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2018 TRAINING CAMP

Bouye was the best defensive player and arguably the MVP of the 2016 team.

He probably would have helped quite a bit last year, but with the injuries and terrible coaching last year was doomed anyway.
 
Bouye was the best defensive player and arguably the MVP of the 2016 team.

He probably would have helped quite a bit last year, but with the injuries and terrible coaching last year was doomed anyway.
 
Houston Texans Roster Prediction Version 3.0 http://www.stateofthetexans.com/blog/2018/08/27/houston-texans-roster-prediction-version-3-0/…

QB Deshaun Watson, Brandon Weeden, Joe Webb

This group stays the same and Joe Webb keeps his spot. Webb has shown to be able to help at quarterback and special teams but he can help out the wide receiver group in a pinch if need be. The veteran quarterback has a chance to be active every week of the season.


RB Lamar Miller, Troymaine Pope, Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin, Jay Prosch

Change: Jay Prosch (IN)

The more we think about it, Bill O’Brien is not going without a fullback back despite his best efforts to use tight ends to fill that void so Jay Prosch is back in. D’Onta Foreman’s status is still up in the air and it will be known soon enough where he sits health wise when rosters are due. Tyler Ervin has been quiet all preseason but the Texans value his return skills, being a 3rd down back and ability to play out of the slot.



TE Ryan Griffin, Jordan Thomas, Jordan Akins

Same group since the start of roster predictions.


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

Change: Bruce Ellington (Out)

Bruce Ellington is removed from the roster due to numbers in other places, they have to have numbers in other places of the roster. Keke Coutee has to play catchup in a hurry plus he was the starter when OTAs and camp started. Sure he has missed time but if he is healthy he will cut into Ellington’s time on the field. If that is the case, it is just better to move on to Coutee with Braxton Miller as the back up slot. Will Fuller is on the mend but the bigger thing is that Joe Webb can fill in a pinch at wide receiver for this group.


OT Seantreal Henderson, Julién Davenport, Chad Slade, Martinas Rankin

OG Zach Fulton, Senio Kelemete, Greg Mancz, David Quessenberry

CNick Martin

Change: David Quessenberry (In), Kyle Fuller (Out)

David Quessenberry has done plenty to solid his spot on the offensive line and even played both guard positions this last preseason game. Greg Mancz remains the back up center while Chade Slade can help at both guard and tackle. Martinas Rankin is back and healthy and showed his versatility to play both tackle and guard. Rankin needs work to understand the offense and the speed of the NFL game but it was a decent showing and the swing tackle for now.


Specialty

Jon Weeks, Ka’imi Fairbairn, Shane Lechler

As much as Trevor Daniel has done to threaten Shane Lechler for his job, it is hard to think that the change it coming. Still, to this point, anything is possible.


Defense

NT D.J. Reader, Brandon Dunn

DL J.J. Watt, Christian Covington, Angelo Blackson, Carlos Watkins

Joel Heath remains the best option to jump into this group but this is a good issue for the defense to have this type of depth. Maybe the Texans look to trade someone not named J.J. Watt, Christian Covington, D.J. Reader or Brandon Dunn. With teams searching to fill their rosters, maybe there is a deal out there for the Texans they would like. They don’t lose value for players that could be lost for nothing if waived.


OLB Whitney Mercilus, Jadeveon Clowney, Brennan Scarlett, Duke Ejiofor

Same group from the start and one of the stronger position groups for the Texans.


ILB Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole, Josh Keyes, Brian Peters

Change: Kennan Gilchrist (Out)

Ben Heeney returned and the Texans put him back on the field to see how he worked both defensively and on special teams. Heeney is a threat to unseat Josh Keyes at the linebacker spot and give them a similar group to last season.


CB Johnathan Joseph, Kevin Johnson, Aaron Colvin, Johnson Bademosi, Kayvon Webster

Change: Dee Virgin (Out)

The Texans signed Kayvon Webster and it is not to fight for a roster spot either. Webster will be used as depth behind the top three cornerbacks and help on special teams. Coming off an achilles injury from last year, Webster had a successful workout to land a contract. The addition of Webster pushes out Dee Virgin but even more importantly is what the team decides to do with rookie Andre Chachere. Chachere has had a strong preseason and camp showing he can help both on the inside and outside of the defense.


S Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson, Justin Reid, Kurtis Drummond, Corey Moore

Change: Treston Decoud (Out), Corey Moore (In)

It is hard to feel good about Treston Decoud and if he sticks long term on the roster. Both Kurtis Drummond and Corey Moore have had better camps and preseasons than the younger Decoud.
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zshawn10 said:
Houston Texans Roster Prediction Version 3.0 http://www.stateofthetexans.com/blog/2018/08/27/houston-texans-roster-prediction-version-3-0/…
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Can't see Ellington being cut...he's only become more of a factor since he got here & I think the preseason has shown that he & Watson have great repoire. Miller or Coates are gone imo.

Also don't see Pope making the roster. Fans hoped on the Pope bandwagon after his performance in the 1st preseason game..he's shown nothing since. He's also journeyman who's been cut by 3 other teams prior...he's just not as special as some here believe & I don't believe they're ready to give up on Foreman just yet.
 
Mr teX said:
Can't see Ellington being cut...he's only become more of a factor since he got here & I think the preseason has shown that he & Watson have great repoire. Miller or Coates are gone imo.

Also don't see Pope making the roster. Fans hoped on the Pope bandwagon after his performance in the 1st preseason game..he's shown nothing since. He's also journeyman who's been cut by 3 other teams prior...he's just not as special as some here believe & I don't believe they're ready to give up on Foreman just yet.
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I think pope will stat unless they pick up another roster cut. I dont think they are giving up on Foreman but he will start the year on PUP, so you need another back for at least the first 6 games
 
The big surprise there is Ellington. He's not only an adept WR, he can help in the return game. I don't see it myself.

If they only keep 5, I think it's comes down to Miller or Coates and it's a close contest. In cases like that, I generally favor the drafted player as the one staying, so if it's 5, I see Coates being released.

However, I personally feel they will try to find a way to keep 6. Several of these guys have injury history and you can't have too much depth. I could be wrong, but that's how I see it.

I see the two UDFA's (Weah, Smith) as both making the PS and either could be called up if injury befalls the position again.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:


Don't think I like this.........seems like our receivers would better benefit by learning how to catch all their passes with TWO hands.
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Ha, I agree. I don't understand why so many WRs (not just Texans) practice it when they'll do it only rarely if at all in a real game.

Some player is gonna be wide open and drop the ball because he'll try a one hander.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:


Don't think I like this.........seems like our receivers would better benefit by learning how to catch all their passes with TWO hands.
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TheKDog said:
Ha, I agree. I don't understand why so many WRs (not just Texans) practice it when they'll do it only rarely if at all in a real game.

Some player is gonna be wide open and drop the ball because he'll try a one hander.
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I am going with the safe assumption that this is a very small supplement to practicing standard two hand catching. The coaching staff didn't go "no need to catch two handed, just be cool and catch everything with one hand." There are times when the position of the ball, defender, and receiver all dictate a one handed attempt. Guessing one-handed catch practice might be at best 10% of total practice time.
 
ArlingtonTexan said:
I am going with the safe assumption that this is a very small supplement to practicing standard two hand catching. The coaching staff didn't go "no need to catch two handed, just be cool and catch everything with one hand." There are times when the position of the ball, defender, and receiver all dictate a one handed attempt. Guessing one-handed catch practice might be at best 10% of total practice time.
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Less than 10% I'd say.

And yeah...If the situation might come up in a game...why not practice it?
 
Hell, I'd be hoping they practice every possible scenario you can think of. Hard to understand why that's a negative but what ever!
 
Porky said:
Hell, I'd be hoping they practice every possible scenario you can think of. Hard to understand why that's a negative but what ever!
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Every team practices situational ball..The patriots over the last umpteen years with Belichick have took it to the next level..................which is one of the few reasons why they've been so great.

So if Nuk wants to spend 10% of his practice time working on 1-handed catching for those 1 in 20 throws he'll have to make that 1-handed attempt, let him.
 
Anyone think Ervin makes the roster?

I think the decision will come down to 2 of Ervin Miller and Ellington, I think Ervin doesn't make it.
 
Mr teX said:
Every team practices situational ball..The patriots over the last umpteen years with Belichick have took it to the next level..................which is one of the few reasons why they've been so great.

So if Nuk wants to spend 10% of his practice time working on 1-handed catching for those 1 in 20 throws he'll have to make that 1-handed attempt, let him.
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I have no problem with Nuk practicing 1-handed. In my opinion, some of our receivers who already have problems with drops with 2 hands, don't need to be distracted by having options.
 
kiwitexansfan said:
Anyone think Ervin makes the roster?

I think the decision will come down to 2 of Ervin Miller and Ellington, I think Ervin doesn't make it.
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Between those choices, I’d agree. Tyler Ervin isn’t a good RB or returner. He’s JAG w a little speed.
 
Ervin hasn't done anything noteworthy since he was drafted.

Time to cut bait.

Disagree on getting rid of Braxton. He's flashed and I'd give him one more year to show he's progressed. He's under team control for cheap for this year and next...Ellington is on a one year deal so no telling what happens with him after this year.

I'd prefer to keep 6 WR's with the usual suspects making the roster. But if we keep 5 I'd have to bite the bullet and let Coates go.
 
Barshop roster projections

QUARTERBACK (2): Deshaun Watson, Brandon Weeden

It’s tempting to keep Joe Webb on the roster, because he can also contribute on special teams. But if there is an injury to either of the Texans’ top two quarterbacks, Webb could still be available. He isn’t a player who will win you many games, despite the fact he has a similar style of play to Watson.

RUNNINGBACK (4): Lamar Miller, D’Onta Foreman, Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin

Miller reported to camp leaner and quicker and hoping to rebound from his career-worst performance in 2017. Foreman is still recovering from a torn Achilles and is on the physically unable to perform list. If the Texans think he’s close to game action, they could let him take up a roster spot so he doesn’t have to miss the six games required if he were to start the season on the PUP list. If he does, Troymaine Pope, who impressed in training camp but faces an uphill battle to make the final 53, could take his spot. Houston could also keep Pope instead of Ervin, but the team sees the latter as having potential in the passing game.

FULLBACK (1): Jay Prosch

It will be interesting to see whether coach Bill O’Brien wants to keep a fullback this season. Prosch likely makes the team because he plays a role on special teams and is in the first season of a three-year extension that was signed a year ago.

WIDERECEIVER (6): DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Bruce Ellington, Braxton Miller, Keke Coutee, Sammie Coates

The Texans’ receiving corps is stronger than the group was a year ago at this point, especially with a healthy Fuller. Coutee missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury, but now that he is back, he should get opportunities in the slot. Houston will have too tough a time parting with Miller, who O’Brien has praised throughout training camp and was a third-round pick two years ago.

TIGHTEND (3): Ryan Griffin, Jordan Akins, Jordan Thomas

With the retirement of C.J. Fiedorowicz, Griffin will be the starting tight end and will be even more involved in the passing game. Houston drafted two tight ends — Akins (third round), who is expected to be more of a receiving threat, and Thomas (sixth round), whom the Texans want to develop into a blocking tight end. The Texans won’t keep four tight ends, so it will come down to Stephen Anderson and Thomas. GM Brian Gaine spoke highly of Thomas’ potential and size, and with Griffin and Akins adept in the passing game, the Texans will hope Thomas becomes a capable blocker.

OFFENSIVELINE (8): Julién Davenport, Senio Kelemete, Nick Martin, Zach Fulton, Seantrel Henderson, Martinas Rankin, Kyle Fuller, Greg Mancz

The Texans are hoping that the revamped offensive line can be a lot better than the group that allowed 54 sacks (the second-most in the NFL) last season. Houston likely has four new starters: Davenport (LT), Kelemete (LG), Fulton (RG) and Henderson (RT). Rankin, a third-round pick, missed most of training camp on the PUP list, but will likely back up both tackle positions.

DEFENSIVELINE (6): J.J. Watt, D.J. Reader, Christian Covington, Brandon Dunn, Joel Heath, Carlos Watkins

Watt (if he can stay healthy) and Reader are two strong players up front. Angelo Blackson is another option and could replace Heath.

LINEBACKER (10): Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole, Brennan Scarlett, Duke Ejiofor, Peter Kalambayi, Brian Peters, Josh Keyes

If players on this unit can stay healthy, the Texans have an especially talented group at linebacker, headlined by Clowney, Mercilus, McKinney and Cunningham, who had an impressive rookie season. The position group was thin at the end of last season because of injuries, but adding Ejiofor and Kalambayi in the draft will help round out the group. Keyes is not a lock to make the roster, but could make the cut because of his special teams play.

SECONDARY (10): Johnathan Joseph, Aaron Colvin, Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson, Kevin Johnson, Justin Reid, Johnson Bademosi, Kayvon Webster, Corey Moore, Treston Decoud

By moving Jackson to safety, the Texans are hoping that Johnson, their 2015 first-round pick who has struggled since he was drafted, can stay healthy and have a productive season. The Texans don’t have a ton of depth in the secondary, but they did improve the unit by signing Mathieu and drafting Reid this offseason. Bademosi was brought in to improve the team’s subpar special teams, but right now is the Texans’ fourth corner.

SPECIALIST (3): K Ka’imi Fairbairn, P Shane Lechler, LS Jon Weeks

The Texans signed kicker Nick Rose while Fairbairn is sidelined, but once Fairbairn returns, he should retain his job. The Texans’ special teams unit should look the same as last season.
Click to expand...
 
xtruroyaltyx said:
Ervin hasn't done anything noteworthy since he was drafted.

Time to cut bait.

Disagree on getting rid of Braxton. He's flashed and I'd give him one more year to show he's progressed. He's under team control for cheap for this year and next...Ellington is on a one year deal so no telling what happens with him after this year.

I'd prefer to keep 6 WR's with the usual suspects making the roster. But if we keep 5 I'd have to bite the bullet and let Coates go.
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I kind of want to keep Vyncint Smith over Coates. He has flashed big play ability and has a lot of potential that would be tough to hide on the practice squad.
 
On the radio earlier they were talking about WR and they said a lot of people close to the team feel like its Braxton vs. Ellington to make the roster and that Ellington isn't a lock. FWIW
 
xtruroyaltyx said:
On the radio earlier they were talking about WR and they said a lot of people close to the team feel like its Braxton vs. Ellington to make the roster and that Ellington isn't a lock. FWIW
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Ellington was a FA acquisition right, while Braxton was drafted in the third round. If it's that close, I figure the Draft is the tie-breaker.
 
disaacks3 said:
I hope they're wrong. Ellington has shown ability to be that go-to guy.
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santo said:
Ellington has shown more production than Miller in actual games.
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DBCooper said:
I’d go with Ellington
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PapaL said:
Ellington has not only looked 1000x better but has actually produced when given a chance.
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When I see posts like these (that I agree with) I can’t help but think the team is going to go in the other direction.

But Gaine is at the helm so things could be different.
 
steelbtexan said:
I would cut Webb and keep Coates. It's not like they can't sign Webb off of the street if Watson gets hurt. If you're depending on Webb to play qb you're screwed.
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I'd rather have Vyncint Smith than Coates. I doubt the team can hide him on the practice squad and don't want to risk losing someone with his upside even if he's not a day 1 contributor. Coates can be a solid player but has yet to put it together and is now on his 3rd NFL team... sky is the limit for Vyncint Smith and he has already flashed his big play ability in preseason.
 
TexansBull said:
When I see posts like these (that I agree with) I can’t help but think the team is going to go in the other direction.

But Gaine is at the helm so things could be different.
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I just miss the confidence this board overall has in Ellington. Before his 29 catch 'breakout" with the Texans he was either injured or disappointing. He filled in okay last year, with the "filled-in" being the operative word.
 
amazing80 said:
It's best to cut a player 1 year early than to keep him 1 year too late. If Daniel is good and could be our future punter, you have to keep him and try to trade Lechler, otherwise, you cut him. It's the best interest of the team
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This is exactly what I've been thinking
 
Ellington comes through when the chips are down. B. Miller has not shown that he can deliver under pressure.
 
texanhead08 said:
Ellington seems to have good chemistry with Watson too because he's made some big plays catching passes from Deshawn.
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He had like 12 catches in 6 games with Watson starting...nothing that indicates special chemistry for me.
DBCooper said:
And Braxton is better?
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Braxton is actually on the Ellington career path. Injuries and disappointing performance from a mid-round WR, likely to be cut by the time that drafted him. Braxton is just as capable (if healthy) of going 29 catches with a couple nice plays as Ellington. Ellington is a true replacement level slot WR. Most teams in the league has some version of him.

Just to note: I am fine with the Texans keeping Ellington..i.e. every team has and usually needs "just another guy" in certain spots. It is called depth.
 
ArlingtonTexan said:
He had like 12 catches in 6 games with Watson starting...nothing that indicates special chemistry for me.


Braxton is actually on the Ellington career path. Injuries and disappointing performance from a mid-round WR, likely to be cut by the time that drafted him. Braxton is just as capable (if healthy) of going 29 catches with a couple nice plays as Ellington. Ellington is a true replacement level slot WR. Most teams in the league has some version of him.

Just to note: I am fine with the Texans keeping Ellington..i.e. every team has and usually needs "just another guy" in certain spots. It is called depth.
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Which one would you keep?
 
Brisco_County said:
There comes a point where the draft status doesn't matter. One guy did the job better than the other.
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I wish this was the case.

Unfortunately draft status/$$$$ usually do matter. It's human nature for guys in the FO to want to be proven right. So draft picks usually get more chances. Not all teams do it this way. The Seahawks/Pats come to mind.
 
ArlingtonTexan said:
If I think they are versions of the same guy...I have answered the question before it was asked.
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I agree, but I'd say Braxton has a slightly higher ceiling + he's under contract for two more years. Through their first two years Braxton has been the more productive player actually.

Ellington had the best year of his career last year with 29 receptions for 330 yards. Both guys so far have been trending upward in their career. Neither has had a big breakout.

Personally, I'd prefer to keep both. I think both can add to the talent in the wr group this year and they are good insurance for one another. Also, if Ellington is not on the team next year you have Braxton still there (hopefully better) and still on a cheap rookie deal.
 
xtruroyaltyx said:
Ervin hasn't done anything noteworthy since he was drafted.

Time to cut bait.

Disagree on getting rid of Braxton. He's flashed and I'd give him one more year to show he's progressed. He's under team control for cheap for this year and next...Ellington is on a one year deal so no telling what happens with him after this year.

I'd prefer to keep 6 WR's with the usual suspects making the roster. But if we keep 5 I'd have to bite the bullet and let Coates go.
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For me it's not so much about cheap $ but opening slots for players with more potential.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Miller missed 3 games in 2016 and 5 games in 2017 to injury.
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I was just about to post this. I hope they keep 6 WR's and 4 TE's. Cut Prosch, keep 2 QB's problem solved.

Both have been injury prone. I dont understand why some posters fall in love with failed draft picks. Particularly draft picks that cant stay healthy. Just keep the best players on the roster every yr and the team will have better depth.
 
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