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Depth Concerns Trending for Houston Ahead of Training Camp
TL;DR
The Houston Texans have an elite defense but face depth concerns, particularly at linebacker and edge rusher. Analysts highlight these issues as critical ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Key points
- Houston Texans have an elite defensive roster.
- Concerns about linebacker depth behind Al-Shaair and To'oTo'o.
- Analyst Aaron Schatz highlights edge rusher depth as a weakness.
Houston TexansAzeez Al-ShaairHenry To'oTo'o
Depth Concerns Trending for Houston Ahead of Training Camp
The Houston Texans have an elite defensive roster. The talent laden defense has stars across the entire starting lineup. Believe it or not, the league's best defense does have issues with depth.
Depth has become a recurring theme for the Texans defense over the last week. Earlier, we noted that linebacker depth is of concern for some who are not sold on where the team is behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o at the position. Another spot could be of more concern for the team's defense.
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz identified the Texans' biggest weakness in his view. Schatz said his main concern was the team's depth along the defensive line at edge rusher. Here's what he wrote of the Texans' lack of edge rusher depth heading into a pivotal 2026 NFL season.
"The Texans' starting edge rushers are outstanding, with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combining for 27 sacks last season. However, edge rushers don't play every snap on defense. Last year, Anderson played 67% of defensive snaps, while Hunter played 70%. And the depth chart behind Anderson and Hunter is weak now that Derek Barnett and Denico Autry are gone.
Dominique Robinson, who signed in free agency, had just 1.5 sacks in 12 games last season with the Bears. has only a half sack over three seasons in Houston. The Texans are the perfect landing spot for a veteran pass rusher who can play a rotational role, whether that's , or . Barnett and Autry are also still unsigned."
Q&A
What depth concerns does the Houston Texans defense have?
The Texans are particularly concerned about depth at linebacker and edge rusher positions.
Who are the key linebackers for the Texans this season?
Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o are the primary linebackers for the Texans.
Why is depth important for the Texans heading into the 2026 NFL season?
Depth is crucial for the Texans as it impacts their defensive performance and ability to handle injuries during the season.