In 1998's superb poker movie "Rounders," Matt Damon's character has a particularly interesting line that still holds true today: "You can't lose what you don't put in the middle. But you can't win much either."
It's a quote that speaks directly to the idea of risk vs. reward. How can you win a big pot if you aren't willing to gamble one? Well, the Houston Texans are willing to gamble big in order to win big.
The Texans handed quarterback Brock Osweiler a massive four-year contract worth $72 million and $37 million guaranteed in free agency this year, despite never sitting down to get to know him or pick his football brain. They gave him the keys to the franchise and a Smaug-like pile of money based on a measly seven career starts.
That's the risk part of the equation. If they ever want to see the reward, they're going to have to take steps to ensure that Osweiler is put into a position to succeed this year.
One way to do that is to provide him with has many weapons in the passing game as possible in order to make his life easier right out of the gate. DeAndre Hopkins has a firm hold on the No. 1 wide receiver gig following his breakout season (111 catches, 1,521 yards, 11 touchdowns), but giving Osweiler someone like Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell in the upcoming NFL Draft would do wonders to straighten out the QB's learning curve.
General manager Rick Smith and head coach Bill O'Brien need to add additional oomph to this offense, especially with last year's No. 2 WR Nate Washington now with New England. Treadwell can be that guy. He's a big, strong receiver whose physical attributes (6-foot-2, 221 pounds) outweigh his overblown speed concerns. In fact, he's quite similar to Hopkins in that regard. Treadwell may not be a blazer, but he consistently beats zone defenses and can get open downfield with solid route running and smart usage of his body. Last year, he caught 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Yes, a running back to replace Arian Foster would also alleviate some of the pressure on Osweiler. But short of Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott, there isn't a ball carrier in this draft that warrants first-round consideration.
Houston has pushed all of its chips into the middle of the table with Osweiler. Now it's time to go out and get a trump card for him.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
