Texans Rosterology: Week 1 Training Camp
We are back!
Entering our fourth year, the annual Houston Texans roster will track and monitor players who start the season on the Texans’ 53-man roster.
Kind of like March Madness bracketology, we’ll outline the players we think will make the list and those two are on the sidelines.
This week saw several major training camp updates. Defensive end Jordan Jenkins, undrafted rookie defensive back Tristin McCollum and rookie tight end Teagan Quitoriano all entered training camp on the physically unfit to play (PUP) list. McCollum was my favorite to make the UDFA roster, and now he’ll more likely be a practice squad guy.
Second-round pick John Metchie III’s cancer diagnosis is a blow to the team’s receiving depth and playing ability. We hope and pray for a speedy recovery.
With these developments, wide receiver Chris Moore and defensive end Jerry Hughes move from the “Last Four In” to more certain spots on the roster. Some players are skipping Rosterology altogether.
Note: in bold and italics, recruits.
LAST FOUR IN:
Kendall Sheffield, BC
MJ Stewart, S
Rasheem Green, DE
Johnny Johnson III, WR (note – FA rookie undrafted)
FIRST FOUR RELEASES:
Dare Ogunbowale, RB
Justin McCray, OL
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB
Davion Davis, WR
THE GREATEST AMOUNT:
Mason Schreck, TE, or any TE free agent
BIGGEST BUYER:
Jeff Driskel
Dare Ogunbowale has received praise over the past few days and traded places with Royce Freeman, but is still on the outside. With TE’s limited depth, FB Andy Vanovich’s place on the roster becomes more secure.
If Teagan Quitoriano can’t start the season (PUP) and the news that Antony Auclair was kicked off the pitch yesterday, the tight end position becomes extremely slim.
Davion Davis played one game for the Texans and had one reception before he was injured last season. His roster possibility also skyrockets with Metchie out. But it’s undrafted rookie Johnny Johnson III who goes from First Four Out to First Four In.
McCullum is my heart and soul – the local product could have made an impact in a weak secondary group, but starting training camp on the PUP marks him for a practice squad role.
OFFENSE (24)
QUARTERBACK (2)
Davis Mills, Kyle Allen
ANALYSIS: With multiple injuries across the board, the Texans are removing Jeff Driskel from the roster and bolstering the numbers on the secondary and defensive line. Davis Mills’ reporting was positive but as short-sighted as the majority of his pitches.
RUNNING BACKS (4)
Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead, Dameon Pierce, Andy Janovitch
ANALYSIS: Injuries at the TE post throw Janovich’s blocking needs into total necessity mode. Piece-Burkhead-Mack appears to be a legit timeshare, with all three looking strong to kick off the season.
LARGE RECEIVERS (6)
Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Phillip Dorsett, Chris Conley, Chris Moore, Johnny Johnson III, WR (note – FA rookie undrafted)
ANALYSIS: Last week: “Don’t rule out Johnny Johnson III upsetting several veterans and making the team.” This week? Yes, he will be part of the team. Good reports so far out of camp surrounding Nico Collins.
TIGHT END (3)
Brevin Jordan, Pharaoh Brown, Mason Schreck, TE
ANALYSIS: A tight offense requires tight ends, and with injuries to rookie Teagan Quitoriano and Antony Auclair, this group is on high alert. We can only use players on the roster, which is why Schreck is moving from Shrek to Prince overnight. Expect a free agent signing to happen this week.
OFFENSIVE LINE PLAYER (9)
Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green, Justin Britt, AJ Cann, Tytus Howard, Austin Deculus, Jimmy Morrissey, Max Scharping, Charlie Heck
ANALYSIS: With Britt in-and-out, Morrissey’s place seems more cohesive. Max Scharping would have started while Green ran with the two. Justin McCray could easily be on this team, but going 10 deep on the offensive line is rare.
DEFENSE (26)
DEFENSIVE ENDINGS (5)
Jonathan Greenard, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Mario Addison, Jerry Hughes, Rasheem Green
ANALYSIS: Jordan Jenkins’ injury might not be too much of a concern, but it’s enough to keep him here for now. Veteran Rasheem Green joins in his place. Tons of leadership and praise surrounding Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes.
DEFENSIVE PLATES (4)
Roy Lopez, Maliek Collins, Ross Blacklock, Thomas Booker
ANALYSIS: Fortunately, this group feels relatively stable. No word out of camp surrounding this group and there likely won’t be until the in-game movie airs during pre-season.
LINEBACKERS (6)
Christian Kirksey, Garret Wallow, Christian Harris, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Kevin Pierre-Louis, Neville Hewitt
ANALYSIS: KGH seems to have lingering injuries. Most of the information I’ve heard on defense is the quality of Garret Wallow and the potential of Christian Harris. Can this group come together to raise the whole level of defense?
CORNER BACKS (6)
Derek Stingley Jr. Tremon Smith, Steven Nelson, Desmond King II, Tavierre Thomas, Kendall Sheffield
ANALYSIS: Stingley Jr. was all lllllll the conversation. He should now be ready for Week 1. Kendall Sheffield has experience and could pass or join this group if the Texans want more depth here. He’s included on an injured DE Jordan Jenkins to add depth to a ragtag and nervous crew.
SAFETY (5)
Jalen Pitre, Eric Murray, MJ Stewart, Terrence Brooks, Jonathan Owens
ANALYSIS: The rookie Pitre seems off to a good start. Although it is one of the weakest groups we have. Heard Terrence Brooks looked good on Day 2. No changes here unless an injury occurs next week or a player is added to the roster.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Ka’imi Fairbairn, Jon Weeks, Cameron Johnston
