Texans release unofficial defensive depth chart ahead of season opener

Talking season is over. Now, it’s time to go to work.

The Houston Texans prepare for what looks to a promising season at NRG Stadium following a strong debut from DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. Stroud, who became just the fifth quarterback in league history to throw for 4,000 yards a rookie, looks poised to be a MVP candidate.

Anderson, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year, will now try to break J.J. Watt’s single-season sack record and compete for Defensive Player of the Year honors. It might seem far-fetched on paper, but his pressure rate last season fell in between two previous winners in Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt.

On Tuesday, the Texans released their unofficial depth chart heading into the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Overall, there weren’t many adjustments, minus the departure of those who didn’t make the active 53-man roster. No, just because someone ranks ahead of someone else doesn’t mean they’ll see a majority of reps. And yes, while it says unofficial, best believe these are where players currently rank heading into the year.

Here’s the Texans’ first unofficial defensive depth chart before Sunday’s game.

Defensive End

Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

• First team: Danielle Hunter
• Second team: Jerry Hughes

Defensive End

Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) walks on the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

• First team: Will Anderson Jr.
• Second team: Derek Barnett
• Other: Dylan Horton [NFI List]

Defensive Tackle

Jul 27, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Ali Gaye (90) and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (91) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

• First team: Foley Fatukasi
• Second team: Khalil Davis
• Other: Kurt Hinish [injured reserve]

Defensive Tackle

(Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports)

• First team:Mario Edwards
• Second team: Tim Settle Jr.

Linebacker

Jul 27, 2024;…