Texans’ rebuilt line tops NFL camp watch list as teams report
ESPN’s Ben Solak says Houston’s revamped offensive line is one of the key questions as NFL training camps approach.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Houston threw plenty at its offensive line problem, and now comes the messy bit: figuring out who actually plays where.
With most NFL training camps roughly a week away, ESPN national NFL analyst Ben Solak spotlighted the Texans’ front as one of the league’s biggest camp questions in a July 21 preview of the 2026 season. The regular season is scheduled to begin Sept. 9, with the Super Bowl set for Valentine’s Day, according to ESPN.
Solak framed training camp as the first serious checkpoint for teams sorting out depth-chart fights, injured players trying to get back for the season and rookies taking their first extended NFL work. His preview grouped the league’s storylines into questions, position battles, injuries and rookies.
Houston’s line gets crowded
The Texans made several moves to reshape the offensive line, according to ESPN. Houston traded for guard Wyatt Teller from the Browns, signed tackle Braden Smith and used a late first-round draft pick on Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge.
That does not mean the starting group is settled. Solak reported that second-year lineman Aireontae Ersery is set to start at left tackle, while Ed Ingram is fixed at right guard. Those spots create a squeeze elsewhere.
Teller has spent his career at right guard, according to ESPN, but the Texans’ setup could push him to the left side. Solak noted that Teller has not played major snaps there since his rookie season in Cleveland.
Rutledge also spent his college career at right guard, ESPN reported. Solak identified him as the leading candidate to move to center after taking snaps there during the pre-draft process, with Jake Andrews still on the roster.
Right tackle is another camp fight
Smith’s place is not locked in either. ESPN reported that he is coming off neck surgery and must compete with Trent Brown, who filled in as Houston’s starting right tackle last season.
Solak wrote that the Texans should have depth, even after trades involving Juice Scruggs and Tytus Howard. ESPN also pointed to fourth-round pick Febechi Nwaiwu as part of the added bulk up front.
The camp question, according to Solak, is whether the Texans’ additions produce a better starting five or just a deeper room. Houston needs Teller to handle a side switch, Rutledge to adapt at center, Smith to be healthy and Ersery to progress at left tackle.
Eagles offense also under the microscope
Solak also flagged Philadelphia’s offense as a camp storyline after the departure of wide receiver A.J. Brown, one of the notable absences from the Eagles’ recent Super Bowl-era attack.
ESPN’s preview included a video segment asking whether DeVonta Smith can replace Brown’s production. The broader answer will begin to take shape when camp practices put the new-look offense on the field.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.