After a 2024 season plagued by inconsistency and protection breakdowns, the Houston Texans enter 2025 with a completely revamped offensive line—one built on a foundation of youth, competition, and veteran leadership. General Manager Nick Caserio and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans made one thing clear this offseason: protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud is the top priority.
The Texans surrendered 54 sacks last season—third-most in the NFL—forcing the front office to act decisively. What followed was a bold overhaul through trades, free agency, and the draft.
Houston made headlines during the legal tampering period when they traded Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. The moves didn’t stop there. The Texans sent former first-round guard Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Texans also released veteran guard Shaq Mason with a post-June 1st designation.
The dismantling of the old guard paved the way for a full-on reset, with several signings and a brewing offseason competition set to reshape the offensive line.
Offensive Line Breakdown
Jake Andrews — Center | Former Patriots 4th-Round Pick (2023)
Andrews spent all of 2024 on injured reserve and made only one career start (Week 18). However, he logged over 2,700 snaps at Troy from 2018–2022, allowing just six sacks in 52 games. He brings college consistency and is a dark horse candidate to be the week one center, but will be key depth in this Texans OL group.
Trent Brown — Tackle | 11-Year NFL Veteran
Brown signed a one-year deal after a brief and injury-limited stint in Cincinnati. Despite playing just three games, he allowed only one sack and posted a 65.2 PFF grade. Health remains his biggest hurdle—he hasn’t played a full season since 2021.
Aireontae Ersery — Tackle | 2nd-Round Pick, Minnesota
Drafted 48th overall, Ersery enters with high expectations after earning back-to-back AP First Team All-Big Ten honors. In 2024, he surrendered just one sack on over 400 pass-blocking snaps. While he primarily played left tackle, Houston could shift him to the right side to compete immediately.
Blake Fisher — Tackle | 2024 2nd-Round Pick, Notre Dame
Fisher started five games at right tackle as a rookie, demonstrating durability on a line decimated by injuries. While his PFF grades were underwhelming, he allowed few pressures and committed minimal penalties. Fisher enters Year 2 as a swing tackle candidate with starting upside.
LaDarius Henderson — Guard/Tackle | 2024 7th-Round Pick, Michigan
Henderson missed all of 2024 with injuries but gained traction this offseason thanks to praise from fans and the Texans brass. GM Nick Caserio and HC DeMeco Ryans both singled him out publicly. With versatility to play guard or tackle, Henderson will be one to watch in the preseason as he fights for a roster spot.
Fan reactions:
Nick Caserio with the unprompted mention of Ladarius Henderson on Payne and Pendergast. This is starting to feel like a trend. Maybe our RG has been in the building and we just didn’t know it. pic.twitter.com/XIw93xvE8M
— Mr.Optimistic (@MrOptimisticHou) May 7, 2025
💥 #Texans GM Nick Caserio gives an update for G Ladarius Henderson, 2024 7th Round Pick
— sidelinesarah (@sidelinesarah) April 30, 2025
🗣️ “LD’s been working his a** off really since last year. It’s unfortunate he kinda had a deal [double foot surgery]..
He’s been here essentially everyday since his season has ended.. He… https://t.co/HjewBaJEBY pic.twitter.com/rSv5icrnoV
DeMeco Ryans: very encouraged by LaDarius Henderson’s progress. Good energy and good work ethic. He’s working with the rookies since he missed last year. He’s put himself in a position to have a successful year.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) May 9, 2025
Tytus Howard — Guard/Tackle | Texans Veteran
Texans fans have a love-hate relationship with Howard, whose career has seen him play every position except center. Despite the constant shuffling, Howard has held his own and is expected to lock down the starting right guard spot. His veteran leadership will be crucial for a young unit.
#Texans Tytus Howard: 'We've got a chip on our shoulders and people underestimate what we’re going to be this year, but, you know that’s their problem. When that first game comes and we come off that ball and hit them in the mouth, like they’re gonna be, ‘These these guys are for… https://t.co/DrQxLQYnij
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 13, 2025
Ed Ingram — Guard | Acquired via Trade (Vikings)
Ingram, a three-year veteran, struggled in Minnesota, earning a 54 PFF grade last season. He enters a crowded competition for depth and may be a roster bubble candidate unless the Texans can unlock untapped potential.
Jarrett Patterson — Center/Guard | 2023 Draft Pick
Patterson is the favorite to start at center in Week 1. He played the majority of 2024, outshining fellow draft pick Juice Scruggs with a solid 69.9 PFF pass-blocking grade. A natural leader on the line, Patterson’s football IQ and consistency make him one of the most dependable pieces.
Cam Robinson — Tackle | Former Jaguars Starter
Signed to a one-year, $16 million deal after the Tunsil trade, Robinson projects as the Texans’ starting left tackle. He posted a 70.0 PFF pass-blocking grade last season but allowed seven sacks. If he clicks in Houston’s scheme, Robinson could become one of the best value additions of the offseason.
Juice Scruggs — Guard/Center | 2023 Draft Pick
Scruggs has dealt with injuries across his first two seasons, but played solidly when healthy. He allowed five sacks and committed six penalties in 2024, while earning a 64.2 PFF grade. Scruggs is in contention for a starting interior role, especially if injuries mount again.
Laken Tomlinson — Guard | 10-Year NFL Veteran
Tomlinson provides depth and mentorship. While his 2024 season in Seattle was underwhelming, the 33-year-old brings experience and toughness. He’ll compete for a starting spot but also play a vital locker-room role.
Newly promoted offensive line coach Cole Popovich, formerly with the Patriots, has emphasized toughness and accountability. His vision has already made waves in the locker room.
“We’re going to be more nasty up front,” said veteran Tytus Howard. “More guys on the ground. More edge.”
This new-look offensive line has a tall task ahead: protect C.J. Stroud and open up rushing lanes for a retooled backfield. If chemistry builds early and the injury bug stays away, Houston’s front five could shift from liability to one of the team’s greatest strengths.
If that happens, the Texans just might find themselves making a deep postseason run—possibly all the way to the franchise’s first AFC Championship Game or even the Super Bowl.