Texans’ Laremy Tunsil Ranking: ‘Best Tackle in NFL’?
While the Texans hope that quarterback C.J. Stroud and pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. develop into elite players at their respective positions, Houston doesn't have much in the way of established stars as they prepare for the 2023 season.
The one household name on the Texans currently is left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a former first-round pick that has gone on to make three Pro Bowl appearances. And the 28-year-old was recently ranked by Pro Football Focus as the third-best offensive tackle in the NFL ahead of the 2023 campaign:
"The best pass-protecting tackle in football a year ago, Tunsil had an incredible 2022 season. On the field for 676 pass-blocking snaps over the course of the regular season, he allowed just one sack, three hits and 13 hurries."
It should be noted that this list included both left and right tackles. The only two players that came in above Tunsil were San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, who are universally seen as two of the best players at any position in the sport. So to come in at No. 3 is a pretty big accomplishment for Tunsil.
Acquired in a megadeal with the Miami Dolphins in August of 2019, Tunsil is entering his fifth season with the Texans. Houston made him the highest-paid offensive tackle in NFL history in March, when general manager Nick Caserio inked him to a three-year/$75 million extension. The new contract guarantees Tunsil -- who represents himself -- $60 million.
While the Texans went 10-6 and reached the AFC Divisional Round in Tunsil's first season with the team, Houston has gone just 11-38-1 over the last three seasons. But with Stroud, Anderson and new head coach DeMeco Ryans now in the fold, it's possible that Tunsil is around for the next playoff team in Houston.
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