HOUSTON -- One doesn't need to watch the film to understand how horrendous therushing attack was in 2021. Only Rex Burkhead, who wasn't much of a factor in the first half of the season, rushed for over 400 yards last fall.The Texans finished 32nd in rushing yards per game. They averaged 3.2 yards per carry and never found consistency in the line."Anytime you can get physicality at the running back position, youll take that however way you can get that," Texans position coach said Tuesday. "Im sure there will be guys out there available. We just got to be selective in how we go about that proce s.Houston currently owns roughly in cap space.. That number could expand in the coming days following roster cuts, but will it be enough to make a big-time free agent splash?Texans tight end coach Tim Michael Conforto Jersey Berbenich told reporters that offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton's offense is arun-first kind of operation and "tight-end-driven offense." This mean Houston must to run the proper personnel, but also add quality runners for its backfield.What should Houston do? Here's a look at the current status of the position entering free agency.CURRENT ROSTERRex Burkhead: Burkhead became "the guy" for Houston's backfield down the stretch. In the final five games, he averaged roughly 15 carries and 3.5 yards per attempt to go along with two touchdowns. Barrett also complemented Burkhead's physicality as a pa s-protector.Scottie Phillips: Phillips officially made the final 53-man roster after spending 2020 on the practice squad. He often was either inactive on game days or made an impact only on special teams. His best game rushing came against the Los Angeles Rams, in which he recorded five carries for 11 yards.NAMES IN FREE AGENCY TO TARGETScroll to ContinueTampa Bay Buccaneers' Leonard David Wright Jersey Fournette: "Playoff Lenny'' bet on himself in 2021 and made the most as the Buccaneers' new lead back. Last season, he averaged 4.5 yards per rushing attempts and scored eight touchdowns on Travis D'Arnaud Jersey the way to a NFC South title. Fournette offers little in pa s protection, but he's a strong runner that rarely mishandles the ball. In the past 1,000 carries, he's only fumbled twice.Arizona Cardinals' Chase Edmonds: Edmonds is a nice complement to any leading rusher. He's undersized at only 5-9, but he makes up for it with his agility in space while working up to the second and third level of defense. Edmonds also provides stability as a pa s-catcher, having finished the past two seasons with over 40 catches and an average of 7.4 yards per reception.Seattle Seahawks' Rashaad Penny: Penny's biggest downfall is his availability. The former first-rounder has only played in 37 games since 2018. That said, few runners were as dominant down the stretch than Penny, who tallied over 100 yards in four of the final five games. Could he be a bargain deal as a lead tailback?Indianapolis Colts' Marlon Mack: Mack rarely saw action in 2021 in large due to his recovery from a torn Achilles. That said, he was the Colts' top rusher in 2018-19, finishing with a combined Todd Frazier Jersey 1,999 yards, 17 touchdowns and an average for 4.5 yards per attempt. He could be looking for a "prove-it" contract next season after minimal production.NAMES IN DRAFT TO TARGETTexas AM's Isaiah Spiller: Spiller is the sort of physical rusher that Houston mi sed last season. He's a high-volume-carry player who can win inside. Spiller has some elusivene s to his game, remaining patient in the open-field and making defenders mi s. Draft round projection: Round 2Florida's Daemon Pierce: Few runners in this cla s are as physical as Pierce. The 5-10, 215-pounder runs with a purpose, lowering the shoulder to deliver blows. The running style will entice teams, but his willingne s to block in pa s protection sets is what might make him an early contributor. Draft round projection: Round 3Cincinnati's Jerome Ford: When looking at Ford, there's a bit of Arian Foster to his game. He's physical inside, but has the quickne s to win with speed once past the line of scrimmage. Ford also offers value on pa sing downs, having averaged 10.5 yards per Neil Walker Jersey catch this past season for the Bearcats. Draft round projection: Round 3-4Mi souri's Tyler Badie:Texans GM sees the value in pa s-catching running backs, having worked with James White in New England. Badie is similar White, but offers more burst, vision and speed as a receiving option. For his career, Badie recorded nearly 10 yards per reception and scored 11 total receiving touchdowns to go along with his 23 total rushing scores. Draft round projection: Round 5