Can Christian Harris Improve Texans' Linebacking Corps?

 Everything regarding the Houston Texans is new and exciting, but gaining the public's respect remains a difficult task. Pro Football Focus recently rated Houston's linebacking corps No. 26 overall during their latest evaluation of each position group following the end of mandatory minicamp. 

The Texans' placement of No. 26 is surprising, given that Houston has a position group filled with serviceable veterans and a handful of young talented players.

"The Texans finished last season with the lowest-graded linebackers in the league. Their struggles were a primary reason why Houston finished with a league-low 34.1 run-defense grade as a team. They’ve at least added some respectable players in free agency in an attempt to fortify the unit." — PFF

Denzel Perryman is considered by many as Houston's best linebacker. But there's optimism that the Texans' position group will improve due to second-year prospect Christian Harris. 

After missing the first five games due to an injury, Harris showcased his potential in the 12 games he played as a rookie in 2022, where he registered 74 tackles, five pass deflections, a sack and one interception. 

The Alabama prospect is entering his second season with the expectations of taking a significant leap in his development. And following the end of mandatory minicamp, coach DeMeco Ryans had been impressed by Harris' "God-given abilities."

Ryans has enjoyed watching the growth of Harris since the start of the Texans' off-season workout programs and said he has the right mindset for a player continuously honing his craft.

"Not many linebackers that are as fast or explosive as Christian Harris," Ryans said. "What he’s capable of becoming in this league, he’s capable of becoming a really great linebacker...I’m excited to see where he is when we start training camp."

Houston's linebacking unit is the latest position group Pro Football Focus ranked near the bottom of the league ahead of training camp. PFF listed the Texans' wide receiving corps in last place following the departure of Brandin Cooks and the absence of a No. 1 receiver in the passing game.