Texans' roster looks poised for major changes in 2023

The Houston Texans undertook a much-needed roster overhaul this offseason. After having the second-worst record in the NFL in 2022, it's not surprising that many starting positions will be occupied by new faces in 2023.  Pro Football Focus recently projected the starting lineups for each NFL team. As noted in the article, nickel and dime […]

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© Andrew Nelles / Tenn | 2022 Dec 29

The Houston Texans undertook a much-needed roster overhaul this offseason. After having the second-worst record in the NFL in 2022, it's not surprising that many starting positions will be occupied by new faces in 2023. 

Pro Football Focus recently projected the starting lineups for each NFL team. As noted in the article, nickel and dime packages are becoming more and more prevalent. As a result, 12 offensive and 12 defensive players are listed for each team. 

Think of it as the 12 players who will see the field the most. Let's dive in to who could be starting for the Texans. 

Offense:

QB: CJ Stroud

RB: Dameon Pierce

RB: Devin Singletary

WR: Robert Woods

WR: Nico Collins

WR: John Metchie III

TE: Dalton Schultz

LT: Laremy Tunsil

LG: Kenyon Green

C: Juice Scruggs

RG: Shaq Mason

RT: Tytus Howard

Seven of the 12 projected offensive starters in Houston are newcomers. Pierce, Collins, Tunsil, Green, and Howard are the only holdovers who figure to play a large role. 

Stroud is clearly the biggest variable, as everybody else on offense will look much better if Stroud excels early. Singletary gives Stroud a pass-catching option out of the backfield and Schultz is a solid target across the middle. 

Mason and the rookie Scruggs should shore up the offensive line, which is a neccessity for a rookie QB. The team will also enjoy seeing Metchie in action after missing last season due to a Leukemia diagnosis. The veteran Woods will fill the experienced receiver role vacated by Brandin Cooks. 

Defense: 

DL: Sheldon Rankins

DL: Maliek Collins

Edge: Will Anderson Jr.

Edge: Jerry Hughes

Edge: Jonathan Greenard

LB: Denzel Perryman 

LB: Christian Kirksey 

CB: Derek Stingley Jr.

CB: Steven Nelson

CB: Desmond King II

S: Jimmie Ward

S: Jalen Pitre

The defense will also look different with at least four new starters. Anderson will be the biggest question mark after being selected No. 3 overall. Fortunately, Anderson's style of play should translate well to the NFL and learning under fellow Alabama linebacker DeMeco Ryans will be invaluable. 

Rankins comes over to help plug a porous Houston run defense. Hassan Ridgeway was also brought in to fill that gap and should see plenty of snaps along with the veteran Collins. 

Cory Littleton and Denzel Perryman were brought in on one-year deals and will help man the middle along with Kirksey. 

The secondary did not have much overhaul done, but a pair of solid veterans in Griffin and Ward were brought in. The secondary was the best part of the Texans' 2022 defense and it should be just as good in 2023.