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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Defensive line

By Randy Gurzi

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans owner Bob McNair greets Texans defensive tackle Brandon Dunn (92) as he leaves the field following the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Houston won 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans owner Bob McNair greets Texans defensive tackle Brandon Dunn (92) as he leaves the field following the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Houston won 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End – Brandon Dunn

Originally a member of the Chicago Bears, the undrafted tackle joined the Texans last season and played in 11 games. He lined up mostly at nose tackle, but at 300 pounds, he may be best suited to try his hand at defensive end.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 300 Pounds
Age: 23
Career Tackles: 10
Career Sacks: 0

The Louisville product recorded seven of his career 10 tackles for the Texans and could have a legitimate shot to start at defensive end if he could beat out Covington and a couple of other guys who could be in the mix.

His advantage as far as earning a roster spot comes back to his experience playing as a nose tackle in the middle of this defense. His versatility could lead him to fulfilling two roles on game day, an invaluable trait.

Season prediction: 10 tackles, 0.5 sack

Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) is tackled by Houston Texans defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan (97) during the first quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) is tackled by Houston Texans defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan (97) during the first quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End – Jeoffrey Pagan

Another young player looking to earn a spot is defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan. A sixth-round selection out of Alabama in 2014, Pagan is still trying to find his way in the NFL.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 310 Pounds
Age: 22
Career Tackles: 11
Career Sacks: 0

Pagan has the perfect size to play in the Texans’ three-man line, and also has experience with it predating his NFL days. Playing for head coach Nick Saban at Alabama, Pagan was able to get several years experience as a lineman in a pro style 3-4 defense before even joining the league.

Season prediction: 15 tackles, 1 sack

Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still (75) against the New York Giants in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still (75) against the New York Giants in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End – Devon Still

Signed to a futures contract after missing the entire 2015 season, defensive lineman Devon Still has the most recognizable name outside of Watt and Wilfork, but a long road to make the team.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 310
Age: 26
Career Tackles: 40
Career Sacks: 0.5

He gained notoriety for his young daughter’s brave fight against cancer, but has yet to live up to his second round status on the field. A year off from the NFL probably won’t help him much as he tries to earn a spot on a new team, while learning a new system.

Season prediction: Cut before 53-man roster is finalized

Next: The rookie class

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