With the release of cornerback Aaron Colvin, the Houston Texans have to evaluate who on their roster can fill the slot corner duties. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel broke down the skills of three candidates when he met with reporters Thursday ahead of the club’s Week 2 match-up with the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
1. lonnie johnson
The natural pick because he is a second-round rookie expected to contribute immediately, Crennel has some reservations about the former Kentucky Wildcat.
“He’s a rookie, so he’s not as ready as I want him to be, but in this game it’s the next man up mentality and if he’s the next man up, he’s got to be ready,” Crennel said.
According to Crennel, while the 6-3, 206-pound defensive back has length, speed, and physicality, he is better suited to play on the ball.
“When he plays off the ball, he has to get used to the timing of the routes, footwork and transition has to get better — all of those things that come with doing something that you haven’t been doing a lot of,” Crennel said.
2. keion crossen
The former 2018 seventh-round pick for the New England Patriots was active for Week 1 and recorded a tackle in the Texans’ 30-28 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Crossen played 15 snaps on special teams for the Texans and five on defense, including recording a tackle on New Orleans’ final drive.
“We like him because he’s got speed, he’s a good competitor and I just like his attitude as well,” Crennel said of the 5-10, 180-pound corner.
3. bradley roby
The former Denver Bronco has the ability to kick inside and play the slot if asked.
“He’s got quickness, he’s got coverage ability, he can play anywhere in the coverage, in the backfield that he chooses to play or that we choose to play him,” Crennel said.
For now, Roby has been a starting corner on the outside alongside Johnathan Joseph. If the Texans can have Crossen or Johnson play slot and keep Roby on the outside, it might be preferable.
“We’ll look at it and see which ones we feel like give us the best chance, so that’s what we’ll do,” said Crennel.
