QB: B+. For the first time in Texans history, we have real depth at the QB position (as opposed to 07'/08' Schaub vs Rosencopter "depth"). For back-up QB, Keenum has the arm and intangibles to succeed in the NFL and either at 2nd or 3rd string for 2013, he will be groomed to inherit this offense one day. TJ looks solid, in that veteran backup sort of way...which is likely all he will be here.
RB: B-. I wasn't too impressed with Johnson or Karim (why was Kubiak so high on this guy again?). Wood on the other hand is a beast in the making and belongs on the roster. Tate looks as I would expect, which is underpaid.
WR: A-. Between Hopkins and Posey, Schaub has everything he needs to get the job done. I know it's just preseason, but WR looks like a huge bullet dodged going into the regular season.
TE: A-. Solid, solid, solid. I doubt Casey will be missed much.
OL: C+. Left side, good. Right side, bad. Derek Newton needs something, like replaced as soon as possible...lest we see more of Keenum/Yates this season than we really wanted. Quessenberry is a pleasant surprise.
Defense:
DL: A+. Earl Mitchell came into the preseason hungry and showed that he can be very dangerous. It's almost funny to think that he used to back up Cody - huge improvement there. Add in the Ninja and Watt and our d-line is something to be feared this season.
LB: C+. I'm going to be optimistic and say that once the season gets started Cushing and Reed will shine and bring up the game of Mercilus and Sharpton in the process. (Sharpton right? Please tell me we don't plan on Mays starting opening day). If not, it could be a long year.
DB: D+. KJ was a bright spot, but I'm worried. JJo looks like he's half-assing while Harris, McCain, and Carmichael (to a lesser degree, granted) all look as they typically do: mediocre. CB is definitely the weak link in our defensive chain.
S: C+. Someone on here wrote that Swearinger was like a Bernard Pollard who actually had coverage value and I agree. With a mentor like Ed Reed on the sideline, this kid could be something special (as opposed to Keo, who is just 'special'). Speaking of Ed Reed, does something here smell vaguely of Ahman Green or is that just me?
Special Teams: B-.
K/P. Bullock and Lechler look great, as expected.
The rest: Thank god Lechler and Bullock look great.
