Andre Johnson Reports To Training Camp, Now What?
By Joey Buchta
Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
2. Who Will Start on the Defensive Line?
The Texans have the best defensive lineman in the NFL in J.J. Watt, but who will start at the other two spots?
They drafted nose tackle Louis Nix in the third round and recently placed him on the PUP list as well. With him being out, they signed former Texan David Hunter to get reps and compete with Jerrell Powe.
The defensive end spot opposite of Watt looks to be between Jared Crick and Tim Jamison. Both seem to fit the bill of “lunch pail” guys that O’Brien often uses, but that isn’t comforting after a 2-14 year. Rookie Jeoffrey Pagan is also a candidate to earn snaps with a strong training camp.
They have plenty of bodies to compete for these spots. With all the hype surrounding the potential of the front seven, a few surprises would make this defense nasty.
Whoever ends up starting along with Watt will be key components to stopping the run and putting the offense in 3rd and long situations.
Once that happens look for Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, and the next best pass rusher to tee off on quarterbacks.