Houston Texans Tailgate Insider – Tuesday June 23

• Texans owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak left the Methodist Training Center knowing they have more talent than at any time in the team’s eight-year history. They also know fans have playoffs-or-bust expectations.
• Houston will have at least two new starters on defense in left end Antonio Smith and strong-side linebacker Brian Cushing, their first-round draft choice out of USC.
• Second-year LB Xavier Adibi, recovering Zach Diles and newcomer Cato June are expected to slug it out for the third starting spot alongside middle man DeMeco Ryans and rookie strongside linebacker Brian Cushing.
• Owen Daniels signed a one-year tender with the Texans over the weekend but did not show up for the team’s mandatory mini-camp on Monday. Most of the veterans are not required to attend the three days of practices, but they must go through strength and conditioning workouts at the stadium.