Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Cornerback

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Bouye, 6′ 191 Pounds, 23 Years Old

Why do I think paying more than $8 million for a corner who got three interceptions is a bad idea? Because A.J. Bouye was undrafted out of Central Florida in 2013 and by 2014 he started six games and had three interceptions.

Some Background Info;

The Dallas born UCF player made the Texans roster in 2013 and finished with two tackles in six games. In 2014 injures brought him onto the field more than expected, but he rose to the occasion.

Bouye finished the year with 59 tackles, ten deflected passes, one forced fumble and three picks including one returned for a 67 yard touchdown.

What To Expect This Year;

If the team does decide to move on from Johnathan Joseph, Bouye will be the reason. He has shown a lot of promise in his short amount of time in the league and can be a third corner if needed.

His season will depend completely on what the team decides to do with JJ. If he is gone, look for A.J. to finish with similar stats from 2014. If they stick with the veteran, Bouye will most likely be a special teams player who only sees the field when there is an injury.

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) catches a touchdown pass past Houston Texans defensive back Andre Hal (29) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Hal, 5’10” 188 Pounds, 22 Years Old

Andre Hal was a solid corner and return man for the Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC during his college years, and the Texans made him their seventh round selection in 2014.

Some Background Info;

Not only did he make the roster, which isn’t a given for a player picked in the final round of the draft, but he wound up suiting up for 14 games for the Texans in 2014. He recorded 21 tackles and knocked down four passes.

Although he recorded no pass interceptions, he showed that he has a chance to make it in this league. He has that “edge” to him that a corner needs, and this was noticed by scouts according to his NFL.com Draft Profile from last year;

"Adequate-sized, pesky corner lacking desirable length and physicality to survive outside. Has competitive makeup for the position to vie for a No. 4 or No. 5 corner spot. – -Nolan Nawrocki"

What To Expect This Year;

Hal has more competition this year with the arrival of Johnson, and his time on the field is tied to Joseph, just like Bouye’s is. If Joseph is on the team, Hal would most likely be a player who doesn’t suit up on game days unless an injury occurs. Without Joseph, Hal is a fourth corner who specializes on the coverage units while he hones his skills for the future.

Next: Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Inside Linebacker