Way-Too-Early 53-Man Roster Projection

Training camp is set to start for the Texans. Here is the first run at 53-man roster projection.

The Houston Texans get practices underway for the 2023 season as they start training camp today.

This is a fun exercise to see how the final few spots on the roster change in the coming weeks. It also helps to get to know the team too. Sundays aren’t just 22-25 players it is a gameday roster that is constantly evolving. All the work in figuring out who helps on those gamedays, and who could help in the future, starts now.

Here is the way-too-early 53-Man roster projection. Rookies are noted with a (R).

Quarterbacks - 3

C.J. Stroud (R)

Davis Mills

Case Keenum

This one is pretty self-explanatory. I believe Stroud will start, Mills will back him up, and Case Keenum is here for his mind not to play in the games. Plus, DeMeco Ryans had a season where the third-string quarterback took his team to the NFC Championship game, AND the emergency quarterback rules were changed because of said quarterback’s injury. The team will keep all three quarterbacks.

READ: When Does the Quarterback Competition End?

Running Backs - 4

Dameon Pierce

Devin Singletary

Dare Ogunbowale

Xazavian Valladay (R)

I had a tough time deciding between Ogunbowale and fellow veteran Mike Boone. I leaned on keeping Valladay due to his fun college tape and the 49ers last season kept a college free agent out of camp too. Valladay had a few flashes in minicamp too.

Wide Receivers - 6

Robert Woods

Nico Collins

Noah Brown

John Metchie

Tank Dell (R)

Xavier Hutchinson (R)

This is more than San Francisco kept last year out of camp, but the 49ers had better overall talent. There is also an investment factor here with Brown and Hutchinson. I know I mentioned Noah Brown could be a surprise cut, well surprise, he is making the roster in large part because he was a free-agent addition. Hutchinson was a late draft pick, but he squeaks on the roster.

Tight Ends - 3

Dalton Schultz

Teagan Quitoriano

Andrew Beck

The tight end room takes the hit with an extra wideout making the squad. Schultz and Quitoriano are no-brainers. Andrew Beck makes it on the strength of also being a fullback. This means Brevin Jordan misses the roster. There wasn’t enough of a step forward last season and I don’t know how he outpaces the other tight ends.

Offensive Tackles - 4

Laremy Tunsil

Tytus Howard

Charlie Heck

Austin Deculus

The should-be All-Pro Laremy Tunsil, as well as Tytus Howard, are obvious. Charlie Heck was a much-maligned draft pick years ago, but he’s turned into a fine swing tackle. I leaned Deculus over other options because of the team’s draft pick investment in him and he’s been here for a year while other tackle contenders are new. Greg Little could supplant Deculus.

Offensive Guards - 4

Kenyon Green

Shaq Mason

Michael Deiter

Jarett Patterson (R)

This isn’t the deepest position group by any means. Deiter was a part-time starter with the Miami Dolphins before he arrived in Houston. Jarett Patterson can play guard and center, as can Deiter. Their versatility plays into the next position.

READ: Can Kenyon Green Beat the Data and Bounce Back?

Center - 1

Juice Scruggs (R)

The lone center and hopefully the starting center. With two backup guards also being options at center, Scruggs is the lone center to make the roster. Scott Quessenberry played a lot last year but struggled.

Defensive End - 6

Will Anderson (R)

Jerry Hughes

Jonathan Greenard

Dylan Horton (R)

Chase Winovich

Jacob Martin

The spot saved by keeping one center shows up here. There needs to be a lot of options at defensive end for the Texans. I am not sure Martin fits, so I might be using a spot on him that could go somewhere else. Rookie defensive lineman Ali Gaye, from LSU, is a large human and I feel like he could bump inside as well, but I’d think the pinch of the roster has him initially on the practice squad.

Defensive Tackle - 4

Maliek Collins

Sheldon Rankins

Hassan Ridgeway

Kurt Hinish

This one was tough because if it plays out this way, two late-round picks are shown the door. Roy Lopez in his third season and Thomas Booker in his second missing the team aren’t ideal. I might be a little too high on Hinish, but I do wonder if a year in the NFL working on his body helps maximize his ability.

Linebackers - 6

Christian Harris

Denzel Perryman

Cory Littleton

Blake Cashman

Jake Hansen

Henry To'oTo'o (R)

This would mean an exit for the leading tackler at linebacker Christian Kirksey. Garret Wallow misses out due to just not having enough spots. This linebacker room is transformed from last year’s group.

READ: Seven Position Battles to Watch This Training Camp

Cornerback - 5

Derek Stingley

Shaquill Griffin

Steven Nelson

Desmond King

Tavierre Thomas

I like this group, especially if Nelson is willing to stick around and isn’t too upset with his contract and role on the team. King has been one of the solid additions by general manager Nick Caserio. Thomas was one of the more impressive slot players over the past two seasons.

Safeties - 4

Jimmie Ward

Jalen Pitre

Eric Murray

M.J. Stewart

Brandon Hill is a seventh-round pick so the investment doesn’t guarantee him a spot. Stewart has helped on special teams. Ward and Pitre’s versatility makes them an interesting starting duo.

Specialists - 3

Jon Weeks - Long Snapper

Cam Johnston - Punter

Ka'imi Fairbairn - Kicker

No surprises here and in fact, there aren’t even players to compete with these three. Barring injury, these are the specialists.

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