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.

ESPN’s Mike Clay recently shared his 2025 projections, including for the Texans’ defensive players. Here’s a look:

Edge rushersDanielle Hunter: 776 snaps, 52 tackles, 9.8 sacks, 0.0 interceptionWill Anderson Jr.: 723 snaps, 51 tackles, 10.1 sacks, 0.0 interceptionDenico Autry: 372 snaps, 22 tackles, 3.6 sacks, 0.0 interceptionDerek Barnett: 202 snaps, 14 tackles, 1.9 sacks, 0.0 interceptionDarrell Taylor: 149 snaps, 10 tackles, 1.3 sacks, 0.0 interceptionDefensive tacklesTim Settle: 585 snaps, 32 tackles, 2.7 sacksSheldon Rankins: 532 snaps, 37 tackles, 2.1 sacksMario Edwards Jr.: 510 snaps, 32 tackles, 2.6 sacksFolorunso Fatukasi: 245 snaps, 10 tackles, 0.7 sacksTommy Togiai: 128 snaps, 10 tackles, 0.5 sacksKurt Hinish: 21 snaps, 1 tackleLinebackersAzeez Al-Shaair: 1,000 snaps, 137 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 0.9 interceptionsHenry To’oTo’o: 691 snaps, 99 tackles, 1.1 sacks, 0.5 interceptionsE.J. Speed: 478 snaps, 69 tackles, 0.6 sack, 0.2 interceptionsChristian Harris: 74 snaps, 9 tackles, 0.1 sack, 0.1 interceptionsCornerbacksDerek Stingley Jr.: 1,010 snaps, 62 tackles, 0.1 sack, 2.6 interceptionsKamari Lassiter: 1,010 snaps, 76 tackles, 0.3 sacks, 1.8 interceptionsJalen Pitre: 936 snaps, 89 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1.1 interceptionsJaylin Smith: 87 snaps, 7 tackles, 0.0 sack, 0.1 interceptionsMyles Bryant: 53 snaps, 5 tackles, 0.0 sack, 0.1 interceptionSafetiesC.J. Gardner-Johnson: 957 snaps, 69 tackles, 0.4 sacks, 2.6 interceptionsJimmie Ward: 638 snaps, 66 tackles, 0.3 sacks, 1.5 interceptionsCalen Bullock: 468 snaps, 29 tackles, 0.1 sack, 1.2 interceptionsMJ Stewart: 21 snaps, 2 tackles, 0.0 sack, 0.0 interception