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NFL: Houston Texans options to replace Derek Newton

By George Stockburger

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans tackle Derek Newton (72) is carted off the field in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans tackle Derek Newton (72) is carted off the field in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL free agency kicked off months ago, but the Texans are still looking for a veteran right tackle after conceding Derek Newton’s 2017 season to injury

Derek Newton went down in week seven after tearing both his patellar tendons, giving the Houston Texans ample time to find a long-term replacement at right tackle. Fast-forward to mid-May and their solution appears to be a mid-round draft pick.

Now that Newton is officially on injured reserve and likely out for the season, if not his career, the Texans need to find at least one more low-risk option to fill a hole on the depth chart.

Fourth-round pick Julie’n Davenport appears to be the Texans ideal starter at right tackle going forward. Considering a fellow rookie Deshaun Watson could be starting at quarterback this year, having a veteran to potentially play right tackle would be ideal for head coach Bill O’Brien.

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) makes a pass while being protected by tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) makes a pass while being protected by tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

A name that flies off the screen is Sebastian Vollmer, who crossed paths with O’Brien in New England. Vollmer has a championship pedigree and the history with O’Brien to make a move to Houston possible. The largest concern with Vollmer is can he stay healthy long enough to have a tangible effect on the Texans offense in 2017?

Undergoing surgeries to his hip and shoulder, Vollmer missed the entire 2016 season while rehabbing. It would take the perfect situation for him to play again, and working with a young Davenport under the guidance of O’Brien might be that situation.

The second free agent of note is King Dunlap, who while large in stature doesn’t always fill the biggest holes on a roster. Dunlap spent the past four seasons in San Diego protecting Phillip Rivers but has a history of being a turnstile.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (L) defends San Diego Chargers tackle King Dunlap (77) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (L) defends San Diego Chargers tackle King Dunlap (77) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

At 6’8 Dunlap can be the bandage Houston might need to get through the preseason.

This last name is a familiar one in Houston, and may not be fully ready to compete in 2017 based on his unique situation. David Quessenberry recently finished treatment for lymphoma, something that was discovered while working out with the Texans several years ago.

Quessenberry, a sixth-round pick by Houston in 2013, has unfortunately never played a snap in the NFL due to injury and illness. He’s a well-liked guy in the organization who likely needs to get in football shape if he wants to play, but the organization is certainly keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.

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After free agency the options through a trade are limited. Look for New England to possibly move Cameron Flemming, or Carolina with Michael Oher following an off-field issue.

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