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Texans roster checkup: Part III
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Brian Cushing will wear #56 as a Texan (Getty Images)
It's been almost a month since our last roster checkup, and since there's been so much activity recently with the draft and free agent signings, I'd say it's time for another look.
The Texans have added 21 players to the roster since the last checkup on April 11, eight by the draft and thirteen by undrafted rookie free agency. Those players are shown below in green.
One player, Courtney Anderson, was released since the last checkup.
The Texans currently have 81 players under contract or tendered. The NFL roster limit is 80, but OL Dan Stevenson is still considered under contract and I'm counting him until his situation is resolved.
So in other words, the Texans roster is now full and any more adds will have to be accompanied by an equal number of deletes.
Before I get into it, I need to explain the added feature in the summary below. Following the position names, you will see two numbers in parenthesis. The number on the left (in black) is the current number of players on the roster at that position. The number on the right (in red) is the number of players the Texans took into Week 1 of the 2008 season at that position.
While the red number isn't absolute in terms of the number of players the Texans will keep at that position, it's a fair enough guide - although don't expect the Texans to take 11 defensive linemen into Week 1 this year. That number will probably be more like 9 or 10 max.
OFFENSE
Wide Receiver (10, 5): Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis, David Anderson, Jacoby Jones, Darnell Jenkins, Glenn Martinez, Mark Simmons, Aubrey Bell, Michael Jones
Bell and Michael Jones were added as undrafted free agents. Johnson, Walter and Anderson are the locks. Andre Davis needs to increase his production at receiver and Jacoby Jones needs to get over his fumblitis as a return man if he wants to remain in the league (either that or become indispensable as a receiver).
Offensive Line (16, 9): Duane Brown, Chester Pitts, Chris Myers, Mike Brisiel, Eric Winston, Cliff Washburn, Kasey Studdard, Chris White, Adam Stenavich, Rashad Butler, Dan Stevenson, Antoine Caldwell, Doug Dedrick, Brandon Walker, Jason Watkins, Brett Helms
Stevenson is gone so in reality there are 15 OLs on the roster. Brown, Pitts, Myers, Brisiel, and Winston are the locks. Butler has moved up to the swing tackle. Beyond that, it's wide open. Caldwell's versatility helps fortify interior depth which most likely moves Chris White down a slot. Studdard isn't guaranteed anything, and if Ephraim Salaam doesn't sign elsewhere he could be re-signed as insurance if Butler has trouble. Watkins will be one to watch during camp and preseason.
Tight End (4, 3): Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen, Anthony Hill, James Casey
I would expect these four to be on the 53 man roster. I think I might have read somewhere that Casey can fill other needs besides tight end. Hopefully, Owen Daniels' contract situation will be resolved before training camp
Quarterback (3, 2): Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky, Alex Brink
No changes since the last checkup. This group is fairly well set. I wouldn't be surprised if another camp arm is brought in but they may stand pat with these three.
Fullback (1, 1): Vonta Leach
No changes since the last checkup. We'll see if they use Casey as a backup. Cecil Sapp is still out there.
Running Back (5, 3): Steve Slaton, Chris Brown, Ryan Moats, Arian Foster, Jeremiah Johnson
We'll have to see what Foster and Johnson can bring. I'll believe Chris Brown is back when I see it. I'm still of the opinion that the Texans are a Slaton hammy-pull away from a real ugly situation at running back.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line (13, 11): Antonio Smith, Travis Johnson, Amobi Okoye, Mario Williams, Tim Bulman, Frank Okam, Deljuan Robinson, Stanley McClover, Jesse Nading, Shaun Cody, Connor Barwin, Jake Visser, Joshua Leonard
Barwin fills the edge rusher need, theoretically at least. Cody, Deljuan and Okam will probably have some fun position battles in camp. Everyone is anxiously waiting to see if the Kollar factor is real.
Linebacker (11, 6): Zach Diles, DeMeco Ryans, Xavier Adibi, Cato June, Kevin Bentley, Kevis Coley, Chaun Thompson, Buster Davis, Brian Cushing, Tim Jamison, Toddrick Verdell
This group is greatly improved since January - on paper at least. If Cushing can stay healthy he should make a major impact on the defense. We'll see if he lives up to his first round billing. June and Adibi sounds like a real nice combo at the Will. Diles is recovering from a broken leg but should be ready by camp, but his options might be limited to backup Sam or Mike when he comes back. There could be seven linebackers on the 53 man roster come September.
Defensive Back (14, 10): Dunta Robinson, Dominique Barber, Eugene Wilson, Nick Ferguson, Jacques Reeves, Fred Bennett, Brandon Harrison, Antwaun Molden, David Pittman, Matterral Richardson, A.J. Davis, Brice McCain, Troy Nolan, Glover Quin
Quin could end up being a nice find in the 4th round. The Texans need Molden to take the next step and Bennett to shake off his sophomore slump. Molden is still recovering from a broken ankle suffered late in the '08 season. Dunta Robinson continues to be a malcontent assuming the report of him turning down $23 million guaranteed are correct.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter/Kicker/Long Snapper (4, 3): Matt Turk, Kris Brown, Clark Harris, Justin Brantly
Brown is a lock, Harris could be challenged by Casey, and Brantly could unseat Turk.
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