POSITION BREAKDOWN

DEFENSIVE LINE

J.J. Watt is the leader of the defensive line. He was leading the NFL in quarterback pressures last season before getting hurt. The loss of Pro Bowl alternate nose tackle D.J. Reader to the Bengals in free agency is a major departure, but the Texans are confident in Brandon Dunn. The Texans expect Chares Omenihu, a former Big 12 Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year at Texas, to continue to develop as an interior pass rusher. Ross Blacklock looks ready but is untested, and Bill O’Brien has said he expects this to be a veteran year with rookies not being counted on immediately.

LINEBACKER

Pro Bowl alternate inside linebacker Zach Cunningham has size, speed, instincts and tackling skills in his repertoire. Working next to Benardrick McKinney, a former Pro Bowl selection, Cunningham is frequently unblocked and led the team and the AFC in tackles. McKinney is a rock against the run and is the defensive signal caller. Outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett is a solid all-around contributor. Jacob Martin had 3½ sacks as a situational pass rusher. Martin and Jon Greenard could team up for a lively sub package. Dylan Cole is back from a torn ACL, but depth at inside linebacker is a concern if he gets hurt again.

SECONDARY

Justin Reid and Bradley Roby are the leaders of a secondary that has a lot to prove after surrendering five touchdown passes in the playoff meltdown against the Chiefs. Reid is a hard hitter who has recovered from a torn labrum that required surgery. Roby is the Texans’ most effective inside and outside corner. Gareon Conley is a serviceable starter opposite Roby. Eric Murray is a good blitzer who has the speed to cover fast tight ends. Lonnie Johnson Jr. had an up-and-down rookie year, but the team is hopeful the former second-round draft pick will improve a lot in his second season. Johnson has the size and speed NFL teams covet for an outside corner. Nickel back is a competitive situation with Vernon Hargreaves and rookie John Reid vying for playing time.

DEPTH

Depth is questionable. The Texans are counting on a lot of new players, including Blacklock and Greenard, their top two draft picks.