Position analysis: Cornerbacks
Bradley Roby anticipated the throw from Tom Brady, reacting fast for an interception during a victory over the Patriots in December.
When Roby returned from a strained hamstring that sidelined him for six games, he reinforced that he was the Texans’ top cornerback regardless of whether he lined up outside or inside. Although limited to 10 starts due to the Grade 1 leg injury, Roby had 38 tackles, two interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble.
The Texans rewarded Roby with a three-year, $36 million contract that included $19 million guaranteed after the season, retaining him on a long-term deal one year after he signed a one-year, $10 million prove-it deal.
Roby’s return is one of the most encouraging developments for the Texans’ secondary heading into training camp. They need strong play and leadership from Roby after veteran corner Johnathan Joseph wasn’t retained and signed with the Tennessee Titans.
The Texans’ cornerbacks need to keep getting better and match Roby’s play.
Although the Texans won the AFC South title, the defense ranked 29th against the pass and during the regular season allowed 4,491 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes and an average of 12 yards per catch.
During the Texans’ 51-31 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the secondary was exposed and embarrassed as quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw five touchdown passes, including three to star tight end Travis Kelce.
After the Texans traded a third-round draft pick to the Raiders for cornerback Gareon Conley, the former first-round draft pick from Ohio State proved adept at batting down passes and was difficult to beat deep. Conley is healthy now after minor offseason ankle surgery and should hold down the starting job opposite Roby. The Texans declined to pick up his fifth-year option, so this is a contract year for Conley.
Former second-round pick Lonnie Johnson Jr. has ideal size (6-2, 213 pounds) and athleticism (4.38 speed in the 40-yard dash). He has worked diligently throughout the offseason to hone his coverage skills after committing eight penalties as a rookie and having difficulty tracking the football in the air without making contact with receivers downfield.
Former Buccaneers firstround corner Vernon Hargreaves returns after the Texans cut him rather than have him play under a $9.54 million fifth-year option. Hargreaves didn’t make many plays on the ball, but is a physical tackler who could improve in his second year in the Texans’ defensive system.
The Texans drafted Penn State corner John Reid in the fourth round. Reid is slightly undersized but is adept in coverage, tough, and regarded as a student of the game. He should compete for nickel back duties with Phillip Gaines, the former Rice standout who injured his ankle last season, underwent surgery and is back on a one-year contract.