Despite boasting an elite pass-rushing duo, Houston’s lack of defensive depth threatens their Super Bowl aspirations. The Texans must secure veteran reinforcements to bolster a thinning edge-rusher rotation.
The Houston Texans have one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, and that is no secret. However, no personnel grouping in the NFL is perfect, and the franchise has some areas it should consider improving. Depth at edge rusher is an area that stands out.
On the surface, the position looks elite. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are one of the most feared pass-rushing duos in the entire NFL, and last season they proved exactly why as the two combined for an impressive 27 sacks.
As ESPN's Aaron Schatz laid out in perfect detail that it is the depth at the position that could plague the Texans, "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."
The departure of Derek Barnett and Denico Autry has left a significant void in the rotation. What remains behind Anderson and Hunter is not very impressive. Schatz noted that Dominique Robinson, who signed with Houston in free agency, recorded just 1.5 sacks in 12 games last season with the Bears. Dylan Horton has managed only half a sack across three seasons in Houston. Those aren't the kinds of numbers that strike fear into opposing offensive coordinators.
For a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, relying on that level of production from your rotational edge rushers is a real concern. Pass rushing is a position that demands depth. It is best to have a constant rotation at the position, which is why Houston should be looking to upgrade the depth in this area.
The solutions that are still available on the open market are not bad. Veterans like Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, and Leonard Floyd remain unsigned, any one of whom could slide into a rotational role and provide a genuine upgrade.
General manager Nick Caserio has built a strong roster from top to bottom, but this is one area that deserves attention before the season kicks off. The Texans' ceiling in 2025 may very well depend on whether they find that reliable third edge rusher.