2022 Fantasy Upside
On Day 3 of the NFL Draft, Houston finally added a running back. The Texans, who averaged a league-worst 3.4 yards per rush and finished with eight rushing touchdowns (tied for worst), clearly have a need. They had only 23 rushes that gained 10 or more yards in 2021, which was tied for the second-fewest in a season over the last 20 years. Dameon Pierce had 16 scrimmage touchdowns last year, the most by a Florida player since Percy Harvin had 17 in 2008. So Pierce is plenty capable. Better still, as CBSSports.com suggested, the Texans offer an incredible opportunity for Pierce to do something he never got the chance to under the Florida staff -- operate in a three-down role. CBS went on to advise readers that Pierce's underrated route running ability and his vertically-oriented running style make him a perfect fit to inherit a massive role in Year 1 if he can climb the depth chart in training camp and the preseason.
2022 Fantasy Downside
Houston’s offensive line remains an issue. As FTN Network's Daniel Kelley pointed out, Laremy Tunsil was limited to five games a year ago, and when your only above-average lineman misses that much time you're in real trouble. Getting Tunsil back and slotting Tytus Howard at tackle instead of guard should help, but there is still a lot not to like here -- especially on a team likely to be playing from behind on the regular.
2022 Bottom Line
Remember, the Texans added Marlon Mack to their backfield in free agency over the offseason while Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman are among the holdovers. But even with the veteran presence, Pierce isn't without some volume-based upside once he's at the top of the depth chart -- something long-time Texans observer John McClain expects to happen in the first quarter of the season.
