One of the biggest downfalls for the Houston Texans in 2024 was their performance on the offensive line. Despite being the highest-paid unit entering last season, the Texans allowed 54 sacks, including 52 against C.J. Stroud in the regular season and another 11 in the postseason.

Houston made changes. Plenty to say the least, including a shocking trade of Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for multiple draft picks. One of the new key additions to the trenches, 11-year veteran guard Laken Tomlinson, who inked a one-year, $4.25 million deal this offseason, is expected to start on the left side come Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

He also believes that when right, the Texans’ offensive line can propel a club to wins this fall.

“I believe offensive line could be the strength of a team,” Tomlinson told Texans Radio in an interview. “Those guys come out, they’re grinders, man. They want to be the backbone, the foundation of the team. So when you can have that for a team, you can go very far, man. I’ve seen in the past, I’ve been a part of it, and I’m excited to be able to exercise that here.”

Four new starters are expected to take over following Tunsil’s trade. The lone returnee, Tytus Howard, is also expected to shift inside to guard after starting his career at right tackle, meaning both bookends will be played by newcomers.

Along with adding Tomlinson and trading away Tunsil, the Texans shipped out former first-round pick Kenyon Green to Philadelphia and cut veteran Shaq Mason. Houston then targeted bodies by adding former starters Cam Robinson, Ed Ingram and Trent Brown before drafting Minnesota standout Aireontae Ersery in the second round last April.

The hope in Houston is that they can find the best five and allow them to gel into a respectable unit while keeping Stroud upright en route to a third division title. Tomlinson mentioned continuity and consistency as key elements to help an offensive line remain strong throughout a regular season.

“When you have those five guys out there, they’ve got to be able to operate as a unit, so the more exposure you have around the guys, it’s just better for the offensive line and the team,” Tomlinson said.

The Texans return in two weeks for training camp.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans guard Laken Tomlinson: “I believe OL could be the strength’