Texans No-Name Players Who Can Steal A Starting Spot

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Andre Hal (83) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Hal, Defensive Back, 5’10”, 188 Pounds, 23 Years Old

Second-year player Andre Hal must have heard what the team thought about players with size, and while he can’t make himself taller, he can — and has — add more bulk. He added more muscle this offseason and the belief is he will now move from cornerback to safety, and Hal knows he has an opportunity there, if he works for it.

"“I’ve been working out all offseason,” Hal said. “Just trying to get better, trying to get bigger, trying to get faster, so I’m ready.”"

With the team allowing safeties Danieal Manning and Kendrick Lewis to leave via free agency, then releasing D.J. Swearinger, the depth chart in the back of the secondary looks nothing like last season.

Hal will have to compete for time, but his competition has only one proven player in Rahim Moore, recently signed away from the Denver Broncos. Moore is expected to be one starter, and the other currently standing next to him is Stevie Brown.

While unseating Moore is not probable, Brown has really only had one good season in his career, when he intercepted eight passes in 2012. In fact, those are the only interceptions the veteran player has in his NFL life.

Brown missed the 2013 season after his breakout year and looked lost at times during the 2014 campaign. Perhaps Brown regains the form he saw a couple years ago, but if not, look for Hal to do all he can to seize the opportunity in front of him.

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