With training camp right around the corner, as well as the 2017 season, we will predict how the depth chart will look for each position. For this article, the focus will be on the Houston Texans safety position.
Houston Texans Safety Depth Chart Projections
Andre Hal
Andre Hal was a steal in the seventh round of the 2014 Draft. After converting to safety, Hal has done nothing but improve with each season. In his three years with the Texans, Hal already has 105 tackles, a sack, 21 pass deflections, and six interceptions with one touchdown. During the 2016 season, Hal seemed to be more comfortable at the safety position.
Hal might not be the flashy, ball-hawking, playmaker that most teams expect from a safety, but he’s consistent. Don’t get me wrong, a safety who can jump routes and get six or more picks a season is great. But consistency is another important part of the game. Hal is great in run support and isn’t afraid of coming down on some of the league’s bigger running backs (LeGarrette Blount for instance). He also consistently reads the quarterback very well and puts himself in position to make a play on passing situations.
The secondary is just better with Hal at safety. The young corners can play a little more loose and take chances on the ball knowing Hal has them covered over the top.
K.J. Dillon
This is a bit of a stretch but Dillon is the best replacement for Quentin Demps. Dillon played five games in his rookie season and stepped up to replace the injured Demps. Unfortunately, Dillon ended his season early due to a torn ACL.
K.J. Dillon has a similar skillset to Demps. He’s an explosive playmaker that can make plays in the air as well as on the ground. During his time at West Virginia, Dillon came away with five interceptions and 20 pass deflections. Although inconsistent at times, Dillon has also shown the ability to drop the hammer on ball carriers. That’s exactly the kind of production the Texans need opposite of Andre Hal.
Once training camp gets going, we’ll learn a lot more about what K.J. Dillon can bring to the table. Though he’s not going to be the same as Demps, at least not for now, he seems like the next best thing. If Dillon can come back healthy this season and play at the level we’ve seen him play at in college, he’ll be effective playing alongside Hal.
Eddie Pleasant
Eddie Pleasant has been a nice addition to the special teams unit for Houston over the last five seasons. Along with special teams, Pleasant has had some time playing safety on the defense as well. During his five seasons with the Texans, Pleasant has racked up 84 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions.
Pleasant is a hard-hitting safety that does well inside the tackle box. Dillon definitely has the upper hand on speed and pass coverage but Pleasant is a much better tackler.
Be sure to have a look at our other Houston Texans depth chart projections content:
Quarterback
Running Back
Wide Receiver
Tight End
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Linebacker
Cornerback
