After an offseason of trade speculation, left tackle Laremy Tunsil finally spoke out on his future with the Houston Texans on Tuesday.
After two Pro Bowl appearances in 2019 and 2020, Tunsil appeared in only five games during the 2021 campaign. With Houston in the midst of a rebuild and speculation that Tunsil had held out intentionally, there were reports that many teams were interested in acquiring the 27-year-old’s services. A hashtag amongst the Cincinnati fanbase, #TunsilToTheJungle, was even trending at one point.
However, it’s official. Tunsil is returning and will block for the blindside of second year quarterback Davis Mills during 2022. 2019 first-round pick Tytus Howard is projected to remain at the tackle position and will hold down the opposite spot. Suddenly, Houston has a very promising tackle duo to protect their young signal caller.
The Tunsil announcements also has major implications elsewhere. Specifically, on the NFL draft and Houston’s selection at No. 3 overall.
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is considered a virtual lock to go first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Afterwards, Detroit will have their pick between either Kayvon Thibodeaux or the top tackle in the draft with many analysts drawing connections between the Lions and Thibodeaux.
With the security of both Tunsil and Howard moving forward, Houston can officially go best player available at third overall. There’s no need to force the value pick of a tackle during the top-5.
The door is officially open for Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
Hamilton, the consensus best safety in the draft and generally regarded as one of the five best players, has been the subject of controversy. He’s considered a relatively “sure thing” but his positional value at safety and slow 40-time at the combine have left evaluators all over the place in where to project his draft position.
For Houston, Hamilton would immediately represent the most talented player on their defense and a chess piece for new head coach Lovie Smith. The free safety has the tackling ability to serve as a major asset in the run game and projects as an elite pass defender on third downs.
Houston seems secure amongst their offensive line at the two most important positions. For a team that needs good football players, the ability to go best player available is a blessing.
No. 3 overall will reveal whether general manager Nick Caserio agrees.
