The Houston Texans' offensive line will be different than last year's crew in many ways. The first difference is in mentality.
"We're going to be more nasty up front," guard Tytus Howard told Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "We're going to get more gritty. Guys finishing more plays. We need more guys on the ground when we get done with them.
"We just got to be a nastier group up front."
Last year's offensive line collapsed, which in part led to C.J. Stroud's struggles in Year 2 and ultimately contributed to the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and offensive line coach Chris Strausser. The Texans then traded away disappointing first-round pick Kenyon Green, cut veteran Shaq Mason and traded star left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
"It was crazy, man," Howard said of the trades. "That's the game, though. That's the business. I'm just happy to be one of the guys that keeps making it through. So I just do my part and hold it down."
The Texans tossed bodies at the problem, trading for guard Ed Ingram and signing tackles Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, guard Laken Tomlinson and center Jake Andrews. They also drafted Aireontae Ersery in the second round of the draft.
While each position is up for competition, reportedly, the three most likely starters at this stage are Robinson at left tackle, Tomlinson at left guard and Howard at right guard. Center and right tackle could be full-blown competitions in training camp.
The Texans also promoted Cole Popovich this offseason, who seems to fit the mentality the club wants in its offensive line coach.
"As an O-line coach, you want a guy who exemplifies that persona that you want his group to be," Howard said. "He's a coach that has a background and had an offensive line that plays nasty, can establish the run, play physical in the pass game, and that's a group we want to be."
One thing is certain about the Texans' offensive line moves: They can't be worse than last year. A "nasty" mentality is a good start. Figuring out a top five as soon as possible will give the group a chance to gel before the regular season begins.