6. Houston Texans: B+/A-
Texans' OL grade: C+
Texans' DL grade: A+
The Houston Texans' grade is weighted heavily by their defensive front, but the offensive line might also have an upward trajectory right now. That would be the optimistic view, anyway.
The edge rush duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter needs no introduction. That might be the best pass rush duo in the entire NFL right now. On the interior, the Texans have one of the league's hidden gems in Tommy Togiai, and Sheldon Rankins is still performing at a high level for them. They added Jadeveon Clowney for depth this offseason, as well as using a 2nd-round pick on Kayden McDonald, who is going to be a steal for them.
On the offensive line, the investment and effort are there. We're fixing to find out about the results. Getting veterans like Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller was huge this offseason, but the Texans also added a new anchor in the middle with 1st-round pick Keylan Rutledge.
5. Seattle Seahawks: B+/A-
Seahawks' OL grade: B
Seahawks' DL grade: A
Outside of backup offensive tackle Bobby Hart, the Seattle Seahawks' entire two-deep on the offensive line is comprised of players they have unearthed and developed as draft picks or UDFAs. Even 2024 UDFA center Jalen Sundell earned the 19th-best grade (via PFF) among centers last season in just first year on the job as a starter.
But this should come as absolutely no surprise. The Seahawks are -- regardless of position -- one of the best teams in the NFL when it comes to identifying and developing talent.
Even though the offensive line has some growing to do on the interior, they are talented and have upside. The tackle positions are solidified with the bookend duo of Charles Cross and Abe Lucas.
Defensively, Byron Murphy continues to develop into a stud on the interior with 62 tackles, 7 sacks, and 13 QB hits last season. He and Leonard Williams are an elite duo up front, and getting better with time. The edge position lost Boye Mafe this offseason, but the Seahawks have a strong rotation there and some young players rising up through the ranks.
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