Rankings not optimistic about Texans' future success
The Houston Texans have a number of reasons to feel good into 2015 and beyond: J.J. Watt and the defense should be among the NFL's best. The running game, led by Arian Foster, should be strong as well. Head coach Bill O'Brien's performance thus far has haven every indication he's the right man for the job, leading the team to a 9-7 finish last year.
Yet despite those factors, ESPN.com isn't exactly bullish on Houston's future. In their NFL Future Power Rankings, a rating of which teams are in the best shape for the next three seasons, the Texans come in at No. 24.
The rankings were determined by assessing five categories: coaching, front office, draft, quarterback and roster (excluding quarterback). While O'Brien earned high marks for his work as as head coach, the Texans' lack of a definitive answer at QB hurt the team. Only the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns were deemed to have a worse outlook at quarterback.
"Possibly whiffing on Jadeveon Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick in 2014 while failing to secure a quarterback has made it tougher for the Texans to gain traction overall," ESPN's Mike Sando wrote.
The Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots topped the list, while Cleveland and AFC South rivals Tennessee and Jacksonville were at the bottom.
(h/t Houston Chronicle)
Photo credit: Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports
