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2025 Post Draft 53 Man Roster Projection

T

TheRealJoker V2

Veteran
Current 90 man roster for reference.

www.espn.com

Houston Texans 2024 NFL Depth Chart - ESPN

Check out the 2024 Houston Texans NFL depth chart on ESPN. Includes full details on starters, second, third and fourth tier Texans players.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

First draft roster projection:

Offense: 25
2 QB: Stroud, Mills
4 RB: Mixon, Pierce, Marks, Ogunbowale
1 FB: Johnson
6 WR: Collins, Kirk, Higgins, Noel, Watson, Hutchinson
2 LT: Robinson, Ersery
2 LG: Howard, Tomlinson
2 C: Patterson, Andrews
1 RG: Scruggs
2 RT: Fisher, Brown
3 TE: Schultz, Stover, Jordan

Defense: 25
5 DE: Anderson, Hunter, Barnett, Taylor, Horton
5 DT: Rankins, Settle, Autry, Edwards, Togiai
5 LB: Al-Sha'air, Harris, To'o To'o, Speed, Niemann
6 CB: Stingley, Lassiter, Pitre, Darby, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith
4 S: CJGJ, Bullock, Stewart, Reed

ST: 3
1 Punter: Townsend
1 Kicker: Fairbairn
1 LS: Addington
 
Tough cuts:

WR: Metchie and Berrios are out. I put Hutchinson in as WR 6 for his ST value and inside/outside versatility at WR. Metchie and Berrios lose out because Metchie doesn’t have a role on STs and Berrios is slot only on offense (redundant with Noel added). But could see the team carrying Berrios depending on how many options they feel they have at PR.

OL: I put Andrews in over Broeker/Ingram due to ability to play all 3 interior OL positions and I see Ingram as a guard only. Went with 9 OL. Although I honestly don’t expect Trent Brown to be healthy coming off that patellar tendon injury at this stage of his career. Maybe the decision will be made “easier” for me?

TE: Think 3 TEs make roster and they “hide” Lachey on PS year one. Although I hope Lachey has a great preseason and forces them to carry him on the 53. But with practice squads being as large as they are now, i’m inclined to think they can hide the 7th round rookie on their PS.

DL: I’m carrying 10 but I expect someone to get traded for a player and/or pick and they carry 9 on active roster. Just too many good players at this position that I don’t think you can “hide” on the PS so i’m going to be heavy at this position until some needy teams want to trade. Try to get as many young dogs on the PS as possible as well.

LB: Went lighter here (normally carry 6) because Speed is a plus ST player and I think they mainly run nickel as their base like last season. So Hansen and Hill are out. Niemann is the ST ace and Speed also plays ST. I put one or both of Hansen/Hill on the PS.

CB: 6 CBs here. No real surprises, it’s a stacked group. Darby might be a surprise cut due to lack of ST utility if the Smiths really impress as depth options but i’ll hold onto him for vet experience for now.

S: I went with 4 here and Ward is the surprise cut. Mainly due to his inability to stay healthy. His vet experience is worth something, but now with CJGJ added I don’t feel it’s needed here. He is 30+ years old rehabbing a lisfranc. Already looked like he was losing a step last season and carries a roster spot but doesn’t play ST and will get injured if he plays any significant snaps. Going with the youngster Reed and keeping the ST ace Stewart.
 
Last edited:
IR: Dell and Mertz

Currently I do not have the last three draft picks and 0 UDFAs making the team. That is subject to change of course and will be reflected as I update my roster projection throughout training camp/preseason.

This is one of the most talented and well-rounded rosters in the league and will be a hard team to make. Gone are the Rick Smith days you could see a player drafted and expect him to play out his rookie contract for better or worse.

The elephant in the room is known but this team is fully capable of “kicking that door down” this year more than ever going into year 3 of the DeMeco and CJ era.
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
Current 90 man roster for reference.

www.espn.com

Houston Texans 2024 NFL Depth Chart - ESPN

Check out the 2024 Houston Texans NFL depth chart on ESPN. Includes full details on starters, second, third and fourth tier Texans players.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

First draft roster projection:

Offense: 25
2 QB: Stroud, Mills
4 RB: Mixon, Pierce, Marks, Ogunbowale
1 FB: Johnson
6 WR: Collins, Kirk, Higgins, Noel, Watson, Hutchinson
2 LT: Robinson, Ersery
2 LG: Howard, Tomlinson
2 C: Patterson, Andrews
1 RG: Scruggs
2 RT: Fisher, Brown
3 TE: Schultz, Stover, Jordan

Defense: 25
5 DE: Anderson, Hunter, Barnett, Taylor, Horton
5 DT: Rankins, Settle, Autry, Edwards, Togiai
5 LB: Al-Sha'air, Harris, To'o To'o, Speed, Niemann
6 CB: Stingley, Lassiter, Pitre, Darby, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith
4 S: CJGJ, Bullock, Stewart, Reed

ST: 3
1 Punter: Townsend
1 Kicker: Fairbairn
1 LS: Addington
Click to expand...

Most of this looks good. But, I think British Brooks makes the roster as short yardage RB and ST player. And see Pierce leaving in some way. In limited action last year Brooke's looked solid and scored at TD
 
SnakeEyes said:
Most of this looks good. But, I think British Brooks makes the roster as short yardage RB and ST player. And see Pierce leaving in some way. In limited action last year Brooke's looked solid and scored at TD
Click to expand...

He’d be considered a “tough cut”. But Johnson has more experience at FB and is bigger while Brooks is coming off another major injury. At some point, the injuries add up for the young man. PS target for sure.
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
IR: Dell and Mertz

Currently I do not have the last three draft picks and 0 UDFAs making the team. That is subject to change of course and will be reflected as I update my roster projection throughout training camp/preseason.

This is one of the most talented and well-rounded rosters in the league and will be a hard team to make. Gone are the Rick Smith days you could see a player drafted and expect him to play out his rookie contract for better or worse.

The elephant in the room is known but this team is fully capable of “kicking that door down” this year more than ever going into year 3 of the DeMeco and CJ era.
Click to expand...
This is a very optimistic view considering the OL is pretty much an unknown at this point. The good thing is that they will be going up against one helluva D-line in TC when the first stringers are playing.
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
Current 90 man roster for reference.

www.espn.com

Houston Texans 2024 NFL Depth Chart - ESPN

Check out the 2024 Houston Texans NFL depth chart on ESPN. Includes full details on starters, second, third and fourth tier Texans players.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

First draft roster projection:

Offense: 25
2 QB: Stroud, Mills
4 RB: Mixon, Pierce, Marks, Ogunbowale
1 FB: Johnson
6 WR: Collins, Kirk, Higgins, Noel, Watson, Hutchinson
2 LT: Robinson, Ersery
2 LG: Howard, Tomlinson
2 C: Patterson, Andrews
1 RG: Scruggs
2 RT: Fisher, Brown
3 TE: Schultz, Stover, Jordan

Defense: 25
5 DE: Anderson, Hunter, Barnett, Taylor, Horton
5 DT: Rankins, Settle, Autry, Edwards, Togiai
5 LB: Al-Sha'air, Harris, To'o To'o, Speed, Niemann
6 CB: Stingley, Lassiter, Pitre, Darby, Jaylin Smith, Tremon Smith
4 S: CJGJ, Bullock, Stewart, Reed

ST: 3
1 Punter: Townsend
1 Kicker: Fairbairn
1 LS: Addington
Click to expand...
I think that's probably how the offense will shake out. I think the defense will be a little different. I suspect Ward will stick and there will be a surprise cut on the D-line.
 
BullRushTX said:
I think that's probably how the offense will shake out. I think the defense will be a little different. I suspect Ward will stick and there will be a surprise cut on the D-line.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think the team will keep either Roby or Ward… not both.

Any DL cut is a surprise because they will be quickly snapped up on waivers if not traded before deadline.
 
good suff

I think the 5th and 6th (maybe 7th?) WR spot are going to be a battle. I don't know much about the FB Johnson, but I could see some things happening to where they decide to not use a spot on a traditional FB.

Like if Marks beats our Pierce...Could make Pierce expendable and that opens the door for British Brooks...

I know he's got some injury concerns, but he's got some real juice to his game. Plus Stover has shown he can play some FB as well...Not just there, but all through the roster I think there's going to be some interesting battles.

Can't wait until training camp and pre-season to see how it all shakes out.
 
SnakeEyes said:
www.si.com

Texans Could Have One Need to Address Following NFL Draft

The work may not be done for the Houston Texans this offseason.
www.si.com www.si.com

I really think this is a great point. So, what the starting DL looks like is up in the air. Autry at DT? Rankins starts? UDFA rookie shines? Camp cut DT joins the middle? I think a Rookie or a camp cut signing will be the best case.
Click to expand...

DT is the plug and play position on defense. It’s a competitive advantage that the Texans have with DeMeco as HC. The team is going to get production out of anyone they put there. Spend your time worrying about the OL!
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
DT is the plug and play position on defense. It’s a competitive advantage that the Texans have with DeMeco as HC. The team is going to get production out of anyone they put there. Spend your time worrying about the OL!
Click to expand...
I'm actually less concerned with the OL as it stands now over the middle of the DL. Pretty much they are both weaknesses inside (DT and OG)
 
SnakeEyes said:
I'm actually less concerned with the OL as it stands now over the middle of the DL. Pretty much they are both weaknesses inside (DT and OG)
Click to expand...

Just curious on your opinion on the DL, is there someone we lost from that unit or do you think they were a liability last year?
 
Im good with the interior dline…but i did want a young stud in a deep draft for dline. We got the one late…but thats wing and a prayer. Really that was the one failure of the draft - both interior on offense and defense.
 
cland said:
Just curious on your opinion on the DL, is there someone we lost from that unit or do you think they were a liability last year?
Click to expand...

We have not had a true DT in a long while. I am talking about a 6' 3+ 320-ish guy who pushes the pocket into the QBs lap (or requires a double team freeing up our DEs 1v1, makes in nearly impossible to run up the middle and best, can get sacks in a pinch.
 
Porky said:
Im good with the interior dline…but i did want a young stud in a deep draft for dline. We got the one late…but thats wing and a prayer. Really that was the one failure of the draft - both interior on offense and defense.
Click to expand...

Judging by the 30 visits it seems they wanted the big run stuffer that could still move but those guys came off the board early (Grant, Williams, Collins). Then Alexander and my guy Broughton went early round 3 (earlier than i’d take them). And it was just a matter of positioning. 11 DTs came off board before Texans picked at 79. And there wasn’t a DT or IOL i’d rather have over the player the Texans ended up picking.

I thought a guy like Farmer was a round 3 target but he came off the board late in round 4 so guess there was more information NFL teams knew that we didn’t on a player.
 
SnakeEyes said:
We have not had a true DT in a long while. I am talking about a 6' 3+ 320-ish guy who pushes the pocket into the QBs lap (or requires a double team freeing up our DEs 1v1, makes in nearly impossible to run up the middle and best, can get sacks in a pinch.
Click to expand...

Those guys don’t grow on trees. You’ve got Dexter Lawrence and Vita Vea who fit that description in the league right now.

There are a couple guys who have the tools like Jordan Davis and T’vondre Sweat but they haven’t shown it in the NFL yet.

The best DTs in the league right now: Chris Jones, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter, Jeffery Simmons… these guys are in the 300-310 range.
 
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TheRealJoker V2 said:
Yeah, I think the team will keep either Roby or Ward… not both.

Any DL cut is a surprise because they will be quickly snapped up on waivers if not traded before deadline.
Click to expand...
Who is Roby?

I'm thinking Stewart and Reed will be fighting it out for the last S spot and I'll take Reed.
 
steelbtexan said:
Who is Roby?

I'm thinking Stewart and Reed will be fighting it out for the last S spot and I'll take Reed.
Click to expand...
I’m guessing he’s referring to Ronald Darby.

And if he is I disagree because unless Jaylin Smith wins the CB3 job then that’s a huge area of need. Lassiter and especially Stingley cannot be counted on for health.
 
I also don’t think we’ll roster a proper FB. I expect them to probably go for guys playing as more of a half back like Jordan or even Stover.
 
Sweech said:
I’m guessing he’s referring to Ronald Darby.

And if he is I disagree because unless Jaylin Smith wins the CB3 job then that’s a huge area of need. Lassiter and especially Stingley cannot be counted on for health.
Click to expand...

I agree, which is why I have Darby making the team over Ward. But my point is, I don’t see the Texans rostering two older DBs who don’t play ST with questionable availability. Even as backups. Ward has the benefit of system experience and ability to play nickel snaps if needed. But Darby gives you outside CB experience, which would be the largest hole if a starter goes down.
 
SnakeEyes said:
I'm actually less concerned with the OL as it stands now over the middle of the DL.
Click to expand...
It's the same DT group other than replacing Fatukasi with Rankins. Settle and Edwards may have played a bit over their head last year. Maybe they will do the same this season?

The key is on passing downs. Autry has to produce more pass rush than in 2024. Hopefully, he will play up to a contract I thought the Texans would dump. Regardless, there wasn't a lot of help in a below average FA class.
 
Sweech said:
I’m guessing he’s referring to Ronald Darby.

And if he is I disagree because unless Jaylin Smith wins the CB3 job then that’s a huge area of need. Lassiter and especially Stingley cannot be counted on for health.
Click to expand...
I'm thinking they carry 6 CB's

Stingley/Lassiter/Petrie/Darby/J. Smith/ T. Smith

S - CGJ, Bullock, Ward, Reed

J. Smith gives the versatility because he can play both CB/S.

Great depth
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
I agree, which is why I have Darby making the team over Ward. But my point is, I don’t see the Texans rostering two older DBs who don’t play ST with questionable availability. Even as backups. Ward has the benefit of system experience and ability to play nickel snaps if needed. But Darby gives you outside CB experience, which would be the largest hole if a starter goes down.
Click to expand...
Ward can also play the nickel.
 
Lucky said:
It's the same DT group other than replacing Fatukasi with Rankins. Settle and Edwards may have played a bit over their head last year. Maybe they will do the same this season?

The key is on passing downs. Autry has to produce more pass rush than in 2024. Hopefully, he will play up to a contract I thought the Texans would dump. Regardless, there wasn't a lot of help in a below average FA class.
Click to expand...

And Foley is available in FA still. I suspect he’ll get to a team in camp when he shows to be recovered from otfseason shoulder surgery.

I think Autry’s season was derailed by that 6 game suspension to start the year. He played great against the Chargers in the playoffs. I hope to see more of that version of Autry this season.
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
I agree, which is why I have Darby making the team over Ward. But my point is, I don’t see the Texans rostering two older DBs who don’t play ST with questionable availability. Even as backups. Ward has the benefit of system experience and ability to play nickel snaps if needed. But Darby gives you outside CB experience, which would be the largest hole if a starter goes down.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Smith has inside/outside versatility, but he's likely a better fit at nickel and he's a rookie. I like having a guy like Darby who can give you competent snaps outside if a starter gets injured.
 
steelbtexan said:
I'm thinking they carry 6 CB's

Stingley/Lassiter/Petrie/Darby/J. Smith/ T. Smith

S - CGJ, Bullock, Ward, Reed

J. Smith gives the versatility because he can play both CB/S.

Great depth
Click to expand...
I think that's where the secondary ends up too. I love how it's shaping up with premium starters, good depth, and two rookies with great upside and plus ST ability.

Between the fierce D-line and what looks so be a top 3 secondary, the defense should be amazing. Just have to hope Caley gets the offense to take a big step forward.
 
BullRushTX said:
I think that's where the secondary ends up too. I love how it's shaping up with premium starters, good depth, and two rookies with great upside and plus ST ability.

Between the fierce D-line and what looks so be a top 3 secondary, the defense should be amazing. Just have to hope Caley gets the offense to take a big step forward.
Click to expand...
Should be really good stuff.

As bad as the OL was last yr, the 2 biggest issues with the team in the playoffs were 1. They were 2 playmaking WR's short. The DB room was thin. Both of these issues were caused by injuries. This draft addressed these issues. Although we all would have liked for the OL to be upgraded through the draft, Caserio/Ryans addressed the WR/DB depth issues in the draft, along with adding the Big 10 OL of the yr. They then addressed the rest of the depth issues in the OL room by signing vets like Robinson/Tomlinson/Brown/Ingram. Will it be enough? Who knows, but they definitely had a plan.
 
steelbtexan said:
Robinson/Tomlinson/Brown/Ingram. Will it be enough? Who knows, but they definitely had a plan.
Click to expand...
Robinson & Brown are bonafide starters if healthy. Tomlinson is a bonafide starter if he hasn't hit that drop off cliff (Shaq Mason) yet.

So if the Texans hit on those gambles OL production should be improved.

Slowik & his team wanted Scruggs to be the Center. Nick drafted him to be our Center.

Do you think Strausser & Slowik screwed that situation royally, or do you think Scruggs is just not an NFL Center?

Do you think we can get to the AFCCG with Patterson, Scruggs, or Andrews playing Center?
 
thunderkyss said:
Robinson & Brown are bonafide starters if healthy. Tomlinson is a bonafide starter if he hasn't hit that drop off cliff (Shaq Mason) yet.

So if the Texans hit on those gambles OL production should be improved.

Slowik & his team wanted Scruggs to be the Center. Nick drafted him to be our Center.

Do you think Strausser & Slowik screwed that situation royally, or do you think Scruggs is just not an NFL Center?

Do you think we can get to the AFCCG with Patterson, Scruggs, or Andrews playing Center?
Click to expand...
I don't think Scruggs is the center of the future and was way over drafted. He's an avg OG.

Yes if everybody else is playing well I think they could get to the AFCCG with Patterson or Andrews at center. I mean they almost made it last year with no WR's other than Nico and a depleted DB room, Plus what's likely a worse ol even after trading Tunsil.

I could see an ol of

Robinson, Howard, Patterson, Tomlinson, Ersery, although that's not the OL I'm hoping for.
 
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