Analyzing Houston Texans initial 53 man roster on defense

Houston Texans have their initial 53 man roster in place for the start of the 2019 season.

Defensive line (6)

J.J. Watt, D.J. Reader, Angelo Blackson, Carlos Watkins, Brandon Dunn, Charles Omenihu

The Houston Texans did not have any big surprises from their deep defensive line group with the coaching staff preferring to keep Charles Omenihu over Joel Heath. Texans made an easy decision with money and draft picks tied in the six players they chose to bring into the regular season.

Outside linebackers (4)

Whitney Mercilus, Brennan Scarlett, Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin

Texans had their four outside linebackers for the regular season after they traded their former 2014 first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks for Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin, and a 2020 third-round draft selection. Their depth is not strong with Clowney’s departure and Duke Ejiofor being out for the season with an Achilles injury, so it will be interesting to see the production they get from their recently acquired linebackers.

Inside linebackers (4)

Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole, Peter Kalambayi

Texans are rolling light at inside linebacker than in previous seasons as they have accustomed to bring five into the regular season. Nonetheless, they have a solid core of inside linebackers and could use Brennan Scarlett since he has the versatility to play multiple positions across the defense.

Cornerbacks (7)

Johnathan Joseph, Bradley Roby, Aaron Colvin, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Cornell Armstrong, Keion Crossen, Xavier Crawford

The biggest surprise from the Texans’ defense was going heavy at cornerback for the start of the regular season. Cornell Armstrong and Keion Crossen were late additions to the active roster and will be tasked with contributing on special teams after Johnson Bademosi was part of the trade package to the Miami Dolphins for Laremy Tunsil.

The cornerback position has been a position of weakness in the past season for the Texans and they are making a collective effort to improve for the first game of the season against the New Orleans Saints.

Safety (4)

Justin Reid, Tashaun Gipson, Jahleel Addae, A.J. Moore

The safety position is another one of the positions on defense that is lighter than in previous seasons with the Texans normally carrying five on the roster. Justin Reid and Tashaun Gipson will be the starters with Jahleel Addae and A.J. Moore being next in line in case of injury.

Depending on how the first game pans out, it would not be surprising the Texans add another safety later in the season.