The A-Team w/ Wexler & Clanton

The A-Team w/ Wexler & Clanton

Adam Clanton & Adam Wexler are The A-Team! Talking all things Houston sports & more!Full Bio

 

Wexler's Texans final 53-man roster projection

The Texans wrapped up their preseason with a 17-0 shutout of the 49ers, the team's first preseason shutout since 2004, the third season of existence for the franchise. Every team in the NFL faces roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit by Tuesday's deadline. Here's a look at what I think the Texans 53-man roster will look like as they meet the deadline. The following day, waiver claims and the 16-player practice squad additions can be made. I have some thoughts on those potential moves. You'll find that below the 53-man roster projection. Remember DL Adeleye Odedayo does not count against the 53-man roster as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway program.

QB: There's really no reason to carry three quarterbacks and while Jeff Driskel was surprisingly effective in the preseason. He does not warrant a spot on the 53-man. The Texans will have a quarterback on the practice squad.

RB: Dameon Pierce is the RB1. He earned it in camp & proved in just 20 snaps over two games during the preseason. Rex Burkhead will be the third down back and Marlon Mack showed just enough to keep some of the less-experienced running backs from pushing him off the roster. The team likes Dare Ogunbowale, there's just no spot for him. The team brought three fullbacks to training camp, then cut the most expensive one already, Andy Janovich. That left the competition for one spot down to Paul Quessenberry and rookie Troy Hairston. Quessenberry has been on and off the practice squad throughout the last two seasons for the Patriots in 2020 and the Texans last season. Head coach Lovie Smith had this to say about Hairston prior to the third preseason game, “He’s caught our eye throughout camp. Versatile player and was a defensive lineman in college, low linebacker. Normally those guys can transition over to the fullback position. Brings a lot of athletic ability. He’s an excellent special teas player, also good lead blocker. We like a lot of things that he’s done.” I think Hairston gets the nod in a tight competition.

WR: Unfortunately for some of their young, intriguing talents at wide receiver, there really weren't any spots available. The same veterans that were here last season are the five I project to make the final 53 (Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Philip Dorsett, Chris Moore and Chris Conley). I think the team will bring back two or three wide receivers to their practice squad if possible - Jalen Camp, Johnny Johnson III and Connor Wedington all had moments during camp and the preseason games, especially Camp.

TE: Once the team spent a draft pick on Teagan Quitoriano, I think the competition for a roster spot at tight end was over. Pharoah Brown, who missed the time during camp with a minor hamstring injury, and second-year player Brevin Jordan will see the bulk of the playing time. Antony Auclair missed nearly all of training camp with a knee injury, but he's their only true blocking tight end. His injury status could impact how they put the 53-man together. Quitoriano missed a lot of time, but his spot is secure (again, barring an injury situation changing their course on him). Both tight ends flashing in camp and in the preseason action. Mason Schreck had a nice touchdown catch in the preseason game against the Rams. Rookie Seth Green was impressive all through camp. Green likely earned a spot on the practice squad.

OL: There were some real position battles here throughout camp and some tough decisions to make among the reserves. While Smith was reluctant to officially name the starters, his comments about the group indicate that rookie Kenyon Green earned the starting spot at left guard. A battle for reserve interior lineman between Justin McCray and Max Scharping likely goes to McCray, who may have slightly outplayed the 4th year vet, but also offers a bit more positional flexibility along the interior. At tackle, Charlie Heck was uninspiring, but will be the swing tackle. Rookie Austin Deculus is a developmental player, but worth protecting by not subjecting him to waivers and hoping he clears so he can be signed to the practice squad. That decision leaves veteran Cedric Ogbuehi likely not among the final 53. Scott Quessenberry was consistently ahead of Jimmy Morrissey in reps and success, he earns the nod at center if they choose to keep him for depth.

DL: No position group forced tougher roster decision that the defensive lineman. Smith plans to rotate as many as eight lineman into action each week. I believe the reserves in that group appear most likely to remain are veteran Mario Addison, rookie Thomas Booker, free agent addition Rasheem Green and end Ogbo Okoronkwo, who missed the final preseason game with a minor arm injury. Rookie free agent Kurt Hinish was given he start in the preseason finale and he really took advantage of it. He had a sack, three tackles and three tackles for loss and played a heavy workload, with a remarkable 81 percent of the snaps. I think he makes the team. Injuries late in camp probably hurt Ross Blacklock and Derek Rivers chances. Rivers had three impressive preseason games and is a veteran the really like in the locker room, he was hurt late in preseason game against the Niners on Thursday night. Blacklock has not really impressed in games or in practice and while it would be tough to let go of their 2020 second round pick, he's been outperformed by others, including Demone Harris, who should be a strong candidate for the practice squad.

LB: This came down to three players for two spots. Blake Cashman, Neville Hewitt and Jalen Reeves-Maybin all play special teams and all have experience. Not much separates the three, but I'll give the nods to Reeves-Maybin, for his speed, and Cashman. Garret Wallow and rookie Christian Harris' injury situations make this a very interesting decision.

CB: The starters outside have been set for some time with veteran Stephen Nelson and rookie Derek Stingley, Jr. Tavierre Thomas and Desmond King should handle their slot needs, though Thomas could miss some time with a leg injury. Tremon Smith is the team's primary return man, so he gets a spot and Isaac Yiadom has clearly played better than the other younger corners in camp. Graynold Arnold did everything possible to make the decision tough, but he's probably a good bet to be brought back for the practice squad if he has no better opportunities elsewhere.

S: The starters here have been set for awhile, too, with veteran Jonathan Owens seizing the opportunity next to rookie Jalen Pitre. Just two spots for three players - Eric Murray, Terrence Brooks and M.J. Stewart. Stewart is best special teamer. Brooks is the best trash talker. Murray can play the most positions. Murray also got a restructured contract and additional year this offseason. If money is a factor, then Murray will make the 53-man, if not the other two will. As you'll see, in my 53, I let Murray go. If he's kept, I think it's Brooks that gets let go.

Please share your thoughts in the comments or hit me on twitter - @adamjwexler .

San Francisco 49ers v Houston Texans

Photo: Getty Images


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