5 Surprises Spotted in Texans' First Preseason Depth Chart

The Texans' preseason star rookie in the receiving room, sixth-rounder Lewis Bond, still might have work to do before he's deemed a true difference-maker, or even a roster lock, based on his standing in the depth chart. He's still listed as a third-stringer, and not within the top-six slots in the room.

There's certainly still time for Bond to make a bigger dent in the wide receiver room. Especially with preseason around the corner, some extended reps, and big plays, his way could slot him in at that WR6 spot––which should be his goal. Until then, the veteran, Justin Watson, may have the edge.

Marlin Klein | Fifth-String TE

Another rookie who hasn't risen too far up the depth chart: second-round tight end Marlin Klein is fifth in the pecking order at his position, following up each of Foster Moreau, Cade Stover, and Brevin Jordan, in that order.

And it's not exactly too unexpected to not come along as quickly as some other first-year guys, like Keylan Rutledge. And even if he is tight end five, that won't prevent him from making the roster as a day-two rookie. But if his standing is a sign of anything, his rise in the depth chart might be a more gradual process.

Jarrett Patterson | Third-String OG

Even after the Texans decided to guarantee more of Jarrett Patterson's contract ahead of their first preseason game, that didn't stop them from putting him a bit lower on the totem pole in the offensive line room. He ranked third at right guard behind Ed Ingram and rookie Febechi Nwaiwu.

And that's far from a sign that Patterson isn't in line to make the roster. The numbers on his contract––which make it appear more likely he'll make the cut––matter more than a preseason depth chart. If anything, his placement at right guard just showcases Patterson's versatility as someone who can play both guard spots and center.

Dylan Horton | Second-String DE

The Texans solved their third defensive end questions by signing Jadeveon Clowney earlier this month. But with Clowney now locking that spot up, the fourth defensive end spot becomes the latest position battle that's up for grabs on Houston's front seven.

Based on the first depth chart listing, though, those rights are in Dylan Horton's hands, who was right there with Dominique Robinson getting the most looks for that DE3 spot before Clowney came on. Keep watch of Robinson and Solomon Byrd, though, who are the next two in line as a third-string defensive end.

Jamal Hill | Fourth-String LB

The Texans' linebacker position still feels extremely wide open, with a verdict to be determined in the next couple of weeks, rather than being one that's been sorted out by the first preseason games. However, there is one player who might be falling behind in the race at the position, and that's fourth-year linebacker Jamal Hill, who fell into fourth-string on Houston's depth chart.

This could very well be considered a make-or-break camp and preseason for Hill. He's by no means a roster lock, and is in a linebacker room that's some of the most wide-open it's been since his arrival three years ago. He entered late July as someone who could be one of the biggest risers, or one of the biggest fallers, and seems to be leaning towards the latter side of that right now.