The Houston Texans open training camp July 29, with their first practices July 31 at Houston Methodist Training Center. Here's a starting lineup projection:
Offense
Quarterback (Brock Osweiler): The Texans paid him $72 million over four years with $37 million in guarantees in hopes of finally ending their quarterback carousel.
Running back (Lamar Miller): Part of the Texans' big free-agent haul, Miller adds speed and versatility to the backfield.
Receiver (DeAndre Hopkins): The team picked up his fifth-year option and ensured having him in the fold in 2017, but if the Texans don't extend Hopkins' contract this offseason, he'll play 2016 with a chip on his shoulder.
Receiver (Jaelen Strong): Strong has impressed the Texans with the turnaround he has made since his rookie year and, at least early, they'll count on him here.
Receiver (Cecil Shorts): He took a pay cut to remain with the Texans and offers a veteran presence for an otherwise young receivers room, but Shorts also will be the Texans' best option at slot receiver to start the season.
Tight end (C.J. Fiedorowicz): The Texans have targeted tight ends less than any other team in the past two seasons, and that isn't how they like to do things.
Left tackle (Duane Brown): His recovery from a torn right quad tendon and the subsequent surgery is the biggest question mark, but Brown should be ready for the season.
Left guard (Xavier Su'a-Filo): The first pick of the second round in 2014, Su'a-Filo came with big expectations. This will be a pivotal season for him.
Center (Nick Martin): The Texans have an option to start veteran Tony Bergstrom here, but they drafted Martin in the second round this year for this role.
Right guard (Jeff Allen): Allen, who replaces Brandon Brooks, brings a toughness the Texans covet.
Right tackle (Derek Newton): Gone are the days when Newton's status with the Texans came into question. He isn't perfect, but offers consistency on a line filled with change.
Defense
Defensive end (J.J. Watt): He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors after a season in which he played with a broken hand, five torn core muscles, a herniated disc in his back, and (for one game) a flu-like illness. Imagine how he'll do healthy.
Nose tackle (Vince Wilfork): Wilfork might help to usher in his successor, but until then he'll start for the Texans.
Defensive end (Devon Still): He's known better for his daughter's fight against cancer, but Still has a legitimate chance to start opposite Watt.
Outside linebacker (Jadeveon Clowney): The third-year player has said he wants to dominate the league, but he'll need to stay healthy for a chance to do that.
Inside linebacker (Brian Cushing): Another healthy offseason under his belt has Cushing feeling optimistic.
Inside linebacker (Benardrick McKinney): Cushing says he and McKinney have developed the kind of chemistry Cushing once had with DeMeco Ryans.
Outside linebacker (Whitney Mercilus): With 12, he had his first double-digit sack season in the year after the Texans gave him a four-year extension.
Cornerback (Johnathan Joseph): He's a stabilizing veteran presence in the Texans' defensive backfield who still has miles left.
Safety (Andre Hal): Converted from cornerback last season, Hal established himself with four interceptions and one pick-six.
Safety (Quintin Demps): The journeyman safety had a knack for big plays last season and earned the starting role.
Cornerback (Kareem Jackson/Kevin Johnson): Both Johnson and Jackson started 10 games last season, as the Texans often open with three corners on the field.
Special teams
Kicker (Ka'imi Fairbairn): There's a legitimate competition here, and incumbent Nick Novak could beat out this undrafted rookie.
Punter (Shane Lechler): The great punter will be 40 in this, his 17th season.
Long-snapper (Jon Weeks): You don't notice a long-snapper until he messes up, and Weeks is nearly invisible during games.