Texans roster still a work in progress

With the roster cutdowns to 53 on Friday and Saturday, and the signing of 7 players to the practice squad on Sunday, Texans fans may be thinking that everything has fallen into place and things are good to go for the season ahead.

Not so fast.

There are still a few glaring areas of construction on the roster and one needs to look no further than defensive line to see a prime example of unfinished business.

The Texans currently have 11 defensive linemen including six defensive ends: Anthony Weaver, N.D. Kalu, Earl Cochran, Mario Williams, Tim Bulman and newly signed Stanley McClover.  There are five defensive tackles on the roster: Amobi Okoye, Travis Johnson, Jeff Zgonina, Deljuan Robinson, and Frank Okam.

Eight or nine defensive linemen on a roster of 53 would be considered normal for the rotation, so if you're a believer in all things seeking equilibrium, expect transactions in this unit in the coming days or weeks. 

Things are obviously unsettled at the rush end position opposite Mario where it was thought (and hoped) that Rosevelt Colvin would still have enough in the tank to be a disruptive 3rd down type pass rusher.  But with his release, and the signing of McClover yesterday, it's obvious the Texans are still searching for answers.  And that's on a unit that should already be a strength with three 1st round draft picks in Williams. Johnson and Okoye, and a well compensated '06 free agent acquisition in Weaver.

Defensive tackle may not be set either, and you have to wonder how long Jeff Zgonina can hang on and whether Deljuan Robinson is the real deal.  Okam, a 5th round draft choice, is probably staying put because every team in the league is looking for big young tackles and he would likely be scooped up off the waiver wire if released with the intention to re-sign on the practice squad - which still has one vacancy by the way.  UPDATE: The Texans signed offensive tackle Adam Stenavich to the practice squad on Sunday.

Most of the other positions are at a near normal 'staffing level.'

The Texans are carrying two QBs and 5 WRs and 3 TEs and if everyone stays healthy, that should remain true.  There are only 4 players at the RB/FB position - with Chris Taylor assuming double duty for now - so there could be an add there.  Darius Walker is back on the practice squad if an emergency RB is needed.

With the release of tackle Cliff Washburn on Sunday, the Texans are back down to a more normal 10 offensive linemen on the roster.

The Texans are carrying the minimum complement of 6 LBs and hopefully Xavier Adibi and Chaun Thompson can regain full health otherwise that's an area of risk.

The team currently has 9 DBs which is what they brought into Week 1 last season, but last season 5 were CBs and 4 were safeties and this year it's the opposite.  The Texans could add a CB - possibly at the expense of 6th round pick Dom Barber, a good special teamer who might be able to be sneaked through waivers to the practice squad if necessary. 

Or the Texans could just wait until Week 7 to make some kind of move in that area when Dunta Robinson comes off the PUP list.