Drew Dougherty is the Host of Texans TV. On a weekly basis he answers a few questions from fans in his "Dear Drew" video. The ones that he can't get to, are answered below.
Ramiro Rodriguez: Dear Drew, What are the chances we look at the XFL for potential players?
DD: The chances are very good, Ramiro. The Texans, like the rest of the NFL, are certainly keeping an eye on the XFL this spring. At the Combine, Bill O'Brien said he's enjoyed watching the games, and was very complimentary of the job the Houston Roughnecks were doing so far this season. XFL players can sign with NFL clubs on Monday, April 27.
Ben Bevel: Dear Drew, When will Johnathan Joseph be inducted into the Ring of Honor?
DD: Not long after he retires, whenever that is. On Wednesday, Joseph and the Texans mutually agreed he would enter free agency. It was not a retirement, though. So whenever he hangs it up, I think the Texans will likely put him in the Ring of Honor within a few seasons, if not sooner. He's the greatest defensive player in team history not named J.J. Watt, and for a decade he was a leader on and off the field. The defense made a quick turnaround from 2010 to 2011 upon his arrival. He'll be missed.
@MikeinMcCormick: Dear Drew, Will the O-Line give Deshaun Watson a little more protection this year?
DD: Watson was dropped for a sack 44 times in 2019, down from 62 in 2018. While that number is still higher than what anyone in the organization wants to see, it's an improvement and it came in a year of transition. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was acquired seven days before Week 1. A pair of rookies in Tytus Howard and Max Scharping combined to start 22 games. In total, there were eight different starting combinations up front on the line last year. I believe the future is bright when it comes to pass protection.
Chris Anders: Dear Drew, What gets you most excited for the upcoming season?
DD: I'll always go to my default: Watson is the quarterback. When he's started a full season, he's guided the Texans to 11 and 10 wins. He's got an array of weapons, a better offensive line and he now has two-plus years of experience under his belt.
@daviesinator: Dear Drew, With a deep WR class, any chance you see the Texans drafting one with one of their early picks?
DD: It sure makes a lot of sense. I think depending on what corners and pass rushers are available, the Texans could also go with a pass-catcher early on in the Draft. They have eight picks overall, and this is an extremely deep draft for wide receivers.
Derwin Jordan: Dear Drew, Now that Tim Kelly is also QB coach, is Carl Smith no longer with the team?DD: Smith's been promoted to an offensive consultant with the Texans. He's still with the team and still in the building. It'll be great having his knowledge back for a second year with the club.
Jason McLeod: Dear Drew, with Darren Fells getting an extension where does that put the other three tight ends that are on the roster?
DD: Nowhere, they're all young and under contract. Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas are entering their third NFL seasons, and it's year two for Kahale Warring. He spent last season on injured reserve. It's important to have depth. After all: Thomas and Warring were on IR to start 2019, so the Texans needed Fells and Akins.
@LovilJonathon: DEAR DREW, DO YOU SEE TEXANS TRADING DOWN IN THE SECOND TO POSSIBLY PICK UP AN EXTRA 3RD OR 4TH RD PICK?
DD: I DOUBT IT. I DON'T THINK THEY'D WANT TO PART WITH THEIR HIGHEST SELECTION, SINCE THEY DON'T HAVE A FIRST-ROUNDER. I THINK THEY'LL STAY PUT AT 57TH.
@Glennandwine Dear Drew, With Watson and Tunsil both possibly getting extensions will the Texans have the cap room to sign a top rated free agent corner or pass rusher?
DD: Yes, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will. In the past, like in 2016 when they signed Brock Osweiler, Lamar Miller and Jeff Allen, the Texans were very aggressive early in free agency. Over the last few years, they've waited awhile and picked up key contributors like Tyrann Mathieu, Fells, Tashaun Gipson and Bradley Roby. I tend to think they'll sign a player early in free agency, thnough.
@dtorres118 Dear Drew, With our picks coming in the late 2nd round how aggressive you think we'll be in FA?
DD: The way the Texans have operated over the last nine months or so, I would skew towards aggressive. O'Brien and company have been proactive about going out and getting what they want via trade, the waiver wire and free agency.
Johnathan Lozano: Dear Drew, I know we have a lot of players set to be free agents such as Bradley Roby, Carlos Hyde, and more. Are we planning on resigning these guys or letting them go to free agency?
DD: We'll see. Houston's already locked up Fells, Fairbairn, Jon Weeks, Bryan Anger and Brandon Dunn. I expect them to keep a few more from leaving, too. Not sure if Roby and Hyde will be among them, but the Texans will certainly try to retain a chunk of current players.
Ian Cottle: Dear Drew, With how deep this draft is, what position do you think will have players with first or second round grades available in the 3rd?
DD: I would lean toward receiver and running back, in this Draft. There's a bountiful supply at those positions, and I could see a few from each spot slide.
