The addition of former Titan Robaire Smith, who will start at right end, gives the Texans a solid trio of run defenders, and combined with a healthy Gary Walker, should improve a pass rush that netted just 19 sacks by this unit last year. The Titans believe Smith has the potential to be a force at defensive end in their 3-4 defense. He has the size and strength to hold up to the run and he has show some pass-rushing ability. Walker is an experienced veteran with a ton of ability, but he always seems to be dinged up. If he can stay healthy, he should have a big year with Smith drawing some of the attention his way.
Seth Payne will return as the starter at nose tackle after missing most of last season himself and he is still recovering from the ACL injury that sidelined him, so durability is a concern for him as well. But when healthy, he is excellent at stuffing the middle of the line and taking on blockers. If he is not ready to go when the season starts, Smith could be moved to the middle to fill the hole. Jerry DeLoach can also fill in at the nose or at end, and Corey Sears, who started 12 games last year, provides more depth on the outside.
Linebackers
The Texans are also hoping rookie Jason Babin can help improve their anemic pass rush. He is an explosive player with good pass-rushing skills and he has the ability to play every down at outside linebacker in this system. Veteran Kailee Wong is penciled in as the starter on the opposite side, but last year’s third-round pick Antwan Peek could challenge him for playing time. At the least, Peek will be used as a situational pass rusher.
Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman are scheduled to start on the inside. Sharper is a physical, big-play linebacker who may have lost half a step, but still has the ability to make plays on the inside. Foreman has the speed to make plays from sideline to sideline and may benefit the most by the return of a healthy Payne at nose tackle. Overall, the Titans appear to be very strong at linebacker both inside and out.
Secondary
The Texans took a huge step toward shoring up a weak secondary by using this year’s first-round draft pick on cornerback Dunta Robinson, who is scheduled to start on the right side. He has decent size, very good speed, and the coverage skills to be a shut-down corner in the NFL. He's a physical player. He tackles well, and is not afraid to step up in run support. He has a terrific combination of speed and strength, good acceleration, and quickness closing on the ball carrier. He also shows excellent footwork and has a terrific back pedal. He's fluid in his turn and possesses great ball skills. And he could also be used on kick or punt returns.
Veteran Aaron Glenn, who is on the downside of his career, will start on the left side. Despite his age, he does still possess good speed and athletic ability, and the Texans should be able to get another good season or two out of him if he can stay healthy. Kenny Wright will likely be the nickel back with DeMarcus Faggins coming into the game in dime situations. Marcus Coleman will move inside to free safety this year where he should be a better fit. He has decent cover skills, but he lacks the speed needed out on the corners. Coleman is a nice complement to strong safety Eric Brown, who struggles in man coverage but excels against the run.
Overview
The Texans appear to be a team that is ready to really put things together on the offensive side of the ball. Andre Johnson looks like a play maker and Dominick Davis should just continue to get better on the ground. And with three potential weapons to choose from at receiver, David Carr must be licking his chops just waiting for the season to begin.
Defensively, there are still questions to answer and some young guys are going to have to step forward, but overall they appear to be better than last year’s squad... especially in the secondary. If the Texans can get off to a good start, I think they have the potential to make a run at the playoffs, although playing in a tough division might make that a tough goal to fulfill. However, an 8-8 season is very realistic and would be a nice stepping stone for the future.
