State of the Texans' Defensive Line: Evaluating the Roster & Offseason Approach in Free Agency & the Draft
- Mar 8
- 11 min read
The Houston Texans enter free agency with a strong foundation on the defensive line, but with key departures expected, they will need to reinforce the group before the 2025 season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has repeatedly emphasized that "it all starts up front," and in his 4-2-5 base defense, his linemen are asked to play an attack-style scheme—penetrating upfield aggressively to disrupt plays while linebackers and defensive backs clean up the rest. With that in mind, let’s take a look at who is locked in, who could return, and where the Texans need to add talent.
Texans Defensive Line: Who’s Under Contract & Who’s a Free Agent?
Below is a breakdown of the Texans' defensive linemen from last season and their current contract status heading into the legal tampering period, which begins Monday.
Player | Position | 2024 Status | Notes |
Will Anderson Jr. | EDGE | Under Contract | Rising star, had a dominant 2024 season |
Danielle Hunter | EDGE | Under Contract (2026) | Texans' big FA signing last year, could be restructured/extended |
Denico Autry | DL (3T/EDGE) | Under Contract (2025) | Missed first 6 games due to PED suspension, effective but not dominant |
Tim Settle Jr. | DT (3T) | Under Contract (2025) | Solid rotational piece who exceeded expectations |
Kurt Hinish | DT (3T) | Re-signed (1-year deal) | Depth piece, good motor |
Tommy Togiai | DT (3T) | Under Contract (2025) | Another depth option at 3-tech |
Dylan Horton | EDGE | Under Contract (2025) | Returning after missing last year due to Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment |
Solomon Byrd | EDGE | Practice Squad | 7th-round pick in 2024, saw limited action |
Kingsley Jonathan | EDGE | Practice Squad | Depth option |
Jayden Peevy | DT (3T) | Practice Squad | Depth option |
Derek Barnett | EDGE | Free Agent | Veteran depth piece, had two TD returns last year |
Jerry Hughes | EDGE | Free Agent | Veteran pass rusher, leadership presence |
Mario Edwards Jr. | DT (3T) | Free Agent | Exceeded expectations as a rotational 3-tech |
Foley Fatukasi | DT (1T) | Free Agent | Texans' only true nose tackle in 2024, strong run-stuffer but battled injuries |
Denico Autry (cut candidate?) | DL (3T/EDGE) | Could be cut for cap savings | Has been discussed as a possible cap casualty |
With five spots already filled on the 53-man roster, the Texans still need three to four more linemen, with a primary focus on the interior defensive line.
A Dominant Edge Duo in Will Anderson Jr. & Danielle Hunter
The Texans are set at edge rusher with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, forming one of the NFL’s top pass-rushing duos. Anderson built upon his strong rookie campaign with an even more disruptive second season, while Hunter, fresh off a 16.5-sack year with the Vikings, provided immediate impact in his first season in Houston.
Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. were a dominant pass-rushing duo for the Houston Texans in 2024. Hunter finished the season with 53 tackles, 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 26 QB hits (Regular Season: 46 tackles, 12 sacks, 17 TFLs, 23 QB hits | Postseason: 7 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 TFLs, 3 QB hits). Meanwhile, Anderson Jr. built on his strong rookie year, recording 44 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 24 QB hits (Regular Season: 37 tackles, 11 sacks, 16 TFLs, 19 QB hits | Postseason: 7 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4 TFLs, 5 QB hits). Their combined presence helped anchor the Texans' defensive front throughout the season and into the playoffs.
Hunter’s deal runs through 2026, but restructuring or extending him could be an option to create cap flexibility.
Interior Defensive Line: The Biggest Need
The Texans' biggest priority in free agency and the draft will be adding two starting-caliber defensive tackles—one at 3-technique (pass-rushing DT) and one at 1-technique (run-stuffing nose tackle).
3-Technique (Pass Rusher) – The Texans already have Denico Autry & Tim Settle Jr., but they need a more dominant interior rusher to complement him. Last season, Houston’s defensive tackles provided value but didn’t have the game-changing impact that some of the top-tier interior units in the league had, such as the Eagles' trio of Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter & Milton Williams.
1-Technique (Run Stopper) – Foley Fatukasi played this role last season, but he is now a free agent and could command more money on the market after exceeding expectations. Given his injury history, the Texans may look for a younger, more durable replacement. A dominant run-stopper is essential to fortify the Texans' defensive front against teams that exploit their run defense.
Comparing DT Roles: A 3-Tech vs. 1-Tech is Like a Z Receiver vs. Slot Receiver
This situation is similar to the Texans' wide receiver needs, where you differentiate between a Z-receiver (outside WR) and a slot receiver—both are WRs but serve different functions. Similarly, a 3-tech and a 1-tech are both defensive tackles but bring different skill sets to the table. The Texans need both to solidify the interior.
How DeMeco Ryans Will Approach This
Last year, most fans—including myself—wanted the Texans to pursue a top-tier defensive tackle like Christian Wilkins, but instead, the team opted for value signings like Mario Edwards Jr., Tim Settle Jr., and Foley Fatukasi. We quickly learned not to question DeMeco Ryans' ability to identify defensive linemen who fit his scheme.
This year, the Texans could follow a similar approach, finding undervalued free agents to plug into their system. However, after watching elite defensive lines dictate games in the playoffs, it’s worth wondering if Ryans will splurge on a premium DT this time around.
Exploring Free Agent Options for the Texans’ Defensive Line
With a clear understanding of the Texans’ needs at defensive tackle, we now turn our attention to the free agent market. Houston has multiple avenues to address the position, whether by investing in a proven run-stuffer at 1-tech or adding a disruptive interior pass-rusher at 3-tech.
Given DeMeco Ryans' history of finding undervalued talent that fits his system, the Texans may prioritize cost-effective signings over splashy big-money deals. Below, we evaluate potential free agent defensive tackles who could fill Houston’s needs and how they fit within the Texans’ attack-style front.
How the Free Agent DT Market Was Evaluated
The projected salaries listed in the table below come from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which estimates the market value based on past contracts, performance metrics, and positional demand.
To determine whether a defensive tackle projects as a 1-tech (run-stopper) or 3-tech (penetrating pass-rusher), I analyzed alignment tendencies, specifically how frequently each player lined up in the A-gap (nose tackle/1T) versus the B-gap (3T, attacking interior rusher). Players with a heavier emphasis on A-gap control were categorized as 1-techs, while those who primarily lined up in the B-gap or shaded over the guard were classified as 3-techs.
This method helps ensure that each potential signing fits the Texans’ attack-style defensive front, where linemen are asked to play aggressively upfield rather than read and react.
Disclaimer on PFF Grades
All PFF grades referenced in this article are from the 2024 season and are used as a general guide to evaluate performance. However, it’s important to note that PFF grades are inherently subjective and can sometimes misrepresent a player's true impact, particularly along the defensive line.
Defensive linemen’s responsibilities vary greatly by scheme, and grading systems don’t always account for what a player was specifically asked to do. This is especially relevant for the Texans’ defensive line, where many players received low PFF grades despite seemingly executing their roles effectively within DeMeco Ryans' attack-style scheme.
Houston’s defensive front emphasizes gap penetration, disruption, and letting linebackers clean up plays, which may not align with how PFF evaluates individual performance. Because of this, while PFF grades provide a useful data point, they should not be viewed as an absolute measure of a player’s effectiveness—especially for interior defensive linemen.
Best Free Agent Fits for the Texans
After evaluating the free agent DT pool, here are some of the best value signings who would fit Houston’s needs:
1-Tech (Run-Stopping DTs)
Poona Ford – Likely underrated due to his size, but had what was arguably a career year in 2024. His ability to control the A-gap and push the pocket makes him an ideal run-stopper.
Sebastian Joseph-Day – A versatile DT who has experience playing both 1-tech and 3-tech, giving the Texans flexibility in their rotation. He brings strong run defense skills and NFL playoff experience.
D.J. Jones – One of the better run-stopping DTs available, though his price tag might be on the higher end. He has the size, strength, and motor to clog up the interior.
3-Tech (Pass-Rushing DTs)
Javon Kinlaw – A former first-round pick with an elite physical profile, but injuries have held him back. He has familiarity with DeMeco Ryans from their time in San Francisco, making him a potential low-risk, high-reward signing.
Sheldon Rankins – Spent 2023 with the Texans, so he knows the system and coaching staff. He flashed pass-rush ability and could be a short-term solution if Houston wants a veteran presence alongside Tim Settle Jr.
Jarran Reed – A proven pass-rusher from the DT position, Reed offers a strong combination of power and agility. He wouldn’t be a long-term solution but would provide an immediate impact in Houston’s interior pass rush.
Additional Notes & Key Trends to Watch
Big Names Like Jonathan Allen & Milton Williams Might Be Too Expensive – While both would be excellent additions, their projected market value is likely outside of Houston’s spending range unless the Texans are willing to make a rare high-dollar investment at DT.
DeMeco Ryans’ Connections Could Influence Signings – Several free agent DTs have ties to Ryans, either from his time in San Francisco, Houston, or both. Players like Javon Kinlaw, Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr., Foley Fatukasi, Teair Tart, Kevin Givens, and Khalil Davis all have scheme familiarity and could be priority targets as Ryans reloads the defensive line.
Examining the NFL Draft Options for the Texans’ Defensive Line
While free agency will give the Texans a chance to add an experienced defensive tackle, the draft presents an opportunity to find a long-term answer at the position. Given DeMeco Ryans’ emphasis on rotating defensive linemen and maximizing players’ strengths, Houston will likely target a young, explosive DT who can develop into a key piece of the defensive front.
With a deep class of both pass-rushing 3-techs and run-stuffing 1-techs, the Texans have flexibility in how they approach their selections. If they sign a veteran 1-tech in free agency, they may look to draft a high-upside 3-tech to pair with Tim Settle Jr. However, if the team adds a pass-rushing DT in free agency, they could shift focus to a run-stuffing nose tackle in the draft.
Now, let’s take a look at the top draft prospects who could fit the Texans’ defensive scheme and provide long-term impact on the interior defensive line.
Draft Strategy for the Texans at Defensive Tackle
With Mason Graham likely off the board before the Texans pick, Houston still has plenty of options in the late first to early second round range. Even if they trade back into the early second, they could still land an impact DT.
Top Targets in the Late First/Early Second Round
These prospects all bring high-end traits and would immediately strengthen Houston’s defensive line:
Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) – Disruptive 3-tech with elite run-stopping ability (91.7 run grade). Would be a force next to Tim Settle Jr.
Kenneth Grant (Michigan) – Best 1-tech option in the draft, a big-bodied run defender (331 lbs, 87.5 run grade) who would fill the Foley Fatukasi role.
Derrick Harmon (Oregon) – Most refined pass-rusher in this group (88.8 pass-rush grade), a true attacking 3-tech in DeMeco’s system.
Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) – Elite run defender (86.0 grade) but less polished as a pass rusher—would help control the interior.
T.J. Sanders (South Carolina) – Balanced DT with solid run and pass grades, could develop into a long-term starter.
Alfred Collins (Texas) – Hybrid 3T/1T who could play multiple roles, giving the Texans flexibility depending on free agency.
Darius Alexander (Toledo) – One of the best pass-rushing 3-techs available with an elite 91.1 run grade, a sleeper pick at DT.
Texans Takeaway: Houston can land a difference-making DT at pick 25 or by trading back into the early second. Any of these names would be a significant upgrade over last year’s interior rotation.
Mid-to-Late Round Value Picks
If the Texans wait until later in the draft to add depth, these players stand out:
Aeneas Peebles (Duke, 4th round) – One of the best pass-rushing DTs in the class (91.2 pass grade), could be a rotational rusher in Year 1.
JJ Pegues (Ole Miss, 4th round) – Strong run defender (80.0 grade), a low-risk rotational piece with upside.
Texans Takeaway: If Houston locks in a starting-caliber DT early, they can still find quality depth later in the draft to round out the rotation.
Conclusion: The Best Path for the Texans' Defensive Line
After evaluating both free agency and the draft, the best approach for the Texans is to sign a veteran 1-technique in free agency and draft a high-upside 3-tech in the late first or early second round.
This strategy mirrors the reasoning behind signing a veteran slot receiver instead of a Z-receiver—both 1-techs and slot WRs require experience, consistency, and veteran savvy, whereas 3-techs and Z-WRs are often more impactful as rookies because of their ability to rely on athleticism and playmaking traits.
Why Prioritize a Veteran 1-Tech in Free Agency?
Experience Matters at This Position
1-techs are often less about raw talent and more about technique, discipline, and physicality at the point of attack.
Young DTs take time to develop, and immediate high-level run-stoppers are rarely effective as rookies compared to seasoned veterans.
Limited Snaps Make Overspending Inefficient
A true 1-tech is mostly used on run downs, meaning their snap count will be lower than a penetrating 3-tech who plays in pass-rushing situations.
Overpaying for a high-priced free agent or a first-round pick at 1-tech wouldn’t be the best use of resources given their more situational role in DeMeco Ryans’ scheme.
Shallow Draft Pool at 1-Tech
The only truly elite 1-tech prospect in the draft is Kenneth Grant (Michigan), but taking him in the first round would be risky and inefficient—similar to how relying on drafting Emeka Egbuka as one of the only plug & play slots in the draft would have been a high-risk.
Best Veteran 1-Tech Free Agent Options:
Poona Ford – Top preference due to underrated ability, strong run defense, and likely affordable price.
Sebastian Joseph-Day – Versatile player who can contribute at both 1-tech and 3-tech, adding flexibility.
D.J. Jones – Would be the most expensive of the group but is one of the better true run-stoppers available.
Draft a 3-Tech & Add More Depth
Once Houston locks in a veteran 1-tech in free agency, they can target a high-upside 3-tech in the draft by either staying at 25 or trading back into the early second round.
Best Draft Options for a 3-Tech (Pass-Rushing DT):
Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) – Dominant run defender, disruptive pass rusher, and would be a long-term building block.
Darius Alexander (Toledo) – Elite run defender (91.1 grade) with good pass-rush ability, making him an ideal fit. New assitant DL coach Frank Okam was also Alexander's coach at Toledo the last two seasons.
Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) – Outstanding run defender (86.0 grade) but still developing as a pass rusher—has the size and quickness to grow into a starter.
Derrick Harmon (Oregon) – Best pure pass-rusher among DTs (88.8 pass grade), could be a steal if available in the late 2nd.
T.J. Sanders (South Carolina) – Balanced DT who is strong against both the run and the pass, making him a versatile addition to the rotation.
Adding More Depth: Signing Javon Kinlaw as a High-Upside Value FA
Beyond signing a veteran 1-tech and drafting a starting 3-tech, Houston should add another value free agent to ensure depth.
Javon Kinlaw is the perfect fit here—a former first-round pick with elite physical traits, but injuries have held him back to an extent.
Familiarity with DeMeco Ryans from SF makes this a low-risk, high-reward move similar to how Houston found value in FA 3-techs last year (Tim Settle, Mario Edwards Jr., etc.).
If Kinlaw can stay healthy, he could revive his career in Houston’s attack-style scheme.
Final Defensive Line Plan
With this approach, the Texans would add three key pieces to the defensive line:
Sign Poona Ford (or another veteran 1-tech) in free agency. There are some concerns with DeMeco Ryans admiring length (something Ford lacks), but he does also provide versatility.
Draft a starting 3-tech in the late first/early second round (Nolen, Alexander, etc.)
Sign Javon Kinlaw as a high-upside depth piece at 3-tech
This brings Houston to eight defensive linemen, with 1-2 more spots to fill.
Promote Solomon Byrd from the practice squad as a rotational EDGE depth piece.
Re-sign Derek Barnett or add another mid-to-late round draft pick or veteran FA.
Final Thoughts
This plan maximizes value while ensuring the Texans fill all necessary roles on the defensive line. By prioritizing a veteran 1-tech, drafting an impactful 3-tech, and adding depth with Kinlaw, Houston will enter 2025 with one of the strongest and deepest defensive lines in the AFC.
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Good analysis and article but (there's always a 'but') I really think our guard need is more pressing, furthermore, there are way more good interior defenders than iOL available in the late 2nd/3rd round.