"That's why guys take big jumps, I think, in their second year, because they're able to have a lot more time to study." So says Texans HC O’Brien describing the "ahead of schedule" progress of QB Deshaun Watson while rehabbing his torn right ACL. The Texans OTAs start mid-April and run through mid-June. The team believes Watson will have the time to completely absorb the complicated playbook this spring. He is ahead of schedule rehabbing that knee, he’s hoping to participate somewhere in that time period. Deshaun Watson demonstrated his leadership and put the stamp of his Face of the Franchise when he played in 2017. Assuming he makes it back they’re still in dire need of fresh TALENT in the QB room. Is Louisville QB Lamar Jackson a possible high third round pick for the Texans? Sure could increase the talent in the QB room. Sure need to.

The young OL returns players like LT Julie’n Davenport, C Nick Martin, C-G Kyle Fuller and C-G Greg Mancz, they will need more help to field a decent OL in 2018. Look for the Texans to sign FAs to solidify that line. The team does have decent cap space this year. The Texans may have an interest in players like RT LaAdrian Waddle, G Jonathan Cooper, C-G Weston Richburg and G Oday Aboushi; all which could be an upgrade over current holdovers LG Xavier Su’a-Filo and RG Jeff Allen. RT Derek Newton may make a contribution this year after missing 2017 rehabbing two torn patella tendons. Ouch! An infusion of talent is desperately needed.

RB Lamar Miller and RB D’onta Foreman return but neither is an alpha back. The Texans need to get lucky looking for a RB in the late rounds of the April Draft.

Did the Texans find another playmaker in WR Will Fuller? Sure looked like it until Watson went down. Clearly WR DeAndre Hopkins is their one but Fuller played like a one there for about four straight games. Will third year vet WR Braxton Miller emerge at the slot? Top TE C.J. Fiedorowicz emerged as a player but became a concussion magnet. Clearly the Texans need a more dependable TE. The team could use a hot TE but their needs at other positions clearly outweigh justifying drafting one in the early rounds. Is there a FA that could help them?

The D was decimated by injuries last year. DE Jadeveon Clowney emerged but DE J.J. Watt couldn’t stay healthy. Is Watt the same guy he used to be? Will we ever see the peaking talents play together? It would be fun. What are the Texans going to do about that leaky secondary? I can’t project past what I just described. Not yet.

Next month free agency then in April the Draft; this is the most exciting time of the season for people like us.

End.