DeMeco Ryans isn’t trying to downplay what the Texans did up front this offseason. He sounds like a coach who knows the line can change everything, and he’s liking what he’s seeing already.
Houston went into the offseason and reworked the offensive front in a big way. The Texans used April’s draft on guard Keylan Rutledge out of Georgia Tech at No. 26 overall, and they also added Braden Smith, Nate Thomas and Wyatt Teller at offensive line. On top of that, they re-signed Ed Ingram and Trent Brown.
That leaves Houston with a projected Week 1 starting five of Aireontae Ersery at left tackle, Rutledge at left guard, Evan Brown at center, Ingram at right guard and Trent Brown at right tackle. Ryans said the group has already started to come together.
“Our offensive line has gelled really well together,” Ryans said. “Throughout camp, that's where you try to find the best five guys, and you want those guys to start working together as soon as possible. We were able to solidify a group, and those guys have been doing a great job of communicating (and) working well together, and we'll see how that continues to progress.”
The age profile is part of the appeal, too. Trent Brown, at 33, is the only starter in that group older than 29, and Ryans made it clear he likes the blend of youth and upside.
“I’m really excited for them and to see where they'll go this season and how they'll continue to grow as a group,” Ryans said. “We got some young guys in there.
(Ersery) is still a young guy, (Ingram) is young, so, some young guys in there along with Rutledge that are still finding their way, but they're doing a really good job of communicating and working together. That's what offensive line is about; (If) you play together, play with good fundamentals and good technique, you have a chance, and they've done that.”
Brown’s move to center is another piece the Texans appear comfortable with. He’s usually been a guard, but Ryans pointed to how quickly he’s settled in.
“What stood out for me is how smart he is and how he's picked up on things we've asked him to do,” Ryans said of Brown. “He's a loud communicator.
He takes charge up front, (and) that's what you need from that center position. He's done a really good job of taking charge, and that's what set him apart for me.”
For Houston, this isn’t just about upgrading the line on paper. The hope is that the new group gives the offense a real boost, and that matters plenty for CJ Stroud as he heads into a contract year after two straight seasons of regression. The Texans won’t have to wait long to find out what this line looks like under pressure, with the Buffalo Bills next on the schedule.
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