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Which NFL teams should begin their rebuild already?

By Cole Thompson

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Interim head coach Romeo Crennel of the Houston Texans looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Interim head coach Romeo Crennel of the Houston Texans looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) /
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Rebuilds are common around the NFL .For some, holding off on the inevitable actually will hurt more than help. 

As Week 8 approaches, so does the NFL trade deadline. Several franchises have seen struggles to begin their 2020 season and are one loss away from being pronounced as part of the D.O.A. non-playoff contenders. When that happens, it’s best to evaluate what direction they’re headed towards.

Teams needing to start fresh should trade their valuable assets instead of seeing them walk in free agency. Adding a late-round pick might seem foolish to the fan base, but when you know that player is halfway out the door, taking anything in return is positive. Overall, while the franchise continues to lose, maybe it will win in the long-term plans.

Which teams should start their rebuild now?

AFC South. Houston Texans. 1. 10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. . player

What happens when a team starts off 1-6? Well, they get J.J. Watt being as fed up as possible. With a 35-20 loss Sunday, Houston is a mess in the AFC, failing to find an avenue that will take it on the road to success. Beloved around the NFL or not, Romeo Crennel is just the door stopper for the remainder of 2020, meaning the next head coach will build the franchise in his vision.

Bill O’Brien’s greatest gift to Houston was leaving them without a pair of first-round picks and a second in 2020 and ’21. With that looking to be a massive problem, every player not named Laremy Tunsil or Deshaun Watson should be on the trade block in the coming weeks. And yes, every player includes the face of the franchise and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Watt’s production has diminished over the past two seasons, but he adds value to teams with defensive line issues. The same goes for Whitney Mercilus, who, in any scheme, would bring pass-rushing skills teams desire. Darren Fells offers skills at the tight end role thanks to his overpowering size and Duke Johnson is an excellent pickup for situational offensive plays.

Any player O’Brien added when taking over for Brian Gaine could be on the move as well. While Watson will be limited in weapons should Will Fuller, Kenny Stills or Brandin Cooks be sent packing, his power internally with the organization will help build the roster of tomorrow at NRG Drive. Maybe that’s worth a lost season.

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