The Houston Texans enter the 2024 NFL season primed for more success after a 10-7 finish, an AFC South title and a wild-card playoff victory in 2023. Though, despite being solid across the board, there are still several unanswered questions surrounding the team.
With that in mind, here are three important decisions the Texans must make before the start of the regular season.
Who will start at defensive tackle?
The Texans beefed up its edge rushing unit during the offseason, adding four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter to play opposite 2023 first-round pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson. However, much uncertainty surrounds who will plug the middle of the line.
In free agency, Houston also signed former Tennessee Titans lineman Denico Autry, who was potentially in line for a starting role. But following his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, the Texans’ defensive tackle situation got much more clouded.
Now, journeyman Mario Edwards and six-year veteran Folorunso Fatukasi are on pace to start instead of battling for the second DT spot after lackluster 2023 campaigns.
Edwards recorded 15 solo tackles and two sacks in 15 games (one start) with the Seattle Seahawks, while Fatukasi, more of a run-stopper, finished with 16 solo tackles, zero sacks and an average rush defense grade (60.7), per Pro Football Focus.
Barring breakout camps from Khalil Davis or Tim Settle, the Texans are relatively thin at DT, which might force them to make an outside move ahead of Week 1.
Will Kenyon Green be the Texans starting left guard?
Green was a first-round pick in 2022 and a solid performer as a rookie. However, after undergoing knee surgery that offseason, a shoulder injury suffered the following preseason kept him out the entire 2023 campaign.
The 23-year-old arrived at training camp at 100% and in better shape after a long offseason of work. He’s not only slimmer but raved about his increased mobility to Aaron Wilson of KPRC in Houston, which has only boosted his confidence heading into the year.
A healthy Green could solidify the Texans’ offensive line, with most of the spots already secured, including left tackle Laremy Tunsil, center Juice Scruggs, right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle Tytus Howard.
If things don’t work out for Green, Houston may turn to 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher, currently slotted to backup Tunsil at tackle.
Deciding on a No. 2 cornerback
Only two seasons into his NFL career, the third-overall pick in the 2022 draft, Derek Stingley Jr., has already assumed No. 1 cornerback duties for the Texans’ defense. However, it’s still unclear who will play opposite the 23-year-old star.
Houston selected Kamari Lassiter in the second round of the 2024 draft, and it’s seemingly his job to lose. The depth chart Houston released before its preseason opener against the Chicago Bears in the annual Hall of Fame Game indicates that Lassiter will get the first chance to impress.
The Texans also took a flyer out on two players who were former top 10 picks, Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson. Both are already joining their third team despite being drafted No. 3 and No. 9 in 2020.
If the responsibility proves too much too early for the rookie, it could present an opportunity for either Okudah or Henderson to resurrect their careers.
