The Houston Texans brought home an AFC South title this season, but a quick exit from the playoffs has Texans fans, coaches, and executives alike wondering what it will take to get this team over the hump next time around. Here's our list of the
3. Offensive Guard
As ESPN's Tania Ganguli notes, right guard Brandon Brooks "becomes a free agent in March if the Texans don't re-sign him. Brooks has been a solid player for the Texans and could help the team's continuity going forward. They opted not to re-sign him last offseason, though, and that's often a sign that the Texans are unsure about sticking with a player."
If Brooks doesn't come back, or even if he does, the Texans will be on the lookout for a guard (and offensive linemen in general) in the draft.
2. An Every-Down Running Back
The combination of Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes, Akeem Hunt and Chris Polk meshed well from Week 10 on, posting the seventh-best mark in total rushing yards in the NFL. However, the Texans need to find an every-down back to help tailor the offense around with Arian Foster gone. Running back committees can work for a time, but the offensive line will benefit by having a consistent stylistic approach at running back behind them.
1. Quarterback
Brian Hoyer's four turnovers in an embarrassing 30-0 AFC Wild Card Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs underscores the franchise's need to find a long-term solution at the position. Bill O'Brien went back and forth between Ryan Mallett and Hoyer to start the year, and the QB instability held this team back from making the jump into the AFC's elite tier. Hoyer is still an option, but the draft and free agency gives the team a chance to start again and find a true franchise QB.