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Projected starters

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Projected 2015 starters: Houston Texans
Chris Wesseling | Around the NFL
Texans Projected Starters

Offense
QB Ryan Mallett
RB Arian Foster
WR1 DeAndre Hopkins
WR2 Cecil Shorts
WR3 Jaelen Strong
TE1 Garrett Graham
TE2 C.J. Fiedorowicz
LT Duane Brown
G Xavier Su'a-Filo
C Ben Jones
G Brandon Brooks
RT Derek Newton​

Defense
DE J.J. Watt
NT Vince Wilfork
DE Jared Crick
OLB Jadeveon Clowney
ILB Brian Cushing
ILB Benardrick McKinney
OLB Whitney Mercilus
CB1 Johnathan Joseph
CB2 Kareem Jackson
CB3 Kevin Johnson
SS Stevie Brown
FS Rahim Moore​


» Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer will split first-team reps throughout OTAs and ostensibly into training camp. Since Mallett is the younger player with a higher ceiling, we believe Hoyer will have to outplay him to enter Week 1 as the starter. The Texans' brass spent the first couple of months of the offseason showering praise on Mallett, an indication that their preference is for him to beat out Hoyer.

» Veteran wideout Cecil Shorts is the heavy favorite to start opposite DeAndre Hopkins. Rookie Jaelen Strong will compete with Nate Washington and veteran holdovers Damaris Johnson and Keshawn Martin for the No. 3 job. Strong's talent edge should win out as long as he adjusts quickly to Bill O'Brien's offense.

» If Jadeveon Clowney's knee checks out, he will start opposite Whitney Mercilus at outside linebacker, allowing second-round pick Benardrick McKinney to line up on the inside next to Brian Cushing. If Clowney isn't ready to go, it will be interesting to see if McKinney spends time as an edge rusher.

» Former Patriots star Vince Wilfork is an upgrade on the 2014 duo of Ryan Pickett-Jerrell Powe at nose tackle. If Wilfork has one more solid season left in the tank, this could be the best defensive line of the J.J. Watt era.

» Former Giants safety Stevie Brown moves into the starting lineup opposite Rahim Moore following D.J. Swearinger's release.
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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000492375/article/projected-2015-starters-houston-texans
 
Veteran wideout Cecil Shorts is the heavy favorite to start opposite DeAndre Hopkins.
Click to expand...

Who says?

My bet is by the end of the season Strong has more starts than Shorts.

My preference would be Strong on the outside and Shorts at slot. And Demaris at the curb.
 
I think projecting Clowney as a starter is wishful thinking, I just don't see it. I think it's much more likely he misses most or all of the 2015 season. Hope that I'm wrong and very willing to eat crow on this, but I just don't see it happening.

I really want to see what Jalen Strong brings to the team. Can't wait to see the whole Crick, Wilfork, and Watt D-line dynamic going on. I also want to see if Fiedorowicz and XSF make a big jump up in year 2.
 
Wolf6151 said:
I think projecting Clowney as a starter is wishful thinking, I just don't see it. I think it's much more likely he misses most or all of the 2015 season. Hope that I'm wrong and very willing to eat crow on this, but I just don't see it happening.

I really want to see what Jalen Strong brings to the team. Can't wait to see the whole Crick, Wilfork, and Watt D-line dynamic going on. I also want to see if Fiedorowicz and XSF make a big jump up in year 2.
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Considering Fiedorowicz was only targeted 7 times last year I'd have to think he's going to make a huge leap up from that total.
 
Wolf6151 said:
I think projecting Clowney as a starter is wishful thinking, I just don't see it. I think it's much more likely he misses most or all of the 2015 season. Hope that I'm wrong and very willing to eat crow on this, but I just don't see it happening.
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I also have my doubts regarding Clowney's readiness for the opener. I'm not as certain that he'll miss all of 2015, but I doubt he'll be there at the start.
 
The makeup of the receivers we have is as short yardage battlers not deep threats . That in my opinion means Brian Hoyer is more than a little likely to start . Jadeveon Clowney is going to be a third down specialist most likely for his career . I am hoping that Trail is a starter opposite Whitney Mercilus . I do not have faith in Stevie Brown but we will see .:tiphat:
 
JB said:
but not by much right?
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I'm thinking mid-season. I'd have him on a "pitch count" and check for signs of damage on regular intervals.

Edit: I know this should go without saying but I don't want a major relapse. Better to ease him in slow than to rush him back.
 
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ObsiWan said:
I have good thoughts. Its just that my timeline is different than the author's.
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I don't think the author's trying to prognosticate on Clowney's timeline. He clearly qualifies the primary list based on Clowney's health, and acknowledges the possibility that there may need to be an alternate plan.
 
I don't see much there I seriously disagree with.

The Jaelen Strong spot will be a battle.

I expect our OLBs to be Mercilus and either McKinney or Simon. McKinney could start either outside or inside, depending on where they need him most.
 
Training camp can't get here soon enough. I'm really excited to se what OB and RAC do with the new roster. Its going to be interesting, for sure!
 
DocBar said:
Training camp can't get here soon enough. I'm really excited to se what OB and RAC do with the new roster. Its going to be interesting, for sure!
Click to expand...

If there is anything all of us could agree on, that would probably be it.
 
There are definitely a few "wait and see"s. The most glaring would be QB. Imo, the oline will be my primary focus through camp and pre-season. Has X improved enough to earn a starting spot? Is C really Ben Jones' natural position. If the projected starters along the online are as good if not better than last year then I think our offense will be similar to last season. Mallett and Foster's health will determine how much better than last season they can be.

Defensively, OLB will remain a ? until Clowney is able to stay on the field and Mercilus becomes better than average. That said, it's obvious the most worrisome position is safety. I was completely on board with moving on from Swearinger. I knew the position would become a huge weakness. I still think there's time to upgrade before the season begins via roster cutdowns and whatnot. I'm also kinda hoping Lonnie Ballentine steps up to the plate.
 
The defense should be better.

The offense has so many question marks. I do think the offense will be better at RB/WR (More depth) and TE (Couldn't be much worse)

Of course the QB spot will define this season, followed by a healthy OL. (Depth is severely lacking and it looks like BOB is putting a lot of faith in Q making it back and becoming the swing OT.) I'm really interested in seeing Jones at his natural C position and think he will be an upgrade over Myers.

I heard BOB say XSF has been working out all offseason and has greatly improved his core strength, which was what he was really missing last yr. I believe this to be true because the Texans didn't spend capital in the draft/FA on the OL. God forbid Newton regresses or Brown gets hurt or the Texans will struggle even more than last yr on offense.
 
No love for Washington? I have him starting opposite Nuk unless he is in slot. I agree with 'Cak that Strong will end up with more starts than Shorts (whom I do like). On another note, how about "BM" for Benardrick McKinney as he will hit so hard he will make the guy....
 
The Texans struggled in the passing game, but were #5 in rushing and #14 in scoring and #17 in yards per game. And that was with 4 QB's. Consistent QB play - not even all pro level - and this offense will be fine.
 
sandman said:
The Texans struggled in the passing game, but were #5 in rushing and #14 in scoring and #17 in yards per game. And that was with 4 QB's. Consistent QB play - not even all pro level - and this offense will be fine.
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We were #5 in rushing yards due to being #1 in attempts with a meager 3.9 ypc (despite the fact Arian had 4.8 ypc). Our TE's were invisible and through a combination of castoffs we are looking to replace 85 receptions before we even talk about improving to some sort of balanced offense credibility getting up from our 30th rank in passing attempts (from our 4 QBs who were league average for rating). A better than average QB would certainly help, but things are not all peachy.
 
infantrycak said:
We were #5 in rushing yards due to being #1 in attempts with a meager 3.9 ypc (despite the fact Arian had 4.8 ypc). Our TE's were invisible and through a combination of castoffs we are looking to replace 85 receptions before we even talk about improving to some sort of balanced offense credibility getting up from our 30th rank in passing attempts (from our 4 QBs who were league average for rating). A better than average QB would certainly help, but things are not all peachy.
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We're Texan's fans.

Things not being all peachy pretty much goes unsaid.
 
Some people always look on the sour side of life. It seems that this board has a disproportionate percentage from this group who also want everybody else to be as miserable as themselves.

The Texans may win, they may lose, but expecting the worst really takes you out of the FAN category. What is a good word for antithesis of a FANatic? Texans Talk regular?
 
infantrycak said:
We were #5 in rushing yards due to being #1 in attempts with a meager 3.9 ypc (despite the fact Arian had 4.8 ypc). Our TE's were invisible and through a combination of castoffs we are looking to replace 85 receptions before we even talk about improving to some sort of balanced offense credibility getting up from our 30th rank in passing attempts (from our 4 QBs who were league average for rating). A better than average QB would certainly help, but things are not all peachy.
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Let's call that 3.9 YPC for what it was: Alfred Blue. The number jumps to 4.3 YPC when you remove his numbers. There was not a problem with the overall running game. There was a problem with Alfred Blue. I would like to think they have addressed that somewhat already this off season with draft picks and acquisitions.

TE's were definitely not utilized this last year, but not because they were not proven NFL talent. Graham is a more than capable receiver. He was a 50/500/5 guy in 2013 despite missing two games.

Shorts III has yet to play a full season and still averages 60/775. Washington has averaged 50/770 over the last three years. Even though a rookie, Strong in college averaged 80/1150 and was universally accepted as a draft steal.

The problem is not going to be with lack of receiving talent. The problem was with how they were utilized last year. Either as a game plan from OB or by the QB's only focusing on AJ/Nuk last year. Almost 70% of the targets last season went to AJ, Nuk or Foster. The passing game not only took a back back back seat to the running game, but it was also entirely predictable. Probably because of the QB talent.

This offense this year is legitimately 3 deep at WR with Nuk, Shorts and Strong. Then you have DJ and Washington for spread formations. Graham can catch downfield and Griffin in 2013 was great at finding the sticks with 14/19 receptions being first downs.

Just get a QB to get them the ball. And a coach that will game plan for it. The talent is there.
 
sandman said:
Let's call that 3.9 YPC for what it was: Alfred Blue. The number jumps to 4.3 YPC when you remove his numbers. There was not a problem with the overall running game. There was a problem with Alfred Blue. I would like to think they have addressed that somewhat already this off season with draft picks and acquisitions.

TE's were definitely not utilized this last year, but not because they were not proven NFL talent. Graham is a more than capable receiver. He was a 50/500/5 guy in 2013 despite missing two games.

Shorts III has yet to play a full season and still averages 60/775. Washington has averaged 50/770 over the last three years. Even though a rookie, Strong in college averaged 80/1150 and was universally accepted as a draft steal.

The problem is not going to be with lack of receiving talent. The problem was with how they were utilized last year. Either as a game plan from OB or by the QB's only focusing on AJ/Nuk last year. Almost 70% of the targets last season went to AJ, Nuk or Foster. The passing game not only took a back back back seat to the running game, but it was also entirely predictable. Probably because of the QB talent.

This offense this year is legitimately 3 deep at WR with Nuk, Shorts and Strong. Then you have DJ and Washington for spread formations. Graham can catch downfield and Griffin in 2013 was great at finding the sticks with 14/19 receptions being first downs.

Just get a QB to get them the ball. And a coach that will game plan for it. The talent is there.
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I agree with you on the QB play leading to a conservative offense.

Jayson Braddock and I disagree with you about Strong being a steal. Hopefully I'm wrong and Strong turns into another version of Nuk.
 
Houston Texans starting lineup projection
Tania Ganguli

The Houston Texans open training camp on July 31 at Methodist Training Center in Houston. Here is a projection of what their starting lineup could be at the beginning of the season.

Offense

Quarterback (Brian Hoyer): The competition between Hoyer and Ryan Mallett is still active and will likely be determined early in training camp.

Left tackle (Duane Brown): The Texans have high expectations for the two-time Pro Bowl player who is entering his eighth NFL season. Last season marked the fourth time Brown has gone an entire season without being called for holding.

Left guard (Xavier Su'a-Filo): After being used in various places during his rookie season, the 33rd overall pick of the 2014 draft is now focusing on becoming the Texans' starting left guard.

Center (Ben Jones): Jones was drafted for this role in 2012, but waited behind veteran Chris Myers until this season.

Right guard (Brandon Brooks): Brooks has solidified himself as one of the league's better guards and Texans coach Bill O'Brien has been impressed with his conditioning this year.

Right tackle (Derek Newton): Once everyone's favorite punching bag, Newton now provides stability and versatility to the Texans' offensive line. He signed a five-year, $26.5 million deal this offseason.

Running back (Arian Foster): As he approaches age 30, the Texans recognize the need to manage Foster's workload, but still expect a heavy dose of the running back who is elite when healthy.

Wide receiver (DeAndre Hopkins):Hopkins is coming off his first 1,000-yard season and will enter a new spotlight with Andre Johnson's departure.

Wide receiver (Nate Washington):Washington hasn't missed a game since 2005 and is one of four NFL players to have a touchdown catch of 70 yards of more in each of the past three seasons.

Wide receiver (Cecil Shorts): After four seasons with the Jaguars, Shorts signed with the Texans in free agency and can play both inside and outside.

Tight end (Garrett Graham): Graham had a high ankle sprain late last season and is looking for an increase in production in 2015.

Defense

Defensive end (J.J. Watt): Watt is the only player since 2000 to have 40 or more quarterback hits in a single season. He has done it three times.

Defensive tackle (Vince Wilfork): After 11 seasons with the New England Patriots, bookended by two Super Bowl championships, Wilfork enters a new chapter.

Defensive end (Jared Crick):Overshadowed by the superstar across from him, Crick had a career-high 56 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season.

Outside linebacker (Jadeveon Clowney):Clowney's recovery from microfracture surgery has gone well this offseason with team doctor Walt Lowe telling Forbes.com he looks "spectacular."

Inside linebacker (Brian Cushing): When he had the first of two significant knee injuries back in 2012, Cushing was the Texans' best defensive player. Now entering a season truly healthy for the first time since then, he'll be a significant boon to the Texans' defense.

Inside linebacker (Mike Mohamed):Mohamed goes into his third season with the Texans and will be pushed by second-round pick Benardrick McKinneyfor this starting spot.

Outside linebacker (Whitney Mercilus):Coming to the end of his rookie contract, Mercilus signed a four-year deal worth $26 million this summer.

Cornerback (Johnathan Joseph): A three-year extension aims to keep Joseph with the Texans for the rest of his career. He had 75 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last season, all of which set or tied single-season career highs.

Safety (Rahim Moore): After four seasons with the Denver Broncos, Moore takes over as a Texans starter.

Safety (Stevie Brown): Brown has a similar skill set to Moore, so the Texans could go for variety at this position. Brown has the most starting experience of the safeties other than Moore.

Cornerback (Kareem Jackson): Jackson was part of a cornerback spending spree by the Texans this offseason when they signed him to a four-year, $34 million deal. It was Jackson's reward for becoming one of the league's most dependable cornerbacks after a rocky beginning to his NFL career.

Specialists

Punter (Shane Lechler): Lechler set a team record with a 71-yard punt last season. Since 1991 he leads all punters in punts of 70 yards or longer, with 12.

Kicker (Randy Bullock): Bullock made 30 of 35 field goal attempts (two of them were blocked) and all of his extra point attempts last season.

Long-snapper (Jon Weeks): Weeks has been dependable for the Texans at long-snapper since signing in 2010.​
 
Has Brandon Brooks "really" solidified himself as "league's better guards"?

I know he's a fan favorite, but he's usually invisible to me on game day. Yeah, invisible is a good thing for an offensive lineman... especially in the passing game. But he doesn't standout... not that I've noticed, in the run game either.

I think he's a solid player. I doubt an upgrade could be found easily or cheap. But one of the league's better guards? I'm not seeing it.
 
thunderkyss said:
Has Brandon Brooks "really" solidified himself as "league's better guards"?

I know he's a fan favorite, but he's usually invisible to me on game day. Yeah, invisible is a good thing for an offensive lineman... especially in the passing game. But he doesn't standout... not that I've noticed, in the run game either.

I think he's a solid player. I doubt an upgrade could be found easily or cheap. But one of the league's better guards? I'm not seeing it.
Click to expand...

I know PFF is not the end all for rankings, but Brooks did rank 8th amongst ALL guards for 2014; and ranked 4th among Right Guards behind Yanda, Lang, and Martin. All he reports that I have read on him is the ceiling on him is very high as he keeps getting better every year. Contract year for him, hoping they can extend him before the season starts.
 
The same as last year except the top rookies we need them in the lineup and productive asap on defense. A healthy Clowney may not be in the cards this year and with this injury I am not expecting him to start the season on the active roster. I could see PUP to start out and maybe a month or so in he starts to get a certain number of snaps per game.

We need Strong and XSF to win their positions too. I would have no problem having young players the lineup if they win the job. I don't want to see what we have in the past and just putting them out there because they were drafted high.





Things to look at going into camp

1. The play of whomever starts at LG/C
2. WR/TE Its important for someone to step up for the loss of Johnson and the sooner its Strong the better. If we are depending on Shorts and Washington to make plays we are in deep trouble.
3. I hope by the 3rd pre season game we have announced a starting QB, I would like to see that person play the majority of that game to get as many game reps as possible going into week 1.

Now my honest opinion of this year is we look improved on defense but we have a lot of question marks on offense and we have to prove we can put points on the board before we can start even thinking winning season/playoff birth. If we are looking at things on paper I just don't see us with enough firepower to compete with the Colts, because no matter how good the defense might be if they are on the field too much they are bound to give up some plays eventually.
 
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thunderkyss said:
Has Brandon Brooks "really" solidified himself as "league's better guards"?

I know he's a fan favorite, but he's usually invisible to me on game day. Yeah, invisible is a good thing for an offensive lineman... especially in the passing game. But he doesn't standout... not that I've noticed, in the run game either.

I think he's a solid player. I doubt an upgrade could be found easily or cheap. But one of the league's better guards? I'm not seeing it.
Click to expand...

I watch the line more than I should, and yeah - he's noticeably stout. His reputation is earned. I have HUUUGE concerns for him this year though. Even as still a hatchling, Brooks is physically near perfect. There are always technique improvements to be made, but he's got great footwork and hands and awesome strength. His biggest issue is still his reads. Not entirely his fault because he's asked to do too much too often, but now he's losing his 'Brad Ausmus' at center to coordinate his assignment. I was never a fan of Myers because he was so protected in Kubiak's scheme, but we're about to see if the grass is really greener. Jones may be a better talent, but we stand a very real chance of our guards falling apart beside him.
 
At this point, IDK or care who starts. All I want is football! Thank the Lord only 6 more days till camp starts. Football Famine is about to end.
 
Mini Q&A from JB on Twitter, reads bottom-to-top... questions in blue. (So question is below the answer)


Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock
Intrigued by Reshard Cliett. Wasn't healthy after the draft & haven't been able to see him. Curious if he can play Telvin Smith type role

At some point McKinney. His growth & development vs pass is key. Mohamed & Max will factor in the mix too.

@JaysonBraddock your starter @ the other ILB next to Cushing?

Watt / Wilfork
Cushing / Clowney
Kareem / Rahim & Kevin Johnson will be the best CB Houston has ever had.

@JaysonBraddock I love Your work but 2 at each level. Come on Braddock.

7 TDs - 1 INT in first 5 games.

Managed offense to a 6-3 record w/ no WR or TE in first 9 games.

@JaysonBraddock Completed above 60% of passes just once in the fist 6 weeks. Only did so 4 times all season. His "good start" is overstated.

My eyes plus his words.

@JaysonBraddock what makes you think Cushing is healthy.

Stevie Brown is a good get. Lonnie Ballentine fits what OB wants size / speed. Andre Hal playing SS too.

@JaysonBraddock Thoughts on the lack of depth in the SS position? Anyone who could come out and surprise?

You look to have 1 great player at each level of the defense.

Texans have at least 2 at each level.

@JaysonBraddock alot of question marks on that defense to answer before we use that special word.

What's you ? mark on the D.

Best Defensive player
Wilfork at NT
Cushing finally healthy
Stellar DB group

@JaysonBraddock alot of question marks on that defense to answer before we use that special word.

Top 3 WRs fit the offense. Hopkins ready to lead. Fiedorowicz will be sophomore stud. Arian is big difference maker

Not run a lot of 21 / 22 personnel. OB is smart, changes scheme to attack individual opponent

@JaysonBraddock What do the Texans do if Prosch gets injured?

Hoyer was having a very good season with the Browns until they lost C Alex Mack. What OB envisions w/ Texans

@JaysonBraddock I'm aware he was with the Browns but still more INT's that TD's isn't that alarming enough? Mallets ceiling is way higher

Not right now. They guy who loses between Hoyer / Mallett will be the backup.

@JaysonBraddock as of now how much of a threat is Tom Savage for the number 2 job in your opinion. I think he's gonna shock a lot of ppl

OB splits the practice into "mirror" drills. Has same plays / units going on simultaneously. Savage gets reps

3 pro-style QBs should come out in 2016 draft. Several options. Haven't evaluated them.

@JaysonBraddock Is the dream scenario for OB to land Hackenberg in the draft?

The defense in Houston is special. Don't know any other way to put it. They are a special group.

@JaysonBraddock another 8-8 season I'm predicting.

Both played in this offense. Both struggle w/ accuracy at times.
@JaysonBraddock in your eyes what has hoyer ahead? accuracy? grasp of offense?

Savage was handpicked by the HC. If Mallett / Hoyer struggle, Savage will get a look later on.

Mallett opens the offense up more & stretches the field. Ryan has insane anticipation on these routes / velocity.

@JaysonBraddock you like Hoyer as a quarterback?

He fits what OB & the organization keeps defining as what they need. Capable passer that plays within the offense.

@JaysonBraddock you like Hoyer as a quarterback?


Smart move is after the 3rd preseason game but just a guess, I think OB names him after Broncos game.

@JaysonBraddock when do you think the starter will be named? Early camp? After Redskins practice or even after 1st preseason game?


It is. OB wants Hoyer to win the job. Mallett will have to clearly outshine him.

@JaysonBraddock is it Hoyer's job to lose or do you think it's still open?

Starting the discussion off with the Texans QBs:

Ryan Mallett
Brian Hoyer
Tom Savage​
 
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