LINEBACKER

The Texans will have only two linebackers on the field in their standard nickel packages. Veteran Zach Cunningham and Christian Kirksey, a former Brown and Packer, will be the starters and will quarterback a defensive front that must improve against the run after Houston ranked last in rush defense last season. Kamu Grugier-Hill, who won a Super Bowl with the Eagles, is the third linebacker and showed good instincts in the preseason. Then: Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, Whitney Mercilus, Jacob Martin, Dylan Cole, Tyrell Adams, Brennan Scarlett, Peter Kalambayi.

Now: Zach Cunningham, Christian Kirksey, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Kevin PierreLouis, Neville Hewitt, Garret Wallow.