One the strongest units on the Houston Texans defense by the end of training camp could be cornerback.
The group has fielded multiple players who have had good camps to this point, and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver singled out some names during media availability on Wednesday.
“We have competition on all levels of our defense, and I think that’s a sign that you have a pretty good football team,” Weaver said.
The first-year coordinator mentioned Bradley Roby and Vernon Hargreaves as having good camps. When asked if Lonnie Johnson and Gareon Conley were competing against each other for a spot, Weaver said the whole group is in competition with each other.
“Are those two in direct competition? I don’t know,” said Weaver. “Everybody is in competition in the secondary because we have good players back there.”
The Texans also have good coaching. First-year secondary coach D’Anton Lynn has taken the reins of the back end after spending the last two seasons as assistant secondary coach. Defensive assistant Deon Broomfield has worked with Lynn on the back end after having spent the last three seasons coaching cornerbacks at Indiana State.
“I’m just thrilled with the work that Coach Lynn is putting in with that group, Coach Broomfield and just the way that they’re gelling and coming together as one,” said Weaver. “It’s been awesome to watch.”
Regardless of who the Texans choose to start at cornerback in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, those defensive backs will have secured the privilege after facing stiff competition in camp.
“On our defense, you’ve got to show up day in and day out to try to earn the right to be on that starting unit,” Weaver said. “But what I tell the guys is I’m not concerned so much about starters, I’m more concerned about finishers. Who’s going to finish every play and finish games for us?”
