The Houston Texans are set to make a move to give even more continuity and clarity to their offensive line.
According to Aaron Wilson from the Pro Football Network, the Texans are expected to pick up the fifth-year option on the rookie contract for Tytus Howard.
The Texans drafted Howard in the first round in 2019, and he has predominantly played right tackle along the offensive line. Last season saw the former Alabama State product moving around from inside to guard spots to outside to play both left and right tackle.
Throughout the offseason workouts, the Texans had been determining where to fit in Howard as they sought to put the best five-man combination on the field.
“It’s something that Coach (Lovie) Smith and our staff will continue to work through just to make sure we put the best five guys in a position for us to be successful offensively,” offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton told reporters on April 11.
Howard, who plays better at tackle than inside at guard, nevertheless prides himself on being able to have position flex.
“I think if you’re versatile, I think it just gives the coaches more leeway to certain players they might want to bring in, or certain plays they want to run, thinking about me being versatile the way I am, being able to put me at guard or tackle,” Howard said on April 26. “I think it just helps the team in general and it helps me because I get a chance to know all the plays and what everyone has to do, so it’s only going to make me play faster when I’m out there.”
The Texans drafted Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green with the No. 15 overall pick in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL draft, which also gives clarity as to where Howard will play going forward. With the interior of the line shored up with a first-round selection, Howard can stay at right tackle with two-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil at left tackle.
