HOUSTON -- As free agency gets closer, here’s a look at who the Houston Texans have returning and what they might need to add this offseason at each position.
Offensive line
Under contract for 2017: T Duane Brown, G Jeff Allen, T Derek Newton, T Chris Clark, C Tony Bergstrom, G Xavier Su’a-Filo, C Nick Martin, C Greg Mancz, T Kendall Lamm, G Josh Walker, T Laurence Gibson, G Chad Slade.
Free agents: G Oday Aboushi, T David Quessenberry.
How they fared in 2016: After the Texans used their second-round pick on Martin to fill a hole at center, the offensive line looked to be one of Houston’s strengths once Brown returned from a quadriceps injury he suffered in the 2015 regular-season finale.
Instead, Martin suffered a season-ending ankle injury during a joint practice with the Saints, forcing Mancz into duty at center. Later in the season, Newton suffered torn patellar tendons to both legs in Week 7, ruling him out for the season and beyond. Brown eventually got healthy and returned to impressive form.
As Brown improved, the line improved throughout the season, and the Texans’ running game benefited. However, some of quarterback Brock Osweiler's struggles can be traced to the line, who at times couldn't protect him as well as they would have hoped.
Position outlook: This is the area that would make sense for the Texans to use a high draft pick, especially if they can find a tackle.
Newton will probably not play next season, though Brown said he is “in great spirits” and is “doing everything he can to get back as quickly as possible.” Brown also acknowledged that Newton has “a long road ahead of him.” Last season, Clark did not prove that he could be a starter going forward when given the starting role after Newton's injury. Brown has two years left on his contract, as well, so drafting a tackle early would also give time for a young player to get his feet wet on the right side before eventually transitioning to the left.
Martin was the starting center before his season-ending injury, which means the position could be his to lose next training camp.
“I think Nick is going to be a great player,” Brown said. "He showed great flashes early on as a young player in that position. That position is very instrumental to our success. The game wasn’t too big for him, going against Vince [Wilfork] and those guys every day at practice. He showed a lot of promise. So I’m looking forward to getting him back.”
Mancz did well at center, though, and has the versatility to potentially move to a guard spot if necessary. Su'a-Filo and Allen will likely enter offseason workouts as they ended the season, as the starting guards.
If the Texans can get their starters back healthy and draft a long-term solution at right tackle, the offensive line should be in a much better place entering next season, especially in regards to pass protection.
“As linemen, it’s just all about us being better upfront,” Brown said. “I think we had some key injuries going into the season. Guys that hadn’t played much football, hadn’t played a lot. Just guys moving around a lot.
“Getting a healthy five that starts to jell from Day 1 will help us a lot in pass protection. That’s the main thing. Keeping the quarterback upright and giving him time to operate. I think anybody can be successful back there.”
Level of need (low, medium or high): High.
By the numbers
0: Games the Texans' intended starting offensive line -- Brown, Allen, Martin, Su’a-Filo and Newton -- played together, including the preseason.
32: Sacks the Texans’ offensive line allowed, tied for 21st in the NFL.