DeMeco Ryans Seems Thrilled With His New Toys on Defense...And Why Wouldn't He?

The heavy investment in defense takes a load off for DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans strolled through the halls of the JW Mariott in Orlando. There was an ease and calm about his movement that betrays what he is like during games. The fiery figure his players, free agent additions, and opponents discussed wasn’t present.

Being mere miles from some of the most entertaining places in the country like Disneyland and Universal Studios with perfect weather will put a mind at ease.

As does spending over $125 million on your defense.

The Texans beefed up their defense during the free agency period. Headlined by the addition of Danielle Hunter and backed by the sneaky signings of Azeez Al-Shaair and Denico Autry the Texans increased the potential of quarterbacks feeling pain and opposing offenses failing miserably.

“We’re excited about the guys we added up front,” DeMeco Ryans said Monday with his typical measured approach. “We wanted to get better on the defensive line. That was an emphasis for us. And it’s not just one guy, it’s multiple guys.”

Danielle Hunter was the headliner along the defensive line but he is joined by Denico Autry who can play inside and outside along the defensive line. Folorunso Fatukasi, Tim Settle, and Mario Edwards are new faces at defensive tackle. Derek Barnett was brought back as well.

Ryans explained the additions allow the team to emphasize the style of defense they want to play. He said the team wants to play “dominant” defense and stop the elite quarterbacks on their schedule.

Hunter is the big fish, but Autry is already a favorite among the decision-makers.

“If you watch the tape you know Autry is a great football player,” Ryans said with a chuckle and a smile. “He loves football and you can tell it just by watching his tape and the respect that he has around the league.”

Ryans noted the respect comes from offensive linemen and his fellow defensive linemen. Autry seems poised to assume Jerry Hughes’ role as the cagey veteran with some juice left in his game. Add in Ryans’ comments with the gushing Nick Caserio did on SportsRadio 610 last week and it’s easy to see how excited the Texans are for the former Titans and Colts defensive lineman.

“This guy’s a badass. This guy’s a Junkyard dog. If you go into a dark alley, you want this guy behind you. This is a bad MFer and a really good football player. “

-Nick Caserio on new defensive lineman Denico Autry

The Texans might have enough. They shouldn’t shy away from adding if the opportunity is present, but look at the below chart and realize only eight, maybe nine, of those players play on Sunday.

You can make it work by picking the defensive line from this group. Maybe add in a rookie or two and the vision for the defensive line is starting to come together.

There’s work to be done at linebacker even with the addition of Al-Shaair. Christian Harris, Henry To’oTo’o, Jake Hansen, and special teams contributor Del’Shawn Phillips make up the rest of the room. Some additional depth or even an upgrade is possible and should be pursued.

The defensive back situation falls between shaky and sturdy, but their job is easier when the pricy front seven takes care of business.

Houston’s head coach isn’t done. Why not get greedy at this point?

“Throughout the draft process, I’m combing through the prospects. As many as I can,” Ryans said.

That’s what’s next for the Texans as they continue to add to the toy chest for DeMeco Ryans on defense.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

The Houston Texans will start the preseason on August 1 as they play the Chicago Bears in Canton, Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame game. Andre Johnson will get his gold jacket and be inducted into the Hall of Fame that weekend.

This is the first time the Texans have played in the game since 2002.

This also means training camp should start around the third week of July, shortening our wait for football this summer.

While I don’t expect many expected starters to play in the game, it will be cool to turn Canton into Houston North for the long weekend. The extra work won’t hurt the Texans either as they prepare for the 2024 season.

Tickets for the game and the enshrinement go on sale April 12.

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