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Texans Secondary 2023

T

TheRealJoker

Hall of Fame
Good article from John Harris on the team website breaking down the players under contract and players with expiring contracts. Also, team fits in FA/draft. Give it a read!


Current Texans secondary (using ourlads depth chart highlighting current expired contracts):


2024 Houston Texans Depth Chart | Ourlads.com

The most respected source for NFL Draft info among NFL Fans, Media, and Scouts, plus accurate, up to date NFL Depth Charts, Practice Squads and Rosters.
www.ourlads.com www.ourlads.com

LCB: Steven Nelson
RCB: Derek Stingley
FS: Jalen Pitre
SS: Eric Murray (cut candidate)
NB: Desmond King

I am comfortable with the top three CBs on the roster. I would like to re-sign Tavierre Thomas to have four solid CBs and use a draft pick (preferably outside top 100) to find another outside CB. The CB class is deep this year and I am confident they can find a talented player who can be quality depth this season with a shot to compete for a starting job next year when Nelson’s contract expires. I’d rather use the premium picks on other positions.


There is currently a vacancy at the other safety position. If the team can re-sign Johnathan Owens for fringe starter/quality backup money I would like to do that. But I don’t want him going into training camp the starter like last season. The draft isn’t as deep at safety this year but there are several FA options I would like.

Jimmie Ward or Tashaun Gipson are a bit older but can help lead the secondary in learning the new defense while being an upgrade over Owens last season. Both should come relatively cheap as well and most importantly, would allow Pitre to do what he does best making plays near the LOS like Hufanga did for the 49ers last season. The league has generally undervalued safety contracts so I feel like the team can add a veteran upgrade and re-sign Owens for minimal investment.

The team will also need to add a safety in the draft. Possibly with one of the 3rds due to lack of depth in the class. Someone like JL Skinner or Jordan Battle would be a great pick to pair with Pitre. If a talent like that doesn’t fall, then spend a later round pick and hope you hit on someone with upside.

One of the most intriguing late rounders imo is Marte Mapu out of Sacramento State. A positionless athlete who dominated lower level competition and was a star of the senior bowl. I think he can transition to safety.

Overall, I feel like the team’s investment in the secondary last draft and hitting on value free agents like King/Nelson sets this up to be one of the lower priority areas to address next offseason. Of course, the Stingley injury elephant in the room is always there, but the DBs are in a better situation than other spots. Especially with the coaching on the back end.

Texans retained the CB coach Vasso from last season and added a S coach from SF in Adegoke. But the real gem is Cory Undlin as Def Pass Game coordinator. He was my pick for DC and is one of the best secondary coaches in the league. I’m confident he can get the most out of whatever players are added with minimal FA and draft investment.
 
TheRealJoker said:
There is currently a vacancy at the other safety position. If the team can re-sign Johnathan Owens for fringe starter/quality backup money I would like to do that. But I don’t want him going into training camp the starter like last season. The draft isn’t as deep at safety this year but there are several FA options I would like.
Click to expand...
I agree with your analysis on the secondary, for the most part. But Owens was one of the worst FS in the league. He has no feel for coverage, just reacts to the play in front of him. He's a hard worker but there's not enough there to bring back on a FA contract.

King and Thomas play the same position, nickel CB. Not sure if Thomas can play outside, but King is not the answer as a backup there. I would lean to King moving to Safety. That would get your best guys on the field.
 
Lucky said:
I agree with your analysis on the secondary, for the most part. But Owens was one of the worst FS in the league. He has no feel for coverage, just reacts to the play in front of him. He's a hard worker but there's not enough there to bring back on a FA contract.

King and Thomas play the same position, nickel CB. Not sure if Thomas can play outside, but King is not the answer as a backup there. I would lean to King moving to Safety. That would get your best guys on the field.
Click to expand...

I like King at safety as well. Let him and Thomas compete at nickel, they have both shown ability there. I’d bring back Owens for cheap (EX: vet min or slightly above).

Another name at CB to watch for is Emmanuel Moseley. 49ers starting CB who tore his ACL last season. Though I think he’ll be re-signed by SF on a team friendly deal. But if he’s not, a low risk high reward signing to get quality depth at outside CB. Or best case scenario takes the starting job from Nelson.
 
I'm hoping they bring in Sean Davis from the XFL and move King to S.

Hopefully they draft another CB with one of those 6th rd picks.
 
Thorn said:
I wonder how many of those 6th round picks we'll have left after ole Casino trades up in the draft?
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Hopefully none if it allows Caserio to move up from the top of the 4th into the middle of the 3rd. I'm all for taking the Texans 4th and a couple of those 6ths to move up 10 spots or so into the 3rd and taking the Texans 5th plus a 6th to move back into the 3rd.

Or Cooks and a 6th for a 3rd.

Quality over quantity.
 
Thorn said:
I wonder how many of those 6th round picks we'll have left after ole Casino trades up in the draft?
Click to expand...

Texans Cap mentioned on his latest podcast about Caserio using those late round picks to grab veterans in their contract year that a team may not be able to afford to re-sign. Then, if they excel they get an extension. If they move on, hopefully Texans get a comp pick.

Chuck Clark, Ravens safety was one name he mentioned as a candidate for trade. Though i’d expect a solid dependable young safety like Clark to fetch more than a sixth. Maybe two sixths?!
 
TheRealJoker said:
Texans Cap mentioned on his latest podcast about Caserio using those late round picks to grab veterans in their contract year that a team may not be able to afford to re-sign. Then, if they excel they get an extension. If they move on, hopefully Texans get a comp pick.
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Teams only get comp picks when they have a net loss of qualified free agents. That is unlikely to happen considering this team is 40 players away from the 90 man roster needed for camp.

Just a reminder to everyone, including Nick. The Texans have the #2 waiver claim slot. Only the Bears can take a player off waivers before the Texans. Plenty of chances to get players for no draft picks at all. Think about that before pissing away draft picks.
 
TheRealJoker said:
Good article from John Harris on the team website breaking down the players under contract and players with expiring contracts. Also, team fits in FA/draft. Give it a read!


Current Texans secondary (using ourlads depth chart highlighting current expired contracts):


2024 Houston Texans Depth Chart | Ourlads.com

The most respected source for NFL Draft info among NFL Fans, Media, and Scouts, plus accurate, up to date NFL Depth Charts, Practice Squads and Rosters.
www.ourlads.com www.ourlads.com

LCB: Steven Nelson
RCB: Derek Stingley
FS: Jalen Pitre
SS: Eric Murray (cut candidate)
NB: Desmond King

I am comfortable with the top three CBs on the roster. I would like to re-sign Tavierre Thomas to have four solid CBs and use a draft pick (preferably outside top 100) to find another outside CB. The CB class is deep this year and I am confident they can find a talented player who can be quality depth this season with a shot to compete for a starting job next year when Nelson’s contract expires. I’d rather use the premium picks on other positions.


There is currently a vacancy at the other safety position. If the team can re-sign Johnathan Owens for fringe starter/quality backup money I would like to do that. But I don’t want him going into training camp the starter like last season. The draft isn’t as deep at safety this year but there are several FA options I would like.

Jimmie Ward or Tashaun Gipson are a bit older but can help lead the secondary in learning the new defense while being an upgrade over Owens last season. Both should come relatively cheap as well and most importantly, would allow Pitre to do what he does best making plays near the LOS like Hufanga did for the 49ers last season. The league has generally undervalued safety contracts so I feel like the team can add a veteran upgrade and re-sign Owens for minimal investment.

The team will also need to add a safety in the draft. Possibly with one of the 3rds due to lack of depth in the class. Someone like JL Skinner or Jordan Battle would be a great pick to pair with Pitre. If a talent like that doesn’t fall, then spend a later round pick and hope you hit on someone with upside.

One of the most intriguing late rounders imo is Marte Mapu out of Sacramento State. A positionless athlete who dominated lower level competition and was a star of the senior bowl. I think he can transition to safety.

Overall, I feel like the team’s investment in the secondary last draft and hitting on value free agents like King/Nelson sets this up to be one of the lower priority areas to address next offseason. Of course, the Stingley injury elephant in the room is always there, but the DBs are in a better situation than other spots. Especially with the coaching on the back end.

Texans retained the CB coach Vasso from last season and added a S coach from SF in Adegoke. But the real gem is Cory Undlin as Def Pass Game coordinator. He was my pick for DC and is one of the best secondary coaches in the league. I’m confident he can get the most out of whatever players are added with minimal FA and draft investment.
Click to expand...
Day 2 picks i like: Skinner, Sydney Brown, Battle and Eugene Forbes . Man we need more round twos.
 
badboy said:
Day 2 picks i like: Skinner, Sydney Brown, Battle and Eugene Forbes . Man we need more round twos.
Click to expand...
I'm not in favor of spending early draft picks on the secondary when we have so many other position needs in worse shape. I would like us to get a quality safety or CB in FA and draft one in the mid rounds.
As I have stated many times, the best way to improve the secondary is with the front 7 pass rush.
 
Toro Bravo said:
I'm not in favor of spending early draft picks on the secondary when we have so many other position needs in worse shape. I would like us to get a quality safety or CB in FA and draft one in the mid rounds.
As I have stated many times, the best way to improve the secondary is with the front 7 pass rush.
Click to expand...
Yeppers!
Force the QB to hurry and he is more likely to make mistakes.
 
Toro Bravo said:
I'm not in favor of spending early draft picks on the secondary when we have so many other position needs in worse shape. I would like us to get a quality safety or CB in FA and draft one in the mid rounds.
As I have stated many times, the best way to improve the secondary is with the front 7 pass rush.
Click to expand...
If a high quality guy is available i want him no matter the round. For example, Emmanuel Forbes has moved into round one conversations and safety Sydney Brown has passed his brother into round 2. I compare both to positional players mocked ahead of them. I prefer to draft my guys and fill in with free agents when I can't.

Example, I want Tremaine Edmunds but if I get extra round twos in my trade downs, I use one to get comparable LB. i don't want a 6th round CB insurance behind Stingley.
 
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badboy said:
If a high quality guy is available i want him no matter the round. For example, Eugene Forbes has moved into round one conversations and safety Sydney Brown has passed his brother into round 2. I compare both to positional players mocked ahead of them. I prefer to draft my guys and fill in with free agents when i can't.

Example, I want Tremaine edmunds but if I get extra round twos in my trade downs, I use one to get comparable LB. i don't want a 6th round CB insurance behind Stingley.
Click to expand...

I agree with this philosophy.

If one of the top 4 TE's or Gibbs falls to 2-33 would you pick one of those guys or Forbes?
 
Texansphan said:
I considered him, but his 40 time is around 4.80
Click to expand...

I think he's going to run in the low 4.7's. He reminds me a lot of Watt coming out of college. I want to see his 10 yd splits, broad jump and agility drills more then his 40 time. I think he's going to do well.
 
steelbtexan said:
I think he's going to run in the low 4.7's. He reminds me a lot of Watt coming out of college. I want to see his 10 yd splits, broad jump and agility drills more then his 40 time. I think he's going to do well.
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I think Van Ness will have a very positive combine. That and his age should fit him somewhere between 10-20. The Eagles love the workout warriors, so the Van Ness watch starts there.
 
Lucky said:
I think Van Ness will have a very positive combine. That and his age should fit him somewhere between 10-20. The Eagles love the workout warriors, so the Van Ness watch starts there.
Click to expand...
The Eagles also have the best overall roster in the NFL. So maybe there's something to this.
 
steelbtexan said:
I agree with this philosophy.

If one of the top 4 TE's or Gibbs falls to 2-33 would you pick one of those guys or Forbes?
Click to expand...
Forbes as i have as second best player in eligible college players. He is that good. I would have taken him over Sting but not over Sauce.
 
badboy said:
Forbes as i have as second best player in eligible college players. He is that good. I would have taken him over Sting but not over Sauce.
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Wow, I like him a lot. But not that much.

When it comes to this CB class I'm a Witherspoon/Porter guy.
 
TheRealJoker said:
Texans Cap mentioned on his latest podcast about Caserio using those late round picks to grab veterans in their contract year that a team may not be able to afford to re-sign. Then, if they excel they get an extension. If they move on, hopefully Texans get a comp pick.

Chuck Clark, Ravens safety was one name he mentioned as a candidate for trade. Though i’d expect a solid dependable young safety like Clark to fetch more than a sixth. Maybe two sixths?!
Click to expand...
Hopefully they do trade those 6th round picks soon, I'm tired of mocking those picks in my mock drafts. Help me out, Casino.
 
steelbtexan said:
Wow, I like him a lot. But not that much.

When it comes to this CB class I'm a Witherspoon/Porter guy.
Click to expand...
Witherspoon is very good also. The best news even though Forbes is moving up in some mocks, I think we could get him round 2. It would have to be with trade downs though as I want Hooker, unless Dove Kleavage is correct- and I hope he is.
 
badboy said:
If a high quality guy is available i want him no matter the round. For example, Eugene Forbes has moved into round one conversations and safety Sydney Brown has passed his brother into round 2. I compare both to positional players mocked ahead of them. I prefer to draft my guys and fill in with free agents when i can't.

Example, I want Tremaine edmunds but if I get extra round twos in my trade downs, I use one to get comparable LB. i don't want a 6th round CB insurance behind Stingley.
Click to expand...
I agree with this philosophy. But it isn't only about the guys you draft - it's about the ones you don't.
 
badboy said:
Anything Behind this Doc in your opinion? Also can you speak on Fields shoulder separation, hip, knee and IIRC a chest area injury. If medically sound, I would do that deal.
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I wouldn't be paying much attention to Cleavage. But on the injury aspect..............his rib injuries are of no long-term concern ...........a cartilage bruise in January 2021 for which he missed 2 games, and multiple fractured ribs for which he missed a couple of games...........his only knee problem was a grade I MCL back in 2019 which he reaggravated trying to come in just a couple of days............his A/C shoulder separation was a grade II which he suffered November last season when his hamstrings tightened up and he tripped and fell on his shoulder...........his left non-throwing shoulder......he missed 1 game..............and finally, his reported hip injury was technically a grade I adductor groin pull suffered Jan 1 of this year and which he played through...........there was nothing to play for in the final game of the season and so it was felt there was no reason to take a chance in returning early and extending the injury.

All in all, none of his injuries are a permanent long-term red flag. Whether one would chose to trade for him or not is based more on what you think of his overall performance.
 
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I can see Justin Fields getting into it with Bears as he reported has said he is being disrespected with talks of him being traded. With Doc's medical eval I am going to hope for that trade though it would be in realm of make believe.
 
badboy said:
I can see Justin Fields getting into it with Bears as he reported has said he is being disrespected with talks of him being traded. With Doc's medical eval I am going to hope for that trade though it would be in realm of make believe.
Click to expand...
I know it was ridiculous but trying to look at proposed trade from Bears:
Getting a 2024 round 1 even if it is Browns would be huge for Chicago only dropping one spot.

If Houston then shipped 1.2 to team wanting a QB, Bears can get QB at 2.

Teams make unusual choices like Hopkins or giving up so much for Tunsil.
 
badboy said:
If only i had a switch between my brain and my mouth, I would be a much better person.
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I had one but insanity made me disconnect it.

TBH I'm not sure if the insanity I refer to is my own... or the world.... but at this point I don't think it matters much.
 
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