Houston’s top priority in this year’s draft was to bulk up on the offensive line, and they did that by selecting a pair of offensive tackles with their first three picks. I’m not sure if either Tytus Howard or Max Scharping will pay immediate dividends, but both are solid long-term prospects.
They could look at further offensive line needs next year, or they could look to find another offensive playmaker to shoulder some of the load for Deshaun Watson.
Lamar Miller rushed for over 900 yards last season on 4.6 yards-per-carry, but his contract is up after next season and he’ll be 29-years-old. It’s likely that Houston wouldn’t want to commit long term to a back who is just shy of his 30th birthday and has 1500+ carries at that point. If they want to move on, they could target Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins, who is likely to be the top running back in next year’s class.
With Mike Weber gone, Dobbins will now have an even more increased workload as a junior in Columbus. He’s put up consecutive 1000+ yard seasons with the Buckeyes, averaging just under six yards-per-carry in his two seasons in college. He’s also a capable receiver who has caught 48 passes over those two years, something that will offer even more value at the next level.
Dobbins will compete with Alabama’s Najee Harris for the top ranked running back next year, but Dobbins’s overall game gives him the edge.