The Houston Texans’ fourth preseason game is in the rear view mirror. The team will lock down their 53-man roster by Aug. 31 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time.
Texans Wire’s Avery Duncan and Anthony Wood break down their predictions for Houston’s roster they’ll bring in to New Orleans on September 9th.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
AD: (2) Deshaun Watson, A.J. McCarron
No movement here, upset for rearranging injured backups. A.J. McCarron is healthy, Joe Webb (foot) isn’t; he’ll likely be placed on the IR. We may see a veteran come aboard if times get tough.
AW: (2) Deshaun Watson, A.J. McCarron
Nothing surprising here. With Joe Webb out indefinitely with a foot injury, they have no real need to bring in another quarterback as both these guys are solidified in their positions.
Running back/full back
AD: (5) Duke Johnson, Damarea Crockett, Buddy Howell, Taiwan Jones, Cullen Gillaspia
The Texans will probably add a veteran after Saturday’s cuts. But, for now, Damarea Crockett gets the nod over Karan Higdon after an impressive preseason. Jones and Howell will be used as special teams aces.
AW: (4) Duke Johnson, Damarea Crockett, Taiwan Jones, Cullen Gillaspia
O’Brien has raved about Jones’ special teams ability all preseason and Crockett has shown flashes of ability on offense. Gillaspia is exceptionally versatile and is an excellent special teamer, and with the absence of Webb, this suddenly becomes even more important. Johnson will be the main back
this season unless they bring in another experienced back to cut the load, which is very plausible.
Wide receiver
AD: (5) DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Keke Coutee, DeAndre Carter, Vyncint Smith
Vyncint Smith barely edges out the speedy Tyron Johnson; who’d benefit from some time on the practice squad. As for the rest, this group has been set in stone since 2018.
AW: (6) DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Keke Coutee, DeAndre Carter, Vyncint Smith, Tyron Johnson
This is a tough call as the likes of Steven Mitchell could well make the cut as well; however, Johnson has shown great speed and special teams ability as a return man and would add good depth behind Fuller and Smith in particular.
Tight end
AD: (3) Jordan Thomas, Darren Fells, Jordan Akins
At some point, Kahale Warring will be back. But, for now, he’ll be on the IR after being in concussion protocol for most of training camp. Jerell Adams may be on board, but with three drafted recently and Darren Fells’ presence, it’s tough to envision a role.
AW: (4) Jordan Thomas, Darren Fells, Jordan Akins, Jerell Adams
The Texans have a tough call to make here with all five of their guys deserving of a spot. However, rookie Kahale Warring is still in the concussion protocol and has been out for a significant portion of this preseason with injuries. They would be best off essentially redshirting him this year on IR.
Offensive line
AD: (10) Matt Kalil, Tytus Howard, Nick Martin, Zach Fulton, Seantrel Henderson, Roderick Johnson, Max Scharping, Senio Kelemete, Greg Mancz, Julién Davenport
The most polarizing position group on the team, Houston decides to load up on lineman. The most unfortunate development is Martinas Rankin’s release; who hasn’t given any indications he’ll be back in 2019.
AW: (10) Tytus Howard, Max Scharping, Matt Kalil, Seantrel Henderson, Roderick Johnson, Martinas Rankin, Zach Fulton, Senio Kelemete, Nick Martin, Greg Mancz
For me, Julién Davenport has done nothing up until now to warrant a spot on this roster. If I had it my way, the starters from left to right would be Johnson, Howard, Fulton, Scharping, Henderson.
Defense
Defensive line/EDGE
AD: (9) J.J. Watt, D.J. Reader, Angelo Blackson, Brandon Dunn, Albert Huggins, Joel Heath, Charles Omenihu, Whitney Mercilus, Brennan Scarlett
Until Jadeveon Clowney is a Texan, he won’t be on this list. The biggest change comes with swapping Carlos Watkins for Albert Huggins; the latter has enjoyed an outstanding preseason.
AW: (7) J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, D.J. Reader, Angelo Blackson, Charles Omenihu, Albert Huggins, Brandon Dunn
These guys have been all but solidified since day one. The only surprise call here is rookie Clemson defensive lineman Albert Huggins. He’s had a very strong preseason and deserves a shot in the league over Carlos Watkins, Tracy Sprinkle and Joel Heath who, in my opinion, haven’t shown much to warrant a spot.
Linebacker
AD: (4) Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole, Peter Kalambayi
Nothing new here. The Texans have this position locked down – it should be worth noting, if Houston plays more 4-3 (which I expect), Dylan Cole will see a lot more time.
AW: (6) Brennan Scarlett, Dylan Cole, Zach Cunningham, Benardrick McKinney, Peter Kalambayi, Tyrell Adams
Davin Bellamy is a tough one to cut here as he’s had a decent preseason, but given that Mercilus can slide into linebacker if needed, there just isn’t the room. Kalambayi has been a real standout among this unit so far and hopefully, 2019 will be a breakout year for the youngster.
Cornerback
AD: (7) Johnathan Joseph, Bradley Roby, Lonnie Johnson, Aaron Colvin, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Xavier Crawford, Johnson Bademosi
One of the more different position units compared to 2018, the Texans keep both of their draft picks and signings as all have shown to be positive additions.
AW: (7) Johnathan Joseph, Bradley Roby, Lonnie Johnson, Aaron Colvin, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Xavier Crawford, Johnson Bademosi
It is a tough call between Crawford and Derrick Baity who has had a good camp; however, Crawford’s potential and performances the last two games just about beat him to the last spot. Bademosi also hasn’t excelled at cornerback, but his special teams abilities will keep him around.
Safety
AD: (4) Justin Reid, Tashaun Gipson, Jahleel Addae, A.J. Moore
The top three are obvious locks to make the roster. For the fourth spot, the Texans have favored A.J. Moore edges out Chris Johnson on the basis of continuity.
AW: (4) Justin Reid, Tashaun Gipson, Jahleel Addae, A.J. Moore
This one’s pretty cut and dry. All four of these guys have stood out at their position. Throw in Boddy-Calhoun who can also play at safety, and this is one of the stronger units on this roster.
Special Teams
AD: (3) Ka’imi Fairbairn, Trevor Daniel, Jon Weeks
No changes here, even though Bryan Anger outplayed Trevor Daniel in the preseason.
AW: (3) Ka’imi Fairbairn, Trevor Daniel, Jon Weeks
With Bryan Anger already cut, this is all a given at this point. Unless they can bring in Jamie Gillan from the Cleveland Browns to replace Daniel, there’s no reason to change this group.
