HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- One position group to expect a lot of new faces is along the defensive line.
For the past decade, there has been a standout on the defensive front in future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt.
This will be the first season since Watt was drafted in 2011 in which the Texans play without him.
They will look to a combination of Charles Omenihu, Shaq Lawson, Whitney Mercilus, Jordan Jenkins and Jacob Martin to fill the void.
But where the Texans struggled most last season was inside, where they expect market improvement in 2021.
A major factor in getting there will be the play of defensive tackle Maliek Collins, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders.
“All of the positions are important, but our three technique, it starts with him," defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said of the position. "He's the closest guy, pretty much to the center that can really make plays. Maliek Collins can play that. ... He can rush the passer. He's an athlete, which we're looking for. He's been in the system quite a while, pleased with what he's done so far."
Ross Blacklock, DeMarcus Walker, Jaleel Johnson and Vincent Taylor should also provide depth at the position, where Smith told In The Loop on Wednesday he would like to feel good about eight different players for the tempo they intend to play.
Rookie Roy Lopez has also been impressive at training camp.
Over the weekend, safety Justin Reid intercepted rookie quarterback Davis Mills twice in red zone drills.
Head coach saw one 300-pound guy flash by him suddenly, running up the field and ready to block like an offensive lineman.
"He plays the game the right way," Culley said of Collins. "He's very strong. I mean, he's a wonderful guy, and again, just playing the game, and he's a great example of how you're supposed to play this game."
As original Texans defensive tackle Seth Payne noted, Collins is often the first to cross the line of scrimmage in training camp practices. He uses the spin move effectively and can really get after the passer.
Collins is one of many newcomers on a one-year deal after a disappointing 2020 season with the Raiders.
He signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.