The Texans made a litany of moves this offseason in a bid to improve a team that was bad in almost every facet a year ago. 

The defense will have several new starters in 2023, including Cory Littleton, Denzel Perryman, and Sheldon Rankins. Playmaking tight end Dalton Schultz and veteran receivers Noah Brown and Robert Woods were added to the offense. 

There is one move that has not received much national attention that I believe could be the most impactful of them all. 

That move would be the one-year, $9.75M contract signed by Sheldon Rankins. 

Rankins is a massive presence on the interior defensive line who has always received high grades for his run-stuffing ability. In 2022, Rankins received an impressive 73.1 PFF grade and ended with 43 tackles and three sacks. 

The Texans had the worst rush defense in the league last year by a sizable margin. Houston allowed 170.2 rushing yards per game, which was 13 yards worse than the Chicago Bears in 31st place.

Roy Lopez and Maliek Collins struggled to contain anything on the interior and often got bullied by linemen, especially the former. Lopez finished the season with a less-than-stellar PFF grade.

Rankins should immediately slot in at defensive tackle for the Texans and help contain runs. Rankins is sneaky good as a pass-rusher as well, having collected 8 sacks in 2022 with the Saints. 

Hassan Ridgeway was also brought in on a one-year pact to help patch the interior. 

While not as flashy as the Schultz addition, bringing in Rankins might just end up being the most beneficial move for the team in 2023.