Changing the faces of the franchise
Roster likely to see as much as 70 percent turnover
Of the 33 players the Texans have acquired during the offseason, many will be competing for starting jobs while others will contribute in backup roles and on special teams.
When Phase One of the offseason program begins April 19 with conditioning, players will have to spend more time than usual introducing themselves to each other.
First-year general manager Nick Caserio has added so many new players — with more on the way in free agency and the draft — that there could be a 70 percent turnover rate by the time rosters are reduced to 53 the week before the regular season begins.
That’s not a bad thing for a team that has deteriorated from a 10-6 AFC South champion in 2019 to a 4-12 disaster last season, precipitating change on and off the field, beginning with Caserio and coach David Culley.
Counting Culley, the Texans have 19 new coaches and three who returned —Tim Kelly (offensive coordinator), Danny Barrett (running backs) and Bobby King (moving to defensive line from linebackers).
Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, acquired in a trade with New England, is like most of his teammates when asked about his first impression of Culley.
“He’s great,” Cannon said. “He got me excited just talking to him — his energy and what he brings to the organization.
“He made me want to practice that day. I’m excited to play for him. I’m excited to see what he’s all about.”
Cannon will be part of the most closely watched competition on offense. After playing well in 2019, the line had high expectations last season but, like most of the Texans, took a nosedive.
Caserio got rid of center Nick Martin and right guard Zach Fulton. Only tackles Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are guaranteed starting jobs. Most have penciled in free agent Justin Britt as the new center, but there will be competition at his position as well as both guard spots.
When it comes to Culley’s coaching staff, there will be more continuity on offense than defense with the return of Kelly and Barrett.
Kelly enters his eighth season with the Texans and his second as play-caller. With Deshaun Watson facing an uncertain future, it looks like Kelly will be coaching veterans Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Finley.
Caserio let receiver Will Fuller — the team’s best deep threat — leave in free agency. He also cut tight end Darren Fells, Watson’s most reliable target in the red zone.
The Texans still have tight ends Jordan Akins, Pharaoh Brown and Kahale Warring and added Ryan Izzo in a trade with New England.
As for the receivers, Brandin Cooks is coming off a terrific season. Keke Coutee played the best ball of his career over the second half, and Randall Cobb contributed until missing the last six games because of injuries.
Caserio signed four wide receivers in free agency, including Chris Conley, who started four games and had 40 catches in his last season with Jacksonville.
Barrett has two new veterans at running back in Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingram to go with David Johnson, who led the team with 691 yards rushing last season. Culley, Kelly and Barrett are hoping to revitalize a running game that finished 31st last season with an average of 91.6 yards a game.
Johnson, who came from Arizona last year in the DeAndre Hopkins trade, was asked last week what it means to the offense in general and the running game in particular to have Kelly and Barrett back.
“It means a lot, especially for me,” he said. “I’ve had so many different running back coaches and head coaches over the last five years. Danny being a great running back coach, he shoots it straight to me.
“He lets me know if it’s a bad play, (and) he’ll be honest with me. If it’s a good play, he keeps me motivated and lets me know I can do better.”
With new coordinator Lovie Smith installing a 4-3 base defense, that side of the ball is undergoing the most change. It’s the first time the Texans have used a 4-3 since 2010. Former coordinators Wade Phillips and Romeo Crennel employed a 3-4 as their base defense.
Caserio signed eight linebackers, adding more players at that position than anywhere else
“I think his scheme is linebacker-friendly to where it allows you to really open up and be the player you are,” said Christian Kirksey, who started 11 games at Green Bay last season. “It means a lot to play with Lovie Smith.
“I know a lot of the guys coming to the team. The league’s like a big fraternity. With the team camaraderie, I (don’t) think it’s going to be super hard to jell.”
The only thing fans know for sure about the linebackers is Zach Cunningham will start in the middle. Kirksey should win an outside job, but he’ll have a lot of competition — the same as on the defensive line.
The biggest competition in the secondary will be at cornerback. A defensive lineman or cornerback could be the Texans’ first pick in the draft — which barring a trade will be in the third round, 67th overall.
Caserio has eight draft choices, but based on the way he has been operating, that number could go up or down.
Caserio also signed Pro Bowl kickoff and punt returner Andre Roberts and punter Cameron Johnston to help improve the special teams.
“(I’m) excited to see all the new faces,” Kirksey said. “I think it’s a good thing bringing all these guys from different places (who have) seen different things. We’re building a team with a lot of competition.
“If you’re an athlete, you’re a competitor, (and) you enjoy it when you’ve got a room full of guys that are hungry, trying to prove things and trying to win. It creates a competitive atmosphere, and that’s how you create winners.”