The Houston Texans managed to add to their talented defensive group this offseason. Regardless, it appears they will be relying heavily on a familiar face in defensive end Carlos Watkins.

Watkins has not made much of an impact since his arrival. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, defensive line coach Anthony Weaver is expecting big things from him in the 2019 NFL season:

“My expectations for Carlos are sky-high,” Weaver said. “I know to this point, he probably hasn’t exceeded the expectations but a lot of that has been purely because of opportunity. Obviously, we lost a very good player in Christian Covington, so there’s a void there, and one that I expect Carlos to step in and try to fill. He’s coming into his third year. He’s taking all of the coaching, he listens to the veterans and he’s had a very good offseason. So, I’m looking for him to take that stride.”

Article Continues Below
More Houston Texans News
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Texans’ DeMeco Ryans fires back at C.J. Stroud injury concernsZachary Weinberger ·
Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Super Bowl-winning DB announces sudden retirementMike Gianakos ·
image thumbnail
3 Texans hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
Mystery player in the middle, CJ Stroud and Nico Collins around him, Texans logo in the background
1 Houston Texans rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) rolls out to throw against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud gets ‘no concerns’ take from new OCZachary Weinberger ·
Houston Texans former defensive end J.J. Watt in attendance as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans.
NFL legend JJ Watt throws down epic dunk during Pat McAfee visitJosh Davis ·

Weaver's comments may come as a bit of a surprise. The Texans initially selected Watkins in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has since struggled to etch out a consistent role on defense after finishing the 2018 campaign with three tackles and a sack in just four games.

The departure of defensive end Christian Covington in free agency has left a notable void up front. Covington's absence could potentially make way for Watkins to take on an expanded role. He will have an opportunity to take some pressure of fellow edge rushers J.J. Watt and Jadeveaon Clowney moving forward. It is clear that he has already started to make quite the impression on Weaver through OTAs and minicamp this offseason.