Houston Texans: Preseason depth chart projection

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Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans strong safety Andre Hal (29) intercepts a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety: Andre Hal, K.J. Dillon

With converted cornerback Andre Hal pretty much penciled in at free safety, the battle for strong safety is wide open. Hal was the nickel corner last season, and demonstrated the ball hawking abilities that necessitated a move to the starting lineup. Therefore, he is now a safety.

In 2015 Quintin Demps was the other starting safety for 13 games and played pretty well, especially when considering the fact he was signed during training camp. Yet Demps is only on a one-year deal and the Texans may be looking to go young which is how fifth-round pick K.J. Dillon wound up on this list.

Dillon ran his 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds which showed of his athleticism, but he also stepped up his game when his fellow West Virginia safety Karl Joseph went down hurt. The two were considered one of the best safety duos in the country and Joseph went early in Round 1 to the Oakland Raiders while Dillon slipped quite a bit.

His fall could be a huge gain for the Texans.

must read: Houston Texans: More bad news, J.J. Watt has back surgery

Some of the work on this position group was handled by my friend and colleague Josh McSwain (@JD_mcswain).

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