Quarterbacks (3) - C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills, Case Keenum
The quarterback room is by far the most self-explanatory room on the team in that nothing will change personnel-wise. C.J. Stroud is set to have another phenomenal season with Davis Mills as a serviceable backup. Case Keenum is arguably closer to a coach than a player at this point in his career, but he did manage to squeak out a victory against the Tennessee Titans last year, and division wins never come easy. Ultimately, I am excited to see what Stroud can do with a new host of weapons, including Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon.
Running Backs (3) - Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, Cam Akers
Just Missing the Cut: Jawhar Jordan, British Brooks, Dare Ogunbowale
The running backs room is TIGHT this year! Mixon is the only player I would consider as a lock on the 53-man roster. I am not ready to give up on Dameon Pierce, and I don’t think the Texans are either. He had an unreal rookie year, and after the sophomore slump, I anticipate a return closer to form, where Pierce is a productive RB2. That leaves one or two more spots to fill, and I kept Cam Akers as the lone other back. He has looked great all of camp, and I think his productivity in preseason games has given him a slight edge over the rookie pair of Jawhar Jordan and British Brooks, both of whom I would not count out of making future rosters in Houston or elsewhere.
Fullback (1) - Andrew Beck
I honestly consider this more open-shut than many others in the media claim. I would put Andrew Beck miles ahead of Troy Hairston, and I do not think Ben Skowroneck can add as much to the blocking world as Beck can. It isn’t a coincidence that the Texans’ red zone scoring percentage went from 28th to 16th in the NFL in Andrew Beck’s first year with the team. Of course, this was also a result of an overall better offense, but Beck certainly helped when the field started to shrink. Additionally, Beck offers a lot in special teams, and he even returned a kickoff for six last season against the Jaguars.
Wide Receivers (6) - Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Noah Brown, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson
Just Missing the Cut: Steven Sims, Ben Skowroneck, Robert Woods
The wide receiver room is interesting because the first three spots are clearly Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell, but after that, the roster slots seem to be anyone’s best guess. I think Noah Brown did enough in his few games in the limelight last season to, at the minimum, earn a roster spot, which leaves two. Based on both of these players ' potential, I gave the last couple of slots to John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson. They will not be expensive, but both have looked solid in the few opportunities they have received. If Steven Sims or Ben Skowroneck, who the Texans acquired from the Rams this offseason, make the roster, it will be due to their versatility.
Sims is a proven special teamer who returned a punt for the Texans’ lone touchdown in the playoff matchup against the Ravens, and Skowroneck can play both blocking and pass-catching roles from his time in Los Angeles. Robert Woods is not able to add much real value to the roster, and Houston will likely try to trade him before the deadline to avoid a cap hit.
Tight End (3) - Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan, Cade Stover
Just Missing the Cut: Teagan Quitoriano
Dalton Schultz returns as the clear first tight end, hoping to improve on a decent year in 2023. Brevin Jordan will also be rostered, and the excitement around him has continued to grow after his late-season increase in production over the last couple games. Finally, there is a two-man race for one spot. I think Cade Stover will be the clear winner, especially considering his time with C.J. Stroud at Ohio State.
Offensive Tackle (4) - Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Blake Fisher, Charlie Heck
Just Missing the Cut: David Sharpe
Similar to the wide receivers room, the first three spots are already cemented, with Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, and rookie Blake Fisher being the obvious choices. Tunsil should be a top tackle again this year, and Tytus Howard will be more than thrilled to return to the tackle position after a stint at left guard last season. Blake Fisher has allegedly already turned some heads in camp as he soaks up the veteran advice. This leaves a coin flip between Charlie Heck and David Sharpe. I ultimately see the team sticking with Heck, who played well in his appearances with the team, rather than David Sharpe, who has less experience in Houston.
Interior Offensive Lineman (5) - Shaq Mason, Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson, Kendrick Green
Just Missing the Cut: Nick Broeker, Dieter Eiselen
Shaq Mason will again lead the Texans offensive line as he hits his 31-year-old season. He has become the most dependable player on the interior, not only because of his stellar blocking but also because of his availability. Mason did not miss a single game when last year’s squad was down significantly in numbers. The following two projected starters are Juice Scruggs and former first-round draft pick Kenyon Green. Scruggs looks to build on a solid first year, while Kenyon Green looks to prove he was worth the 1st round price. Green has transformed his body into a much more athletic and stronger version of his former self, and I see him having a breakout season. I gave the nod to Jarrett Patterson and Kendrick Green for the last two spots. I feel more strongly about Patterson making the team than Green, but I still see both of them making the roster based on their play in 2023.
Houston Texans Defense
Edge Rushers (4) - Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., Derek Barnett, Dylan Horton
Just Missing the Cut: Jerry Hughes, Solomon Byrd
Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. will terrorize quarterbacks and offensive lines all season. I expect a lot of sacks between the new duo, but I also think Derek Barnett has a lot to add, particularly as a pass rusher. Last season, he was able to showcase a strong move set and found himself in the backfield more times than not. Lastly, I see Horton edging out Jerry Hughes. Hughes has been a decent enough edge defender, but at 36, I fear he has likely outlived his days as a defensive end in the NFL. Horton showed flashes of serious potential before having a battle with Stage IV Hodgkin Lymphoma in November.
Interior Defensive Linemen (6) - Denico Autry, Foley Fatukasi, Mario Edwards, Tim Settle, Khalil Davis, Marcus Harris
Just Missing the Cut: Kurt Hinish
Yes, with six defensive tackles, this roster has 54 players, but that's because of the recent acquisition of Denico Autry, who has been suspended for the first six games of the season after being popped with PEDs in his system. His ability to get to the passer and use his length will be key for the Houston defense later in the season. Until then, run-stopper Foley Fatukasi and the host of other defensive tackles will have to hold down the fort. Mario Edwards, Khalil Davis, and Tim Settle should be all right, but nothing about this trio is incredibly exciting to me. Having said this, they are all good enough to contribute to the Houston Texans’ front seven. Lastly, I gave Marcus Harris a chance to prove himself. With this likely being the worst position on the team this season, investing in young, unproven talent can lift up the room. When Autry returns, Settle, or Davis will likely be bumped down to the practice squad.
Linebackers (6) - Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris, Henry To’oTo’o, Neville Hewitt, Jake Hansen, Max Tooley
Just Missed it: Del’Shawn Phillips, Jamal Hill
The Texans replaced Blake Cashman with Azeez Al-Shaair and returned their leading tackler to Christian Harris. After these two, last year’s fifth-round pick, Henry To’oTo’o, seems like the next safest pick. He played pretty well last year, filling in for injuries to Perryman and Cashman, but this year, he will be in the mix to potentially earn that third linebacker spot. The other main contender for the spot is Neville Hewitt. He has always been a decent backup, but is he ready for a more prominent role on this defense? Jake Hansen is similar in that he has been more of a special teamer than linebacker, but I anticipate more of the same for him. Lastly, Max Tooley has been very impressive in camp, and I see the undrafted free agent ahead of 2024 sixth-rounder Jamal Hill and Del’Shawn Phillips. Tooley will mostly play on special teams but could see some game action as a linebacker.
Cornerbacks (5) - Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, C.J. Henderson, Mike Ford
Just Missing the Cut: Desmond King II, Myles Bryant
This is the season that Derek Stingley will finally prove to all the naysayers and members of the media that he is an elite top-10 cornerback in the NFL. Across from him, Kamari Lassiter has been a standout in his first camp and should get the starting spot against the Colts in Week 1. After this, it gets a little trickier. Jalen Pitre has been playing a lot of slot corner in the camp practices, and he has honestly looked a lot better there than his usual safety position. I see this as a move they will continue with in the future. With Pitre playing in the nickel, Desmond King isn’t needed, especially considering his muffed punt against the Rams this preseason. Lastly, former lottery picks C.J. Henderson and Mike Ford fill out the corner room as options that both play well on special teams and can cover in a pinch. With any luck, Henderson will finally step into the role he was meant to as a former top-10 pick.
Safeties (4) - Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray, Calen Bullock, Jeff Okudah
Just Missing the Cut: Brandon Hill, M.J. Stewart
I know what you are thinking, and we will understand why Okudah is here, but first, let's focus on Ward, Murray, and Bullock. Jimmie Ward was recently signed to a $5 million dollar deal, which extends him through the 2025 season, so it looks like the 33-year-old is here to stay. Eric Murray is also a solid safety option and should fit nicely into the spot left by Pitre. Calen Bullock is a steal from the third round of this draft, and I expect him to play a significant role on the defense this year, particularly on any Cover-3 concepts the team runs. Last, but not least, is Jeff Okudah. He was a star at safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes before transitioning to corner in the NFL, but clearly, the shift has not done him any favors. He is 6’1 and 200 lbs, a perfect size for hard-hitting safety. He has a raw, untapped potential, and the switch from corner to safety will be able to unleash that talent.
Houston Texans Special Teams
Specialist (3) - Jon Weeks, Ka’imi Fairbairn, Tommy Townsend
Okay, maybe I lied earlier when I said the quarterbacks are the easiest position to assign because the specialists are a complete lock. Jon Weeks will enter his 15th season with the Houston Texans and continue to deliver snaps effectively. Fairbairn looks to continue his domination as one of the best kickers in the league, particularly from 50+ yards. Finally, new punter Tommy Townsend has an incredible leg and will pin teams deep all season for the Houston Texans.
Ultimately, this roster improved significantly this offseason. If a few players, particularly on defense, can step up and play well this season, then the Houston Texans will have an incredibly successful year.
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