Texans given underwhelming grade by ESPN for offseason moves

How did ESPN view the Houston Texans' offseason moves that included fixing the run game and offensive line?

>Overall, underwhelming.

>Fresh off a 12-win season, the Texans should be the favorites to win the AFC South. Houston added several key pieces to the offensive line, including All-Pro Wyatt Teller from Cleveland and Georgia Tech's Keylan Ruteldge. It also bolstered its ground game with the addition of Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery. It shored up the interior of the defensive line with the addition of Kayden McDonald from Ohio State in the second round.

>So, what grade did Seth Walder give Houston's offense? A B-. The reasoning? The Montgomery trade.

"I was much less enthused by the Montgomery trade, in which the Texans gave up fourth- and seventh-round picks (plus OL Juice Scruggs as a throw-in)," Walder wrote. "The team needed a running back to pair with Woody Marks, but considering Montgomery's age -- 29 is ancient in running back years -- this was an inefficient use of resources."

In a sense, there are reasons to say the Texans might have overpaid for an aging running back who has been the lead back for three seasons with the Lions. When projecting how much time Montgomery has for truly impactful production in the backfield, one season might be the cap.

>But the Texans needed an upgrade with Joe Mixon's injury lingering. Last season, Houston averaged less than 4.0 yards per play for the fourth time in five years and struggled to find consistency in the red zone. Enter Montgomery, who averaged 4.3 yards per play last season and has been known for being a physical workhorse inside the 20.

>While an A seems far-fetched, espcially with the offensive inconsistencies, a B+ would have sufficed.

>To read the full list and Walder's thoughts on the Texans, click here.

>This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans given underwhelming grade by ESPN for offseason moves