Can Texans' Tytus Howard Match Laremy Tunsil 'Best Duo' Scouting Report?
Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil has raved about his teammates and coaches throughout the offseason. The Pro Bowler has high expectations this year, despite Houston's 3-13-1 record in 2022.
The Texans have been rebuilding throughout the offseason, but the offensive line didn't need much improvement. Houston was actually in the better half of teams in terms of sacks allowed, but Tunsil isn't the only one to thank.
Texans right tackle Tytus Howard allowed three sacks on 997 snaps last season. These numbers have been relatively consistent over his four years in the NFL, allowing just two sacks each season from 2019-2021.
Tunsil applauded Howard as well, but believes the two of them are at a different level compared to other teams' offensive tackles.
"We're one of the best [offensive tackle] tandems in football, if not the best tandem in the NFL," Tunsil said with conviction in an interview via KPRC2's Aaron Wilson. "I say that whole-heartedly."
Pro Football Focus was in favor of Tunsil's statement and thinks Houston is on the right path.
“[The Texans] deserve credit for prioritizing premium positions during their rebuild and working to overhaul both trench units,” PFF said. “Their tackle duo of Laremy Tunsil and 2019 first-round pick Tytus Howard is among the league’s best.”
However, this is Howard's final season under contract before he can become an unrestricted free agent. Losing him would be detrimental to the success of Houston, especially up-and-coming running back Dameon Pierce, who Howard consistently provided gaps for last season.
It will also heavily impact rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud's development, as the backup right tackle would likely struggle more against the pass rush than Howard.
Letting Howard walk at the end of this season would be detrimental to Houston's rebuild that they spent so many assets on. If he stays, Howard could prove Tunsil was right about their tandem.
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