The Houston Texans signed cornerback Bradley Roby in free agency after choosing to let defensive back Kareem Jackson walk and releasing corneback Kevin Johnson.
The former 2014 first-round pick for the Denver Broncos has collected 14 tackles a tackle for loss in all three of his starts for the Texans. In Week 3’s 27-20 win at the Los Angeles Chargers, Roby produced three combined tackles as he helped the Texans hold on to their lead to secure their first 2-1 start since 2016.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien likes what he has seen through three games with Roby.
“He’s a patient player, he can play outside, he can play inside,” O’Brien told reporters Monday at NRG Stadium.
Initially, the Texans had cornerback Aaron Colvin playing the slot in nickel situations. However, after the Texans gave up a game-winning field goal drive against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, the club released Colvin, and Roby had to kick inside to play the slot. Roby has the measurables to play the position, standing 5-11 and weighing 194 pounds.
Overall, the former Ohio State Buckeye has demonstrated a certain serenity when playing in the secondary.
“He plays the game in a very calm way, he’s a smart player, he’s a good tackler,” O’Brien explained. “So, I think the more he gets comfortable with our scheme, and I think he’s getting more and more comfortable, I think the better he’ll play and he’s playing pretty well right now.”
Teamed up with 35-year-old Pro Bowler Johnathan Joseph and second-round rookie Lonnie Johnson, Roby, 27, provides the right amount of experience and talent to balance out Joseph’s age and Johnson’s inexperience.
Roby and the Texans secondary get ready for a Carolina Panthers offense that will start Kyle Allen at quarterback for the second straight week in relief of Cam Newton, who is out with a Lisfranc injury in his foot.
