Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Cornerback

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Johnathan Joseoh, 5’11” 188 Pounds, 31 Years Old

The “old man” of the defensive backfield is Johnathan Joseph, and he is entering the final year of his five-year $48.75 million deal he signed in 2011.

Some Background Info;

Joseph was a first round pick out of South Carolina in 2006 by the Cincinnati Bengals. After spending five seasons in Cincy, he left the team and it didn’t take long for him to believe he made the right decision, as he called the Benglals cheap according to ProFootballTalk.com;

"“In Cincy, the team lives off money it earns from football. Houston’s owner has other business interests and he controls the money. Numerous things that go on such as the way Houston interacts with my family; we’re treated in a first-class way. They helped us when my wife lost our baby daughter in a miscarriage. But they help with anything you ask of them because they are a very caring organization with positive attitudes about its players. In Cincy, we’re told how much Gatorade we could take home. In Houston we get what we request. You get soap and deodorant at your request. You don’t have a roommate on road trips.”"

Joseph has been a solid corner, albeit overpaid. Still he suited up for all 16 games last season and recorded 75 tackles, two interceptions and returned one 60 yards for a touchdown. In his career he has 495 total tackles, 25 interceptions, 129 passes defended and five touchdowns.

What To Expect This Year;

Unless the team decides to offer him a much smaller deal as a third corner and he decides to take it, this should be the last season in Houston for Joseph. Many people believe he could be cut before the season begins, but I think he makes it as he was still effective for Houston last year, and they had to go pretty deep in their depth chart at times in 2014.

Joseph will lose time to rookie Kevin Johnson, but I still expect to see him on the field a lot for Houston as they get their youngster acclimated to the NFL.

Next: The Rookie 1st Round Pick