Post 2016 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Depth Chart

The Houston Texans Depth Chart went through a major overhaul this offseason with significant additions made through the draft and free agency.

The Houston Texans Depth Chart looks much better than it did at this point last season. This has a lot to do with the addition of Brock Osweiler as the team’s starting quarterback.

Quarterback

Starter: Brock Osweiler
Backups: Brandon Weeden and Tom Savage

With a lot of money in the bank, the pressure is on Brock Osweiler to perform at a high level. There are huge expectations for him to help lead this team to a Super Bowl.

Running Back

Starter: Lamar Miller
Backups: Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Tyler Ervin

It was past time Miller got out of Miami who routinely under utilized his skill set. Look for Bill O’Brien and company to feed Miller the ball in an attempt to make things easier for their young quarterback.

Wide Receiver

Starters: DeAndre Hopkins and Cecil Shorts
No. 3: Will Fuller
Backups: Keith Mumphery, Jaelen Strong and Braxton Miller

This group has gone through a bit of a makeover thanks to the additions of Will Fuller and Braxton Miller. Both are playmakers who will instantly make this offense more explosive.

Tight End

Starter: CJ Fiedorowicz
Backups: Ryan Griffin and Jay Prosch

CJ Fiedorowicz will be seen more as a blocker this year as the Texans have other weapons to target in the passing game.

Left Tackle

Starter: Duane Brown
Backups: Chris Clark

Brown narrowly missed a 10-game suspension which would have been a major loss for the Texans. However, they do have a solid backup in Chris Clark who can play on both the left and right side.

Left Guard

Starter: Xavier Su’a-Filo
Backups: Oday Aboushi and Tony Bergstrom

Xavier Su’a-Filo finally started to live up to his potential down the stretch last season. Aboushi and Bergstrom are capable backups.

Center

Starter: Nick Martin
Backup: Tony Bergstrom

Rookie Nick Martin doesn’t face much competition for the starting center position. He had a good college career, but I wasn’t completely sold on him as a prospect. This is someone who is already maxed out as a player.

Right Guard

Starter: Jeff Allen
Backups: Oday Aboushi and Tony Bergstrom

Bringing in Jeff Allen to replace Brandon Brooks was one of the more underrated free-agent additions this offseason. Allen is a versatile player who can line up at guard or tackle.

Right Tackle

Starter: Derek Newton
Backups: Chris Clark and Jeff Adams

The right tackle spot is in great hands with Newton as the starter and Chris Clark and Jeff Adams as potential fill ins.

3-4 Defensive End

Starter: JJ Watt
Backups: Christian Covington, Jeoffery Pagan, Brandon Dunn and Devon Still

JJ Watt is the only one listed as a starter because the Texans prefer to have three cornerbacks on the field the majority of the time. If they want to add some size up front they will bring n Covington, Pagan or Reader.

Nose Tackle

Starter: Vince Wilfork
Backups: DJ Reader and Christian Covington

Wilfork is on the back-end of his career, but Houston drafted his eventual replacement in DJ Reader. The 2-down interior defender doesn’t get much love in the draft process but does play an important role on the field.

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Starters: Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilius
Backups: John Simon and Tony Washington

Health is the biggest question mark at this position. Houston needs a healthy Clowney to complement Mercilius who is emerging as a dangerous pass rusher.

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Inside Linebacker

Starters: Brian Cushing and Benardrick McKinney
Backups: Akeem Dent, Max Bullough and Brian Peters

Benardrick McKinney had his share of downs last year, but he also made a lot of impact plays. He and Cushing make up a strong inside linebacker duo.

Cornerback

Starters: Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson and Kevin Johnson
Backups: Charles James, Robert Nelson and AJ Bouye

Houston likes to have their 3 top cornerbacks on the field for the majority of the game. It allows them to match up well with teams that like to spread them out. However, it also helps that all three starters are committed to supporting the run.

Safety

Starters: Antonio Allen and Quintin Demps
Backups: Eddie Pleasant, KJ Dillon and Andre Hal

The starting safety jobs will be up for grabs during training camp. All the guys listed above are in the running and could begin the season as a starter. Antonio Allen stands out to me because he’s arguably the most talented.

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