The Texans got their roster down to 53 players. Here is a look at the position groups with analysis of each (updates with waiver claims and additional cuts):
Quarterbacks (3)
Deshaun Watson
Brandon Weeden
Joe Webb
Analysis: Joe Webb did not make the initial cut but was reportedly brought back, presumably to help on special teams. Weeden will most likely be the primary backup. Obviously, Watson's health is the key here. If he misses any extended time, the Texans are in trouble, but that was going to be the case no matter who was going to be the backup QB.
Running backs (4)
Lamar Miller
Alfred Blue
Tyler Ervin
Greg Howell
Analysis: D'Onta Foreman starts the season on the PUP list, which means the Texans are pretty thin behind Miller. They finally punted on the fullback position, dumping Jay Prosch. They picked up Howell on waivers from Miami.
Wide receivers (6)
DeAndre Hopkins
Will Fuller
Bruce Ellington
Sammie Coates
Keke Coutee
Vyncint Smith
Analysis: Smith over Braxton Miller might be the only surprise here, but Smith certainly has higher upside. Coutee has not played in the preseason but the staff seems high on him. Should be a pretty solid group.
Tight ends (3)
Ryan Griffin
Jordan Thomas
Jordan Akins
Analysis: The Texans pretty much kept the three players everyone projected, with Griffin and two rookies. There is upside, but not much in the way of experience. Not a strong group on paper.
Offensive linemen (8)
Julién Davenport (T)
Seantrell Henderson (T)
Martinas Rankin (T)
Kendall Lamm (T)
Senio Kelemete (G)
Zach Fulton (G)
Greg Mancz (C)
Nick Martin (C)
Analysis: The weakest position group on the roster could have used some help on the waiver wire. Not much depth or talent here. Rankin has upside, and perhaps Davenport takes a big step in Year 2. But otherwise, if these guys can just be average, it would be a positive.
Defensive line (7)
J.J. Watt
D.J. Reader
Christian Covington
Brandon Dunn
Angelo Blackson
Carlos Watkins
Joel Heath
Analysis: The strongest group on the team and can also include Jadeveon Clowney, who will switch back and forth between line and linebacker. There is depth, talent, and several players who could produce if forced into service.
Linebackers (9)
Benardrick McKinney (ILB)
Zach Cunningham (ILB)
Dylan Cole (ILB)
Brian Peters (ILB)
Jadeveon Clowney (OLB)
Whitney Mercilus (OLB)
Brennan Scarlett (OLB)
Duke Ejiofor (OLB)
Peter Kalambayi (OLB)
Analysis: Another deep, talented group, especially inside. There should be help for special teams as well. The outside players lack experience after Clowney/Mercilus/Scarlett, so that could become a concern if there are injuries, but Ejiofor and Kalambayi have upside.
Cornerbacks (6)
Johnathan Joseph
Aaron Colvin
Kayvon Webster
Kevin Johnson
Johnson Bademosi
A.J. Moore
Analysis: The Texans added A.J. Moore off waivers on Sunday to add some depth. They lack a true No. 1 corner - Joseph is well past his prime - and depth here. This is an area of serious concern.
Safety (4)
Kareem Jackson
Tyrann Mathieu
Justin Reid
Natrell Jamerson
Analysis: Jackson's move from corner and the additions of Mathieu and Reid makes this potentially the best and most versatile safety group the Texans have ever had. Jamerson was picked up on waivers and should help on special teams.
Specialists (3)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (K)
Trevor Daniel (P)
Jon Weeks (LS)
Analysis: Daniel beating out Shane Lechler at punter got a lot of attention, but hey, a punter is a punter. Fairbairn missed the preseason but should be ready to go.
