the 17-game season, which was the best in the league, and often left opponents one-dimensional as they had to play from behind.
Meanwhile, the Texans had one of the worst defensive lines in NFL last season. Though they had a decent pass rush, they struggled to stop the run, allowing opposing teams to rush for 2,894 yards and 25 touchdowns.
If they don’t address those positions — via free agency or the draft — they likely will be stuck in the same position they were this past year. Ryans seems intent on not letting that happen.
“If we want to play in February, we have to make sure our front is dominant on both sides,” he said.
The Texans have 11 draft picks in the 2023 draft, including three within the first two rounds. They have the second pick, the 12th pick and the 33rd pick, all of which could turn into starters from Day 1.
Last season, five of the Texans’ first six picks became starters. The only one who did not was wide receiver John Metchie, who missed the entire 2022 season after he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Ryans, like general manager Nick Caserio a day earlier, said Wednesday that the Texans will add two quarterbacks to the roster this offseason.
Though the Texans haven’t revealed their plans, most scouts, agents and draft analysts believe they will choose a quarterback with the second overall pick.
Davis Mills, the only quarterback the Texans have under contract, struggled last season, throwing 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 15 games. He was benched for the two games he didn’t play after turning the ball over too much.
Ryans’ and Caserio’s comments that they’ll add two quarterbacks show they are clearly looking for someone who can help establish what they are trying to build on offense.
Ryans, who talked both on the podium to reporters and off it to local reporters, recognizes how important the quarterback position is.
“You saw when we acquired Jimmy (Garoppolo), and toward the end of the year you saw the quarterback came in, and we won five straight games to end the season because we added a very talented guy at the quarterback position,” Ryans said. “It just teaches you that when you do have a bona fide quarterback, it helps you win games, helps you be successful.”
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud or Will Levis, taken with the second overall pick, might fit that bill.