(SportsRadio 610) - As with most positions, the Texans running back group left a lot to be desired last season.
It was actually the worst run game in franchise history in both yards per game (83.6) and yards per carry (3.4). Houston's run game ranked last in DVOA, which measures efficiency, for the second straight season.
The running backs on the Texans' roster now are Rex Burkhead, their leading rusher from last season who turns 32 in July; third-year undrafted free agent Scottie Phillips; and Darius Anderson, who signed as a reserve future player after the season.
Running backs coach Danny Barrett spoke last month about needing "a home run hitter" to upgrade at that position. Texans general manager Nick Caserio acknowledged it's a position to evaluate this offseason, though how they build it out is still to be determined.
Head coach Lovie Smith and offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton want a running football team, with Hamilton known for his power schemes. To do that, Houston will need better run blocking all around, and a better back.
"I'm kind of stating the obvious right now, but just like most of our positions, we need to add depth," Smith told reporters Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "And not just depth, we need to add good football players there."
The Texans are not likely to draft a running back No. 3 overall, but it's a possibility in the second at No. 37, where a number of potential impact players should be available.
Some of the top running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft class:
Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M)
Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State)
Breece Hall (Iowa State)
Kyren Williams (Notre Dame)
Dameon Pierce (Florida)
Jerome Ford (Cincinnati)
Brian Robinson Jr. (Alabama)
Tyler Badie (Missouri)
James Cook (Georgia)
Hassan Haskins (Michigan)
Kennedy Brooks (Oklahoma)
Jerrion Early (Ole Miss)
"Well, I like some of the choices," Smith said. "One thing about having the type of year that we have, there's a lot of options that you will have. Just like most positions, we weren't satisfied with what we were able to get production from in that running back position. If you're running a football team, you have to have a bell cow. We're going to address probably three guys each week, and they need to be able to contribute in some way."
Brandon Scott is the senior digital content coordinator for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott .