RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAfter addressing the offensive line woes in free agency and shoring up the run game via trades, the Houston Texans should be in good standing for the regular season.
But where do the moves of adding offensive tackle Braden Smith and running back David Montgomery rank among the newcomers in the NFL?
ESPN's Matt Bowen recently ranked all the top moves of the offseason, including trades, free agent signings and draft picks. Smith, a former long-standing right tackle with the Indianapolis Colts , came in at No. 20, largely due to the instability of the right tackle role last season due to the movement of Tytus Howard.
"Smith, along with veteran Wyatt Teller and rookie Keylan Rutledge, was added to improve a Texans front that had the third-lowest pass block win rate last season," Bowen wrote . "Smith is a big-bodied drive blocker at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, matching power in pass protection. He started 13 games at right tackle for the Colts in 2025, and his pass block win rate jumped 7 percentage points from 2024."
Smith has been one of the league's best run blockers for ages. Known for his ability to wrap up defenders and turn them away from the action, the Colts have featured one of the league's best rushing attack for several seasons now, largely due to their offensive line play.
Montgomery, who joined Houston via trade in March from the Detroit Lions, was considered a win after the rushing attack took a hit last fall with Joe Mixon sidelined. Bowen ranked it the 30th-best move of the offseason, largely because of Montgomery's projected usage in the lineup.
"The Texans brought in Montgomery to upgrade a run game that averaged 3.9 yards per carry in 2025 (fourth lowest). In the lead role, he brings toughness between the tackles, with the balance and vision to attack open creases," Bowen wrote . "Montgomery has also been productive in the low red zone throughout his career. He rushed for 33 touchdowns in his three seasons with Detroit."
Red-zone efficiency will be key for Houston's usage with Montgomery. Also, his 33 touchdowns are tied with the Texans overall over the past three seasons in total scores on the ground.
The Texans kick off the regular season against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans land 2 players on ESPN's top newcomer list for 2026 season
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