Houston Texans: 5 offseason needs in 2019

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 30: Houston Texans offensive tackle Julie'n Davenport (70) walks up to the line of scrimmage during the football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans on December 30, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 30: Houston Texans offensive tackle Julie'n Davenport (70) walks up to the line of scrimmage during the football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans on December 30, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 15: Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) during warm ups prior to the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Houston Texans on December 15, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 15: Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) during warm ups prior to the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Houston Texans on December 15, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

The Texans defense has been one of the better units in the NFL over the past several years. This past season they got a strong performance from the now healthy duo of JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney.

They also enjoyed a breakout year for nose tackle DJ Reader. The combination of Watt and Reader along the defensive line helped control the line of scrimmage. However, more depth and a third piece is needed to keep the defensive line a strength.

Outside of Reader and Watt, the Texans really only have Carlos Watkins as a rotational piece. Christian Covington is slated to become a free agent and could wind up elsewhere.

Houston doesn’t need to commit any major assets to address this need. They can get a way with bargain shopping. However, they must take into account the recent injury history of Watt and the pending free agency of Clowney.

Losing either one of those players would create a major issue along the defensive front. This could lead Houston to be a little more aggressive in free agency and target a bigger name like Johnathan Hankins.

He’s someone who has played well over the years, but has seen his free agent market suffer because he doesn’t offer much of a pass rush.