There are high expectations surrounding the Houston Texans heading into the 2025 season, where the defense should be the backbone of the AFC South champions once more.
After a breakout third season from All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans ensured he became the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL on a three-year, $90 million extension. Houston also added another year to Danielle Hunter’s extension after his first double-digit sack season, keeping him around through the 2026 season.
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ESPN’s Mike Clay recently shared his 2025 projections, including for the Texans’ defensive players. Here’s a look:
Nov 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is hit by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
Edge rushers
Danielle Hunter: 776 snaps, 52 tackles, 9.8 sacks, 0.0 interception
Will Anderson Jr.: 723 snaps, 51 tackles, 10.1 sacks, 0.0 interception
Denico Autry: 372 snaps, 22 tackles, 3.6 sacks, 0.0 interception
Derek Barnett: 202 snaps, 14 tackles, 1.9 sacks, 0.0 interception
Darrell Taylor: 149 snaps, 10 tackles, 1.3 sacks, 0.0 interception
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. (97) and linebacker Jake Hansen (35) run onto the field before the game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Defensive tackles
Tim Settle: 585 snaps, 32 tackles, 2.7 sacks
Sheldon Rankins: 532 snaps, 37 tackles, 2.1 sacks
Mario Edwards Jr.: 510 snaps, 32 tackles, 2.6 sacks
Folorunso Fatukasi: 245 snaps, 10 tackles, 0.7 sacks
Tommy Togiai: 128 snaps, 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks
Kurt Hinish: 21 snaps, 1 tackle
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) scrambles from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Linebackers
Azeez Al-Shaair: 1,000 snaps, 137 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 0.9 interceptions
Henry To’oTo’o: 691 snaps, 99 tackles, 1.1 sacks, 0.5 interceptions
E.J. Speed: 478 snaps, 69 tackles, 0.6 sack, 0.2 interceptions
Christian Harris: 74 snaps, 9 tackles, 0.1 sack, 0.1 interceptions
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 19: Derek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans stretches prior to kickoff of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 19, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Cornerbacks
Derek Stingley Jr.: 1,010 snaps, 62 tackles, 0.1 sack, 2.6 interceptions
Kamari Lassiter: 1,010 snaps, 76 tackles, 0.3 sacks, 1.8 interceptions
Jalen Pitre: 936 snaps, 89 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1.1 interceptions
Jaylin Smith: 87 snaps, 7 tackles, 0.0 sack, 0.1 interceptions
Myles Bryant: 53 snaps, 5 tackles, 0.0 sack, 0.1 interception
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Safeties
C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 957 snaps, 69 tackles, 0.4 sacks, 2.6 interceptions
Jimmie Ward: 638 snaps, 66 tackles, 0.3 sacks, 1.5 interceptions
Calen Bullock: 468 snaps, 29 tackles, 0.1 sack, 1.2 interceptions
MJ Stewart: 21 snaps, 2 tackles, 0.0 sack, 0.0 interception
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Projections for Houston Texans’ defense in 2025