John Harris takes a deep dive into the defensive players on the Houston Texans 90-man roster as Training Camp presented by Xfinity begins.
Edge
#50 Solomon Byrd
- College - USC/Wyoming
- 7th round draft pick in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
Spent the 2024 season on the Texans practice squad…improvement was notable in OTA/minicamp, but this is such a deep/talented position…Byrd will need to be outstanding consistently to line up across from Anderson Jr, Hunter et al. in game action in the future…he'll compete, that much I know…has the pass rush acumen for sure and the preseason games will be huge for him to show how much he's progressed.
#51 Will Anderson Jr.
- College - Alabama
- 1st round draft pick in 2023 - #3 overall
- 3rd season in Houston
The Terminator…his game has taken a monumental leap in the past 12 months…The Alpha on the defensive side of the ball amongst a ton of unique alphas…double digit sacks last year, giving him 18.0 in his career…26 career TFL and 41 career QB hits…received votes for AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2024…his performance in last year's playoffs was on a different level…what will year three bring? CAN'T WAIT to find out!
#52 Darrell Taylor
- College - Tennessee
- FA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Loved, LOVED the Taylor signing…fought injury situations for the first four years of his career…when healthy, he's incredibly talented…long and athletic off the edge, with a wicked first step…when Hunter and Anderson need a rest, Taylor, Autry and/or Barnett come into the game? Wow…24.5 career sacks in his first four years and he's only started 13 games…could be a major surprise for Texans fans when they see #52 step onto the field.
#55 Danielle Hunter
- College - LSU
- FA signing in 2024, signed extension this offseason
- 2nd season in Houston
What a first year in Houston in 2024…The Cyborg may not like his nickname, but it suits him perfectly…he's a spinning, chopping monster off the edge and he took over games last year…All-World All-Pro Lions OT Penei Sewell had a nightmare of a time with Hunter, in other words, he couldn't block him…registered double digit sacks the past three years, five of the last six seasons and six of the last years…next sack will put him over the century mark in sacks.
#92 Dylan Horton
- College - TCU/New Mexico
- 4th round draft pick in 2023
- 3rd season in Houston
Had the entire offseason to prepare his body, instead of using his body to fight off cancer…that alone should give Horton a ton of confidence heading into this season…long and athletic, relentless and versatile…it's a damn log jam at the edge spot, but Horton stared down cancer and won, so competition at his position is nothing he can't handle.
#94 Casey Toohill
- College - Stanford
- FA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Longer than you think…stronger than you think…more athletic than you think…love that he's here, even if it's going to be an uphill climb to earn playing time/53-man roster spot…relentless and smart, he was a menace when he faced the Texans back in 2022 with the Commanders…his presence exemplifies the quality depth and talent at this position.
#95 Derek Barnett
- College - Tennessee
- Claimed on waivers in 2023, re-signed in 2024 & 2025
- 3rd season in Houston
Racked up 5.0 sacks in 2024 as a key complementary piece out on the edge…also produced two of the best/sexiest touchdowns in the 2024 season - one at Dallas and one at Tennessee...feels as if he's been around for 15-20 years in the league, but he just turned 29 in June…plenty of juice left in his game as an edge setter and third down rusher.
#96 Denico Autry
- College - Mississippi State
- FA signing in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
Doesn't have to play 100% of the defensive downs, just need him in pass rush situations…when the Texans force third downs and Autry lines up in the middle, someone is going to pay in a different colored jersey.
Interior Defensive Linemen
#53 Junior Tafuna (Rookie)
- College - Utah
- UDFA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Was a fan of Tafuna while studying him at Utah…his power really popped when I saw him in person at the Senior Bowl…built like a tank…upper body strength for days…will get a ton of reps this preseason as the Texans manage the reps for the veterans at this position…might be an uphill climb to the roster, but seen it happen in the last five years and it wouldn't surprise me at all if Tafuna made a ton of noise this training camp.
#58 Kyonte Hamilton (Rookie)
- College - Rutgers
- 7th round draft pick in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Seeing him in person, I was surprised how much bigger he is than he looked on film…often played alongside Tafuna in OTA/minicamps…former wrestler and I'm a HUGE fan of former wrestlers playing in the trenches…like Tafuna, he's going to have to be outstanding to rise up through the depth chart, but he's talented, coachable and strong.
#72 Tommy Togiai
- College - Ohio State
- FA signing in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
When Togiai signed in Houston last year, it didn't really make a ripple for most Texans fans…then the ball kicked off and Togiai went to work…fits this defense to a T…penetrator with good play strength…career high 1.5 sacks in just eight games in 2024…had a sack of Patrick Mahomes in the loss to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round…may not look the part, but he certainly PLAYS the part.
#90 Sheldon Rankins
- College - Louisville
- FA signing in 2023, re-signed in 2025
- 2nd season in Houston
Rank is BACK…after having a solid 2023 season in Houston, Rankins signed in Cincinnati where the only thing that held him back was an injury after just seven games…the Texans gladly welcomed Rankins back to the fold in Houston…watching him against Cleveland before his injury, it was clear that Rankins was just as active and productive as he had been in Houston…then the injury struck…honestly, that injury might've been the best news for this Texans defense.
#91 Folorunso "Foley" Fatukasi
- College - UConn
- FA signing in 2024, re-signed in 2025
- 2nd season in Houston
Throughout the offseason, I wasn't sure Foley would return to Houston…then he re-signed and all was right with the world…love, LOVE his impact in the middle of this defense…football nerds didn't give him quite the credit he deserved for how he slowed down the run in 2024…like Rankins…like Edwards Jr…like Autry, he just has to be healthy…when he is, he's incredibly difficult to move off the spot and agile like a cat in the middle.
#93 Kurt Hinish
- College - Notre Dame
- UDFA in 2022
- 4th season in Houston
Hinish signed an extension to come back to Houston for 2025…an injury late in the preseason slowed him in the 2024 season, but he appears to be healthy for 2025…grinder with power and a relentless spirit…fits this defense well but he needs a strong training camp to make his presence known in a deep interior group.
#97 Mario Edwards Jr.
- College - Florida State
- FA signing in 2024, re-signed in 2025
- 2nd season in Houston
In training camp last year, Edwards Jr was outstanding…the Texans interior had all kinds of issues trying to keep him out of the backfield…the Texans missed him tremendously when he was out for suspension, but when he was on the field, he was disruptive and fit this defense perfectly…ferocious third down interior rusher…sack against the Chargers in the playoff game was just that - ferocious - in the fourth quarter of that win…played with Rankins in New Orleans
#98 Tim Settle
- College - Virginia Tech
- FA signing in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
Tied a career high in sacks in 2024 with five…however, he doubled up his highest season total in TFL with ten…also had ten QB hits…plays with a ton of energy and stout quickness in the middle…talkative and confident, but he played up to that level last year no question…told us that he's working on using his hands better…if he does that, oh boy, look out.
Linebackers
#0 Azeez Al-Shaair
- College - FAU
- FA signing in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
There was a difference in the defense when Azeez was on the field in 2024 and when he wasn't…gets everyone lined up…knows this defense like the back of his hand…Texans were 2-4 in the six games that he missed in 2024…delivers forceful strikes in the run game…wasn't fully healthy in the playoffs and that impacted the entire defense…the definition of SWARM…that said, the defense needs better pass coverage from all the linebackers in 2025.
#32 Nick Niemann
- College - Iowa
- FA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Niemann was used in mostly a reserve capacity at linebacker while with the Chargers…however, he was a special teams demon for Los Angeles in his four years…thought he was impressive on the hoof seeing him moving around during OTA/minicamp…linebackers not named Al-Shaair, Harris or To'o To'o have stepped in at key times in the past two years, so Niemann will need to be prepped and ready for that opportunity.
#35 Jake Hansen
- College - Illinois
- UDFA in 2022
- 4th season in Houston
Hansen isn't quite at the Dare Ogunbowale level, but he's approaching it…on special teams, he'll do anything and has been one Frank Ross' top guys as a core four special teamer…as mentioned above, though, Hansen stepped into the starting lineup against Green Bay at linebacker and he played an excellent game…the perfect SWARM-y competitor that this defense needs.
#39 Henry To'oTo'o
- College - Alabama/Tennessee
- 5th round draft pick in 2023
- 3rd season in Houston
Said this throughout the season, I don't know where this defense would've been without Henry in 2024…was one of the three or four most consistent players throughout the 2024 season…when he was asked to wear the green dot helmet and communicate the defense against the Dolphins with Azeez out, To'oTo'o mastered it…Coach DeMeco Ryans said the defense didn't have one communication issue…another year-to-year leap and To'oTo'o will be an entrenched force on this unit…105 tackles, seven TFL, three passes defensed one FF and one INT in 2024.
#45 E.J. Speed
- College - Tarleton State
- FA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
The word is shocked…sitting in studio during the offseason, the news came down that Speed was signing with the Texans…I'm still shocked, in a bit of disbelief that one of the Texans' villains would become one of its key pieces in the 2025 season…career high 142 tackles as a Colt in 2024…love Speed's speed and explosiveness…could still be a major factor on special teams as he was earlier in his career in Indy.
#46 Jackson Woodard (Rookie)
- College - UNLV/Arkansas
- Claimed on waivers in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Was a huge Woodard fan when he was at UNLV…smart and tough and freakin' productive…registered 135 tackles, nearly 40 more than the next closest UNLV defender…started his career in Seattle, but when they waived him, the Texans jumped on making a waiver claim immediately…can seriously run, but he'll have to make his name on special teams as Speed did in Indy early in his career.
#47 K.C. Ossai
- College - Louisiana
- UDFA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Similar to Woodard, Ossai can really run…led the Ragin' Cajuns in tackles in 2024 (115) and 2023 (95)...built like a sturdy Ford Bronco…can't wait to see him put on the pads…appeared to pick up on the mechanics of the defense well in his first practices as a Texan…special teams will be his ticket, just as it will be for Woodard.
#48 Christian Harris
- College - Alabama
- 3rd round draft pick in 2022
- 4th season in Houston
Harris' third year in the NFL was one that he would probably like to forget…brilliant second half of the 2023 season…injured just before 2024 TC started…came back to practice after the Texans returned from the preseason game at Pittsburgh, left due to injury in the first 30 minutes of the practice…didn't make it back to the field until December 2024…when healthy, he's as dynamic a player as any on this roster…those 2023 playoff games showed the level he can take his game to at any moment…say it with me "JUST GET HEALTHY, PLEASE?!?!?"
#56 Jamal Hill
- College - Oregon
- 6th round draft pick in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
As a rookie in 2024, it was clear that Hill's head was swimming learning all that he needed to learn as a first year linebacker…incredibly talented and speedy, but couldn't really establish himself as a consistent fixture on the gameday roster…active for eight games as a rookie…when we talked to him during media days, he appeared that much more comfortable than he'd been as a rookie…hoping that translates in his second year.
Cornerbacks
#4 Kamari Lassiter
- College - Georgia
- 2nd round pick in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
The Texans couldn't have hit a bigger home run in the second round (or the first round for that matter) selecting Lassiter…his teammates think he plays a little crazy but they'll also tell you that this defense needs that from him…allowed just 45% completions as a rookie opposite Derek Stingley Jr…heck of a force run player on the outside as well…sky is the limit for one of the foundation pieces in this defense.
#11 Tremon Smith
- College - Central Arkansas
- FA signing in 2021, re-signed in 2025
- 3rd season in Houston
Incredibly happy that Tremon returned to Houston…one of, if not, the fastest players on the team…played for CB coach Dino Vasso when he was in Houston, so the Texans know the depth that he provides…reliable, fast and productive when he's on the field…told us how much he appreciated being back in Houston and the feeling is mutual.
#24 Derek Stingley Jr.
- College - LSU
- 1st round pick in 2022 - #3 overall, signed extension this offseason
- 4th season in Houston
THE BEST CB IN THE NFL…I put that in all caps for the people in the back that needed to be reminded…11 interceptions in 37 career games…36 passes defensed in those 37 games as well…had already made his impression on me, but for the NFL at large, his two INT performance against Miami stud WR Tyreek Hill had EVERYONE'S attention…off the charts ball skills…football IQ as high as anyone on this roster…the complete package…signed a three year, $90M extension early in the offseason and no one deserved it more.
#30 Jaylin Smith (Rookie)
- College - USC
- 3rd round pick in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Watching Smith during OTA/minicamp practices, it was clear that he has true cover ability…love his feet and ability to match routes, especially on the inside of the formation…think he's going to be a factor, at a minimum, as a special teams contributor…however, his cover skills, quickness and smarts should get him some meaningful snaps during this training camp and beyond…40 tackles, 4.0 TFL and two INT in his final season at USC
#37 D'Angelo Ross
- College - New Mexico
- FA signing in 2022
- 4th season in Houston
Wrote "4th season in Houston" and it hit me that Ross is one of the most tenured members of the organization…has stepped in when the Texans have needed a CB the most…special teams demon, great gunner…could play some inside in 2025 as well…versatile and tough…will be in competition for one of the corner spots, but his play on special teams could set him apart.
#38 Keydrain Calligan
- College - SE Louisiana
- UDFA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
I actually called one of Calligan's first games at SELA when he was a rangy freshman against Sam Houston…earned a contract a week or so after the Draft…athleticism pops when watching him…curious to see how he competes in training camp and the opportunities that he garners as a result of his play.
#41 Damon Arnette
- College - Ohio State
- FA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Could be THE comeback story of all comeback stories…former first rounder for the Raiders, before hitting some rough spots in his career…fought back and earned a spot with the UFL's Roughnecks…after a strong season, he earned a contract after a tryout with the Texans in June 2025…seems to be truly focused on putting the past behind him and getting competitive in training camp…honestly, I'm intrigued as all get out as to what he looks like in this camp.
Safeties
#2 Calen Bullock
- College - USC
- 3rd round draft pick in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
When ESPN execs did their annual poll for the best at each position in the league, Bullock was an honorable mention candidate for the entire league…has crazy potential and as he learns more and more what teams are trying to do to him, he'll improve even more…unreal range in the middle of the field…Hawk should've had double digit interceptions, if he had just held on the passes he got his hands on…limitless opportunities, especially in this defense.
#20 Jimmie Ward
- College - Northern Illinois
- FA signing in 2023
- 3rd season in Houston
Has been such a focal point in the leadership of the defense the past two years when healthy, but not sure how injury situation will impact his presence on this defense.
#23 C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- College - Florida
- Trade to Houston in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Oh boy, the intensity is now ratcheted up another three notches, now that C.J G-J is here…emotional and emotive Super Bowl champion…key in the Eagles' defensive efforts to stop Chiefs TE Travis Kelce in said Super Bowl…feisty, physical and all-in, he's one heck of a competitor…for the second time in his Philly career, he had six interceptions in a season…six more in Houston, combined with what Sting, Bullock, Kamari et al. do and the Texans should lead the league in picks by a mile..
#25 Russ Yeast
- College - Kansas State/Louisville
- FA signing in 2024
- 2nd season in Houston
Arrived late in the 2024 season after stints with the Rams and the Panthers…started ten games at safety for the Rams in his first two years in the league…had 61 tackles and five passes defensed in his second year in the NFL, but, in 2024, he was supplanted in Los Angeles and then was on the move for most of the 2024 season…long and athletic…dad is the SEC's all-time leader in receptions (Craig Yeast, Kentucky 208 receptions - I'm old, I remember his Pops as one of the best college receivers of his time)
#29 M.J. Stewart
- College - North Carolina
- FA signing in 2022
- 4th season in Houston
As reliable a veteran as the Texans have on the roster…leads the special teams and relied upon heavily by ST coordinator Frank Ross…the perfect personal protector on punt team…has filled in at safety the past three years when called upon…the type of veteran presence that is required for championship teams.
#34 Jaylen Reed
- College - Penn State
- 6th round draft pick in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Didn't expect him to last until the sixth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, but thankful that teams allowed Caserio to call his name that late on that Saturday…put together like a tank…strong as hell…will deliver physically and receivers/ball carriers feel his presence…wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he finds a way to impact this roster on special teams, to start, and eventually the defense…led the Nittany Lions in tackles in 2024 (98 in 16 games)…can run…plays more like an old school strong safety.
Star/Nickel
#5 Jalen Pitre
- College - Baylor
- 2nd round draft pick in 2022, signed extension in spring
- 4th season in Houston
The Texans truly missed Pitre A TON in the game against Kansas City, in particular (injured his pec in the loss v. Tennessee in week 12)...was back healthy this spring and participated fully in OTA/minicamp…Texans have found the right fit/role for him…made a ton of impact plays throughout the season - tipped pass for an INT v. Detroit, INT v. Indianapolis just before the first half, forced fumble for scoop-n-score at Dallas…signed an extension this offseason to remain in Houston…one of the most important people in this organization and so glad he'll remain a Texan.
#27 Myles Bryant
- College - Washington
- FA signing in 2024, re-signed in 2025
- 2nd season in Houston
When I'm asked what position Bryant plays, I just say "football player"...special teams, nickel, cornerback, safety…he does a little bit of everything…a ball magnet…made a number of key plays in the two playoff games, filling in for Pitre at the nickel…love his football IQ and his toughness.
#36 Alijah Huzzie (Rookie)
- College - North Carolina
- UDFA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Sat out the OTA/minicamp practices rehabbing an injury…signed with the Texans after the Draft…compact build, but strong…in his final season at North Carolina, he had a pick and 40 tackles for the Tar Heels…also averaged 13 yards per punt return with one punt return TD…looks the part, but it's going to be tough in this secondary to breakthrough to the 53-man roster.
*Arthur Maulet
- College - Memphis
- FA signing in 2025
- 1st season in Houston
Two days before training camp commenced, Maulet signed with the Texans…thought that he was one of the better nickel/inside slot cover guys in 2023, but injuries held him to just three games in Baltimore in 2024…appears to be healthy, so i'm curious to see what he's got left in the tank as the Texans start camp.
