After the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, I posted a way-too-early projection for the Texans' final 53-man roster. 

Just over a month later, the team is halfway through the scheduled OTAs and will soon host a mandatory minicamp. The season is rapidly approaching and there are a few things we know now that we didn't a month ago. 

With that in mind, let's take another stab at predicting the final roster in Houston.

Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.

Quarterback (3)

IN: CJ Stroud*, Case Keenum, Davis Mills 
OUT: None

Changes: Davis Mills IN, EJ Perry removed

The skinny: If you don't already know, Stroud will be the starter. Keenum provides a valuable veteran presence. I thought Perry had a shot at the practice squad, but it seems that the former Brown and Boston College QB will try his luck in the USFL. The noticeable change here is Mills. I was of the belief that a QB-needy team would trade for Mills at some point, but the latest reports indicate that is not likely. For now, the Texans roll with three signal-callers. 

Running back (3 RB, 1 FB)

IN: Dameon Pierce, Devin Singletary, Dare Ogunbowale, Andrew Beck (FB)
OUT: Mike Boone, Gerrid Doaks, Xazavian Valladay**, Troy Hairston

Changes: Boone OUT

The skinny: Boone is a victim of the numbers game here. If the team keeps three QBs, running back could be a position that is impacted. I believe this could mean Ogunbowale, Boone, Doaks, and Valladay are fighting for one spot. I have Ogunbowale claiming the spot due to his special teams prowess. Doaks and Valladay should be on the practice squad. 

Wide receiver (6)

IN: Robert Woods, John Metchie III, Noah Brown, Nico Collins, Tank Dell*, Xavier Hutchinson*
OUT: Steven Sims, Amari Rodgers, Jalen Camp, Drew Estrada, Johnny Johnson III, Alex Bachman, Jesse Matthews**, Jared Wayne**

Changes: Sims OUT, Hutchinson IN

The skinny: Originally I was of the opinion that Sims' special teams ability would give him the edge over Hutchinson. However, after rookie minicamp and the beginning of OTAs, it seems like rookie Tank Dell will be involved in the return game. If Sims isn't returning kicks or punts, he seems redundant on the roster. Hutchinson's potential is enough that the team won't risk losing him. 

Tight end (3)

IN: Dalton Schultz, Teagan Quitoriano, Brevin Jordan
OUT: Mason Schreck, Jordan Murray**

Changes: Murray OUT

The skinny: I don't foresee any surprises in this group. Schultz is a solid starter who will contribute immediately, while Jordan and Quitoriano should have chances to prove they belong. Murray is a UDFA that was brought in after the draft and could be a practice squad candidate.

Offensive line (9)

IN: Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs*, Shaq Mason, Tytus Howard, Charlie Heck, Michael Deiter, Scott Quessenberry, Jarrett Patterson*
OUT: Greg Little, Austin Deculus, Jimmy Morrissey, Tyler Beach**, Dylan Deatherage**, Killian Zierer**

Changes: Greg Little OUT

The skinny: This is a much-improved roster compared to the 2022 edition. Mason and Scruggs should be the two new starters on the interior, and 2023 sixth-rounder Jarrett Patterson should land a role as a depth piece on the interior. The only change is the addition of veteran tackle Greg Little. It's possible that Little beats out Heck for the backup tackle spot, but for now I like Heck. 

Defensive line (9)

IN: Will Anderson Jr.,* Sheldon Rankins, Hassan Ridgeway, Jonathan Greenard, Jacob Martin, Maliek Collins, Chase Winovich, Roy Lopez, Dylan Horton*
OUT: Jerry Hughes, Kurt Hinish, Thomas Booker IV, Demone Harris, Derek Rivers, Adedayo Odeleye, Ali Gaye**

Changes: Jerry Hughes OUT, Jacob Martin IN, Roy Lopez IN, Taylor Stallworth removed  

The skinny: I really thought Stallworth would make the team over Lopez due to the former receiving an extension and the latter struggling in 2022. However, Stallworth was released with an injury settlement last week and Lopez is a locker room favorite. Hughes is the biggest surprise here, as I have the veteran missing out. Hughes will be 35 when the season kicks off, and I'm sure new coach DeMeco Ryans wants his young guys to get as many reps as possible. Martin makes the team as a familiar face and solid role player. 

Outside linebacker (3)

IN: Cory Littleton, Christian Harris, Neville Hewitt
OUT: Garret Wallow, Jake Hansen, Blake Cashman, Ian Swenson**

Changes: Blake Cashman OUT, Ian Swenson OUT

The skinny: This group looks a little different than it did a month ago. The veteran Hewitt was brought back for his special teams prowess and should make the team. To'oTo'o will likely line up in the middle. 

Inside linebacker (3)

IN: Denzel Perryman, Christian Kirksey, Henry To'oTo'o
OUT: None

Changes: None

The skinny: This is a solid group that should stay relatively stagnant this summer. Perryman and Kirksey are solid veterans and To'oTo'o provide special teams help as a rookie. 

Cornerback (5)

IN: Derek Stingley, Jr., Steven Nelson, Desmond King II, Shaquill Griffin, Tavierre Thomas
OUT: D'Angelo Ross, Ka'dar Hollman, Cobi Francis, Kendall Sheffield, Darius Phillips

Changes: Shaquill Griffin IN, Kendall Sheffield OUT, Darius Phillips OUT

The skinny: The addition of Griffin really rounds out this group. Griffin has always been a solid corner when healthy, and will look to rebound after an injury-plagued 2022 in Jacksonville. The veteran likely pushes Sheffield, Phillips, or one of the other young corners off of the roster. 

Safety (5)

IN: Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, MJ Stewart, Eric Murray, Brandon Hill*
OUT: Grayland Arnold, Tyree Gillespie

Changes: Tyree Gillespie OUT, Darius Joiner removed

The skinny: I have the same five safeties in that I did last month. I don't see a reason to change unless Gillespie has a strong camp. In that case, Gillespie could be the fifth safety and Hill could spend a year on the practice squad. 

Special Teams (3)

IN: Cameron Johnston, Ka'imi Fairbairn, Jon Weeks
OUT: None

Changes: Cameron Johnston IN, Joe Doyle removed

The skinny: Well, my bold prediction went up in flames before OTAs even kicked off. Back in May, I thought Memphis punter Joe Doyle had a real shot at beating out the incumbent Johnston for the punting job. Doyle was waived last month, however, and no further competition has been added. The three above players will likely be your specialists in 2023. 

Featured image via © Thomas Shea | 2023 May 12