Taking one last stab at figuring out who will make the cut.
We’ve arrived at the final Rosterology of the offseason. The regular season is but days away and the roster is being finalized as we speak. It has easily been one of the most competitive training camps for the fewest number of spots. Last season, only 20-25 players were considered roster locks. This season that number was closer to 40, leaving only 13 spots up for grab. As the preseason continued, that number increasingly got smaller to now a handful of roster spots being in question.
The last defensive end, the sixth wide receiver, Christian Harris’ injury, and the third through fifth cornerbacks are all the main spots of contention. The cornerback room is by far the most volatile. Desmond King II’s muffed punt was easily the biggest gaff of the preseason, plus the evolving defensive scheme with Jalen Pitre at nickel isolates King from the roster. His inclusion/exclusion will be an intriguing story over the next 48 hours.
Injuries are also an extensive concern. Christian Harris, Tim Settle Jr., Charlie Heck, Jeff Okudah, and Noah Brown’s lingering injuries could cost several of them their jobs or place them on IR. This will drastically impact Rosterology.
With that, let’s dive into the final edition of the 2024 Rosterology.
Rookies are in italics
Last Four In
Nick Broeker
Marcus Harris
Myles Bryant
Kendrick Green
First Four Out
Tim Settle Jr.
Noah Brown
Chris Reed
D’Angelo Ross
Biggest Riser
Marcus Harris
Biggest Faller
Noah Brown
Analysis: The offensive line and defensive backs are in flux. It’s unclear who the Houston Texans prefer and who they sat out. Two of Chris Reed, Nick Broeker, and Kendrick Green will make the roster. Based on recent performance Broeker and Green get the nod. Marcus Harris’ gutsy performances have earned him the last spot.
Must note that Cam Akers isn’t listed on the Last Four In or First Four Out as he’s earned a roster spot outright. So too has rookie Marcus Harris. He may not be ready for full time, but he’s a player for the future that will benefit from being in the roster more than on practice squad.
As for Noah Brown, his lack of availability is arguably the second biggest question on the roster behind Christian Harris. Brown’s ceiling is fantastic, but there’s too much competition at the position to allow him to absorb a spot and be injured. He’ll either land purposefully on IR or secretly be ready to go week one.
Offense (25)
Quarterbacks (2 + 1 emergency QB)
C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills
CUT: Tim Boyle, Case Keenum (emergency QB on practice squad)
Keenum’s poor performance on Saturday solidifies this position. Mills is the active backup while Keenum benefits from the practice squad rule change allowing him to be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster throughout the season. Tim Boyle put up a valid effort, but it’s too little too late to make the team in any capacity.
Running Backs (5)
Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, Andrew Beck, Cam Akers
CUT: Jawhar Jordan, British Brooks (UDFA), J.J. Taylor, Troy Hairston, Nick Bawden
What a joy ride! Cam Akers completely dazzled this preseason. I can’t remember the last time a Texans player jumped three spots on the depth chart through the preseason. It’s been remarkable to watch and a testament to Nick Caserio’s unwavering resolve to add talent.
To be honest, I expect Pierce to be traded. That’s right, Houston could go into the season without Pierce, something unimaginable six weeks ago. Considering there aren’t any rumors, for the final Rosterology we’ll keep it as is.
Wide Receivers (6)
Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods, John Metchie III
CUT: Ben Swokronek Steven Sims, Jared Wayne, Johnny Johnson III
IR: Noah Brown
The WR carousel stops here. The absence of Noah Brown throughout training camp and preseason dictates the decision here. Houston elevates Woods. Unless Caserio covets the $5M cutting Woods would free up,
There’s a world where Steven Sims makes the roster. It wouldn’t be surprising, but disappointing that Houston chose to keep a lesser-quality WR with kick return capability over one who can make a difference on offense. Sims’ punt and kick return skills would warrant a roster spot on multiple teams in the league.
Tight Ends (3)
Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan, Cade Stover
CUT: Teagan Quitoriano
IR: Dalton Keene
The most stable group on offense, tight ends are still an exciting group and an under-rated X-factor. Stroud and Berlin Jordan developed a fantastic relationship at the end of the season and will be a key wrinkle the team unleashed next season.
Stover looks NFL-ready and will be a clutch asset on offense. It’s rare for any team to have three exciting TEs. Stover’s development as a run blocker will be crucial for him getting on the field.
Offensive Tackles (4)
Tytus Howard, Laremy Tunsil, Blake Fisher, Nick Broeker
CUT: David Sharpe, Cam Erving
Injured: Charlie Heck
Offensive Guards & Centers (5)
Juice Scruggs, Kenyon Green, Shaq Mason, Jarret Patterson, Kendrick Green
CUT: Dieter Eiselen, Chris Reed
Patterson has developed quite nicely as a backup center. Kendrick Green regains his roster spot after losing it to veteran Chris Reed. Don’t be surprised if it does go Reed’s way, but at this point Green is a more reliable player with experience starting in Houston.
Eiselen should make practice squad as an international player and an emergency backup.
DEFENSE (25)
Defensive Ends (5)
Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., Derek Barnett, Ali Gaye, Jerry Hughes
CUT: Solomon Byrd, Pheldarius Payne (UDFA)
IR: Dylan Horton
Suspended: Denico Autry
First time this year the defensive end unit remains unchanged. Second-year Ali Gaye has outplayed rookie Solomon Byrd every single game. Byrd is old for a rookie but still needs development. Gaye has been a stalwart player on the defensive line throughout the preseason but will eventually be let go when Autry returns.
Don’t be surprised if Houston picks up another defensive end before the season begins in place of Gaye. They desperately need depth until either Autry returns or Dylan Horton fully recovers from cancer treatment.
Defensive Tackles (5)
Foley Fatukasi, Kurt Hinish, Mario Edwards, Khalil Davis, Marcus Harris
CUT: McTelvin Agim, Tim Settle Jr.
Purely due to health, Tim Settle is left off the roster. Houston will keep tabs on the veteran, but missing all of training camp while a rookie is busting his [KITTEN] for the spot isn’t going to win him any favors.
Congrats to Harris, just this week it was predicted that Harris and four other rookies would not make the roster.
Linebackers (5)
Azeez Al-Shaair, To’oTo’o, Neville Hewitt, Jake Hansen, Del’Shawn Phillips
CUT: Jamal Hill, Jacob Phillips, Tarique Barnes, Maxwell Tooley
IR: Christian Harris
Placing Harris on injured reserve is soul crushing. Extremely little has been communicated about his health, but not completing one practice all preseason is not a confidence booster.
Truth be told, Phillips doesn’t deserve a roster spot. His timid play and lack of run support have been evident. Don’t be surprised if Houston looks to free agency to find a short term replacement until Harris returns.
Cornerbacks (5)
Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Desmond King II, Jeff Okudah, Myles Bryant
CUT: D’Angelo Ross, Kris Boyd, Troy Pride Jr., C.J. Henderson, Mike Ford Jr.
This is the position where the most volatility exists. Kris Boyd’s injury, Desmond King II’s muffed punt, and Mike Ford Jr.’s poor play of recent put everything into turmoil.
Several other roster prediction posts have King II released for the second season in a row. However his nickel play will be a depth piece behind Jalen Pitre. He is more talented than other corners on the roster and deserves to play. Bryant makes the roster due to his special teams aptitude and positional flexibility.
Safeties (5)
Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, Calen Bullock, M.J. Stewart, Eric Murray
CUT: Lonnie Johnson Jr.,
IR; Brandon Hill
While Stewart is hurt, I still project him to make the roster. If Houston plans to run three safeties on the starting defense, they’ll need a fifth for depth. Lonnie Johnson Jr has shown signs of growth, but his lack of deep ball playmaking ability doesn’t provide the support Houston needs. Given the age of this group’s age, Johnson could be added mid-season in case of an injury.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker: Ka’Imi Fairbairn
Punter: Tommy Townsend
Long Snapper: Jon Weeks
There you have it. The final projected 53 man roster. We’ll track who is in and who is out throughout today and tomorrow in an epic 48 hour period.