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2020 NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Houston Texans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

Below you will find a post-NFL Draft roundup for the Texans in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

The Texans are the third AFC South team in our rankings, and it's hard to remember that they are the reigning division champs. That's what another mind-boggling offseason will do. Our lasting memory of the Texans' draft isn't picking defensive lineman Russ Blacklock in the second round. It's Bill O'Brien angrily storming away from his computer after a trade attempt with the Lions fell through.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 25

They have a big-time quarterback in Deshaun Watson, but have they done enough to be a Super Bowl contender? I don't think so.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

As mismanagement of their draft capital came to forefront, hard not to think team that's won division four of last five years isn't cratering.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Player who benefited: RG Zach Fulton. Because of his $7 million salary, Fulton was a candidate to be released before the season if Houston could find a cheaper option. But the Texans did not draft a guard -- Charlie Heck is expected to play tackle -- and Fulton's spot could be safe, unless Houston finds a veteran free agent or feels comfortable giving the job to Greg Mancz or Senio Kelemete. Coach Bill O'Brien has called this a "veteran-type year" due to the restrictions of the virtual offseason program and unknowns about when the team will be able to return to the field, which would help Fulton's case. -- Sarah Barshop

NFL.com -- Rank: 16

Houston didn't have a first-round pick this year -- and it's the same story in 2021 -- so the Texans needed coach/GM Bill O'Brien to unearth some gems in the non-premium rounds. Houston's 2020 class numbered just five players and was headlined by TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, selected 40th overall. O'Brien took another defender in the third round -- edge rusher Jonathan Greenard -- an acknowledgement that the team's defense slipped in 2019. Previously, O'Brien used draft capital in trades to add running back David Johnson (in the much-castigated DeAndre Hopkins deal) and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, whose second-round pick price tag felt exorbitant, considering Cooks' troubling concussion history. Laremy Tunsil, the left tackle who cost Houston their first-round picks in 2020 and '21, signed a three-year, $66 million extension with $57.85 million guaranteed. It's hard to say which direction this organization is headed in.

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