Some big names from the defensive side of the ball might pop up on special teams in 2016.
J.J. Watt.
Whitney Mercilus.
Kareem Jackson.
Johnathan Joseph.
Even Jadeveon Clowney.
"Well, he can help us on special teams," head coach Bill O'Brien said Wednesday. "A lot of these guys
can. Whitney was out there. John Simon and J.J. when he gets back can help us in certain ways on special teams. I think Kareem Jackson has been out there. Johnathan Joseph has been out there at times on special teams."
In both coverage and the return game, O'Brien and company intend to improve. There's a new coordinator in charge of that in special teams guru Larry Izzo.
"We've got to be better on special teams and if that means some starters need to be on special teams, they are willing to do it," O'Brien said. "That's what's the good thing about these guys.
O'Brien and the Texans will be outside at the Houston Methodist Training Center for Thursday's training camp practice.
The Houston Texans roster in photos. (Updated 12/29/2020)

ILB, Tyrell Adams #50

TE, Jordan Akins, 88

DT, Auzoyah Alufohai, #98

P, Bryan Anger, 9

CB, Cornell Armstrong, 30

DT, Ross Blacklock #90

DT, Andrew Brown, #97

TE Pharaoh Brown #85

WR, Brandin Cooks #13

WR, Isaiah Coulter #82

WR, Keke Coutee, 16

CB, Keion Crossen, 35

ILB, Zach Cunningham, 41

ILB, Kyle Emanuel, 56

K, Ka'imi Fairbairn, 7

TE, Darren Fells, 87

OL, Zach Fulton, 73

CB, Phillip Gaines #29

OLB, Jonathan Greenard #52

ILB, Nate Hall, 48

WR, Chad Hansen, #17

CB, Vernon Hargreaves III #26

T, Charlie Heck #67

RB, Dontrell Hilliard, #22

RB, Buddy Howell, 38

RB, David Johnson #31

RB, Duke Johnson, 25

CB, Lonnie Johnson, Jr., 32

T, Roderick Johnson #63

OLB, Peter Kalambayi, 58

OL, Senio Kelemete, 64

LB, Jacob Martin, 54

C, Nick Martin, 66

QB, AJ McCarron #2

QB, Josh McCown, 3

S, A.J. Moore, 33

DE, Charles Omenihu, 94

S, Jonathan Owens, 36

RB, Scottie Phillips, #40

DE C.J. Prosise #24

G/T Brent Qvale #76

WR, Damion Ratley, #19

CB, John Reid #34

OLB, Brennan Scarlett, 57

OL, Max Scharping, 74

OL, Laremy Tunsil, 78

TE, Kahale Warring, 81

DL, Carlos Watkins, 91

QB, Deshaun Watson, 4

DE, J.J. Watt, 99

LS, Jon Weeks #46