Texans Game day: Reasons to tune in for Preseason Week 3

Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Andre Hal (29) during the game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Hal, SS

Andre Hal is the main challenger to Eddie Pleasant being named the starter, which is a strange thought considering Hal was drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft as a cornerback out of Vanderbilt.

The rookie was thrown into action quite a bit last year as injuries took several corners down at various points of the season. With 21 tackles and four pass deflections, Hal didn’t exactly set the world on fire. What he did manage to do however was prove that the game isn’t too big for him.

During the offseason Hal bulked up as he prepared himself for a change of position, which served him well as the team became incredibly stacked at corner and wound up thin at strong safety after cutting former second round pick D.J. Swearing during the offseason.

Hal has two more preseason games to try and insert himself in to the starting lineup. While he isn’t the same force when it comes to tackling as Pleasant, he does offer up much more in terms of pass coverage.

With his experience as a corner don’t be shocked to see the team ultimately using Pleasant on first and second downs while bringing in the more coverage centric Hal in on third downs. Still, Hal may prove that he is more than capable of handling the position completely with a great showing against the Saints.

Next: How does the quarterback react?