Brody: Dear Drew, How is the defensive line shaping up? Which D-lineman is showing up? Love from England!
DD: Thanks for the love, Brody. I hope the Texans are back for a game in the UK very soon. Loved the experience in 2019. As far as the defensive line goes, so far it looks solid. I'm always hesitant to praise or bash any player or group before actual games are played, but Charles Omenihu and Roy Lopez are a couple who spring to mind initially. It looks like Omenihu has continued to grow and get better as a pro, and I'm certain he's got lofty aspirations in terms of improving. Lopez, meanwhile, has caused problems for the offensive line when he's been in the mix.
C. Royal: Dear Drew, How is Lane Taylor doing?
DD: Taylor still hasn't practiced during camp. He's on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. From 2016 through 2018, he started 45 games at left guard for the Packers. He was in Green Bay from 2013 through last year.
Oliver: Dear Drew, Do we have someone who is standing out as a defensive captain?
DD: Safety Justin Reid and linebacker Zach Cunningham seem like logical choices. They've been good players and they've been here awhile. We'll probably hear about the captains the week before the regular season starts.
Fernando: Dear Drew, How many tight ends are the Texans likely to keep?
DD: Great question. A few friends of mine in the media were actually discussing this at practice. Jordan Akins and Pharaoh Brown have looked good through camp, and rookie Brevin Jordan has made plays. I think those three are going to be on the 53-man roster. After that, Kahale Warring is in the mix, as is the group of Antony Auclair, Paul Quessenberry, and Ryan Izzo. Quessenberry has lined up some at fullback, so that ability to play multiple positions helps his chances. Ultimately, if a fourth guy sticks, it'll likely be due to him standing out as a special teams contributor as well.
Alpha 1022: Dear Drew, How do y'all feel about our O-Line? Are we stronger?
DD: I feel better about it than I have the last few seasons. You're set at left tackle in Laremy Tunsil, who plays at an All-Pro level. Justin Britt seems to have really taken charge at the center spot. Tytus Howard and Charlie Heck have really looked good. Both those guys have played right tackle, but there have been scenarios when Howard's lined up at left guard, with Heck at right tackle. I also think the coaching of James Campen is a plus. I think the offensive line will be stronger, yes.
