Houston Texans 53-man roster prediction: Offense

The Houston Texans have a diverse set of talented players across multiple positions that have the potential to continue to play great in 2018.

This 53-man Houston Texans roster prediction is more of what I believe will happen rather than what I want to happen. The final preseason game is Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys, and following the completion of that game the offensive roster will finally sort itself out.

Here is a look at the 25 players who will stay on the 53-man roster on the offensive side of the football for the Texans and head coach Bill O’Brien.

Quarterback  (3)

Deshaun Watson, Brandon Weeden, Joe Webb

Watson and Weeden are definitely making the roster. An argument could be made of whether Webb is worth a roster spot with other strong competitions occurring throughout training camp, but Webb’s versatility across the board is valuable and aligns to O’Brien’s coaching philosophies.

Running back (4)

Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin, Troymaine Pope

It is no secret O’Brien loves his running backs. Despite some teams preferring to carry a maximum of three, O’Brien has always liked to carry a diverse set of running backs with specific traits. Some running backs are more diverse in the passing game meanwhile others can contribute on special teams.

Miller is a multipurpose back who can carry the rock, catch the football out of the backfield, line up wide as a receiver or keep the quarterback clean in pass protection. Blue is a bruising, physical running back who can gain short yardage and wear down a defense with his big frame. His ability to play on special teams is also a plus. Ervin and Pope are receiving options that can contribute on special teams.

Fullback (1)

Jay Prosch

Prosch has been with the team since he was drafted in the sixth round in the 2014 NFL Draft and his role hasn’t changed. Prosch is responsible to be a lead blocker for his running back and contribute on special teams. Nothing glamorous, just old fashioned football.

Wide Receivers (5)

DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Braxton Miller, Keke Coutee, Sammie Coates

There are a diverse set of wide receivers that are capable of doing multiple assignments. Hopkins, Fuller and Miller can line up in all three positions at wide receiver. Coutee seems prime to take snaps at slot receiver. Coates is the wildcard in this group, as he offers the ability to return kicks on special teams and serve as the insurance vertical deep threat the Texans lacked in the past. The battle for the fifth and final spot will go down to the wire with Bruce Ellington and Coates. The reasoning with sticking with Coates is that the Texans have enough receivers capable of lining up in the slot, but not enough downfield threats like Fuller.

Tight Ends (3)

Ryan Griffin, Jordan Akins. Jordan Thomas

No surprise in this group, they are taking the most experienced veteran into the regular season in Griffin. Akins and Thomas are both young promising rookies that bring much-needed athleticism to the position.

Offensive Line (9)

Tackles: Julien Davenport, Seantrel Henderson, Martinas Rankin, Kendall Lamm

Guards: Senio Kelemete, Zach Fulton, Kyle Fuller

Centers: Nick Martin, Greg Mancz

There are no big surprises in this group other than Kendall Lamm and Kyle Fuller edging out the competition on the depth chart. Chad Slade has played both guard and offensive tackle throughout the preseason and was with the team in the later part of the season in 2017.

David Quessenberry has played both guard spots and has shown the ability to play tackle in the past. This situation remains fluid and either one of the players listed could sneak into the roster with a good showing against the Cowboys on Thursday night.