Sometimes a division seems to turn things around all at once; sees multiple teams go from among the league's lesser franchises to better ones in a short period of time. That's been happening in the last year or two in the AFC South, with the Jaguars and Titans both making the playoffs last year. The Colts are expecting to get Andrew Luck back healthy, and things are looking up for the Texans, too.
Watson sadly tore his ACL last season, but reports on his recovery are good. Bill O'Brien believes that by OTAs, Watson will be able to do some on-field work with the team. The goal will be to have him healthy for training camp, and O'Brien seems to think that's a possibility.
Watson's obviously the most important player on Houston's roster, but the other offseason developments have also been favorable.
| HOUSTON OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Gains | Losses | Comment |
| OT | Seantrel Henderson | Breno Giacomini | Henderson has dealt with injuries/suspensions, but better tackle option than Giacomini |
| OG | Senio Kelemete | Xavier Sua-Filo | Former Saint will upgrade one of the guard spots |
| OG | Zach Fulton | Former KC lineman will either play center, upgrading a trouble spot last year, or left guard | |
| DB | Tyrann Mathieu | Playmaker available due to contract, not performance | |
| CB | Aaron Colvin | Third corner for loaded Jacksonville would start (and upgrade) almost every other team; secondary definitely improved | |
It's not all good for Houston. They don't have any picks in the first two rounds of the draft, thanks to the Watson trade and dumping Brock Osweiler. But they do have three third-rounders, so they can get some good players on Day 2. And if Watson makes a full recovery, they'll be in good shape at the most important position.
Getting J.J. Watt, who's missed most of the last two seasons due to injury, back healthy would be another plus for what should otherwise be an improved defense, especially in the secondary. Watt is expected to be fully healthy for training camp.
--Andy Richardson