Houston Texans

The Houston Texans made a shocking trade this offseason sending Pro-Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. What they got in return was a second-round pick this year, a fourth-round next year, and running back David Johnson.

Although losing a franchise receiver like Hopkins is never good, Johnson has to prove that this trade was worth the risk. If Johnson can return to the productive back he was in 2016 the trade may not look that bad. The hope for the Texans is that Johnson just did not fit the Cardinals scheme.

While it isn’t likely Johnson will ever return to his All-Pro form, his career is still salvageable. The Texans offensive line isn’t much better than Arizona’s, however, there is one bright spot and that is Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil. Deshaun Watson may look to target Johnson in the backfield, however, Houston already has a great receiving back in Duke Johnson.

The quest to return to stardom will be very difficult for David Johnson. Meanwhile, Duke Johnson may be looking to secure a starting position, something he has yet to receive despite incredible efficiency.

There are a lot of questions surrounding the Texans’ plans in the backfield. These questions can only be answered with time. Duke Johnson, still only 26-years-old, has been criminally underused on each team he plays for.

My prediction is that Duke Johnson finishes the season as the Texans’ starting back, while David Johnson works in a rotation serving mainly in the red-zone and towards the goal-line. Duke will finish with 700 rushing yards 500 receiving yards, two rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns. David ends with 600 rushing yards, 300 receiving yards, nine rushing touchdowns, and four receiving touchdowns.