Bill O'Brien confident in revamped Texans roster after multiple weekend trades
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- "It's not just a plan to improve the team for 2019, it's a plan to improve the roster for years to come."
Bold words from head coach Bill O' Brien during a news conference Monday.
The holdout between Jadeveon Clowney and the Texans concluded over the weekend, and Clowney is now in The Emerald City.
Clowney, the 2014 #1 overall pick, was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Rumors had circulated that Clowney was possibly going to be shipped to the Miami Dolphins, but the Seahawks came instead.
"We think very highly of Jadeveon Clowney," O'Brien said, adding that he feels the Texans made the best move for both Clowney and the organization itself.
Monday was the first time O'Brien publicly spoke since the trade. In return, the Texans received a third-round draft pick and two players.
Clowney finished his Texans career with 205 tackles and 29 sacks.
WATCH: ABC13's Greg Bailey predicts what's next for the Houston Texans after the Clowney trade
The holdout between Clowney and the Texans originally started when Clowney was franchise tagged.
It was expected that he would sign a new long-term contract with the organization, but the 3X Pro Bowler could not come to terms on a new contract, leading to his holdout. He had yet to report to anything Texans-related during the preseason.
There have been questions about the Texans' offensive line and ability to protect star QB Deshaun Watson, but some of those questions may have been answered.
OT Laremy Tunsil was acquired from the Miami Dolphins Saturday in a blockbuster trade. Tunsil is one of the premier OT's in the league.
Tunsil was selected 13th overall in 2016 by the Dolphins, and had been with the organization since. Having a player of this dynamic will do wonders when it comes to protecting Watson.
"I feel really good being able to get a proven left tackle,' O'Brien said, adding that the Texans scouted Tunsil out of college, saying many in the organization are familiar with him.
Tunsil is a left tackle who also has experience playing guard. O'Brien said the team does not plan to give him any reps at guard, keeping him at his natural position where he can protect Watson.
O'Brien also said he feels Tunsil can help rookie OT Tytus Howard, noting that both were high draft picks. He said he feels Tunsil can give Howard advice on how to take care of his body and produce at a high level.
This is not the only player the Texans are receiving as part of the deal. Wide receiver Kenny Stills is also coming to Houston.
"We're committed to getting better in all ways," O'Brien said.
Stills made a name for himself during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints, where some had him in the conversation as one of the best wide-outs in the league.
Stills had 37 receptions for 553 yards and six touchdowns last season with the Dolphins.
O'Brien credited Stills' speed and ability to run multiple routes, adding that he's a versatile wide receiver.
The Texans offense now has DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Stills as targets for Watson.
"I think both teams are better for it," O'Brien said in regards to the Dolphins trade.
The Texans sent Johnson Bademosi, Julien Davenport, two first-round picks (2020, 2021) and a 2021 second-round pick to Miami.
With Tunsil now in the mix to protect Watson, the Texans offense could put up big numbers this upcoming season.
An under-the-radar trade the Texans maneuvered over the weekend as well was acquiring Carlos Hyde from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hyde's best season was in 2017 with the 49ers, where he started all 16 games, rushed for 940 yards with eight TD's and had a career-high 350 receiving yards.
O'Brien said he feels Hyde is a solid first and second down runner that can also help in the passing game.
The Texans sent OT Martinas Rankins to the Chiefs in return.
WATCH: ABC13's Bob Slovak reacts to the Houston Texans' trade of Jadeveon Clowney
One characteristic of the Texans that stands out compared to other teams is that the Texans are currently operating without a general manager.
While many have criticized the Texans for operating in this manner, O'Brien seems confident in the front office's ability to operate as one big unit.
"The fact that we have a team of people is something that maybe people have to get used to," O'Brien said, emphasizing everyone in the front office's ability to coexist.
"We are very confident in how we operate on a daily basis," O'Brien said.
The Texans play their regular season opener on September 9 against the New Orleans Saints.
