Despite a star-studded starting lineup, roster gaps at linebacker and edge rusher threaten to undermine Houston’s defensive dominance as training camp looms for the AFC contenders.
The Houston Texans have an elite defensive roster. The talent laden defense has stars across the entire starting lineup. Believe it or not, the league's best defense does have issues with depth.
Depth has become a recurring theme for the Texans defense over the last week. Earlier, we noted that linebacker depth is of concern for some who are not sold on where the team is behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o at the position. Another spot could be of more concern for the team's defense.
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz identified the Texans' biggest weakness in his view. Schatz said his main concern was the team's depth along the defensive line at edge rusher. Here's what he wrote of the Texans' lack of edge rusher depth heading into a pivotal 2026 NFL season.
"The Texans' starting edge rushers are outstanding, with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combining for 27 sacks last season. However, edge rushers don't play every snap on defense. Last year, Anderson played 67% of defensive snaps, while Hunter played 70%. And the depth chart behind Anderson and Hunter is weak now that Derek Barnett and Denico Autry are gone.
Dominique Robinson, who signed in free agency, had just 1.5 sacks in 12 games last season with the Bears. Dylan Horton has only a half sack over three seasons in Houston. The Texans are the perfect landing spot for a veteran pass rusher who can play a rotational role, whether that's Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa or Leonard Floyd. Barnett and Autry are also still unsigned."
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a touchdown pass as Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) defends during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesSome would argue that edge rusher depth is the least of the Texans' concerns. After all, it was the offense, not the defense that prevented Houston from attaining its goals in 2026.
The right tackle position seems as pressing a need as any for the team after Houston was unable to add a sure-fire replacement for traded right tackle Tytus Howard. Some believe the Texans found their starter in the draft or through free agent acquisitions, but whether or not they will be effective is inconclusive.
Edge depth matters, though. And should Anderson or Hunter get hurt, there will be a steep drop off from starter to backup. That was always going to be the case, but Schatz writes that the replacement players need to be ready in the event that they need to play. The Texans will look to shore up all weaknesses over the next couple of weeks.