Sadly, I have joined the cult of iPad. I tried to resist, but my need for gadgetry wouldn’t have it.

The good news here is that it will allow me to do some lunchtime entries at work, when time allows. With that in mind – here’s one of those eye-rolling pieces that the lesser-bloggers do to fill offseason time – the always reliable “roster projection entry.”

It’s in your blogger handbook.

Tackles (4)
Duane Brown
Rashad Butler
Derek Newton
(Free agent yet to be signed)

I figure Nick Mondek is destined for the practice squad, so the fourth tackle (if they keep four) isn’t currently on the roster.

Guards (4)
Antoine Caldwell
Wade Smith
Brandon Brooks
Thomas Austin

The fourth guard came down to Austin vs. Shelley Smith. That’s a toss-up to me. Or, more accurately – I have absolutely no clue who is better between them, so I picked one based on… something.

Centers (2)
Chris Myers
Ben Jones

Easy one here. I’ll be interested to see how Jones performs, and if he sees any time at guard.

Wide Receivers (5)
Andre Johnson
Kevin Walter
DeVier Posey
Lestar Jean
Keshawn Martin

I’ve seen some people speculate that the Texans will keep six WRs, which is absolute madness. Keep this in mind – they started last season with four. Sure, talent can dictate these things on a year to year basis, but Kubiak isn’t going to keep six WRs in order to avoid losing out on guys like Jeff Maehl, Dwight Jones, and/or Lestar Jean.

Tight Ends (3)
Owen Daniels
Garrett Graham
(Free agent yet to be signed)

Shockingly, the Texans only have two TEs currently on the roster. No way that holds up unless James Casey goes back to playing more tight end than fullback.

Running Backs (3)
Arian Foster
Ben Tate
(Free agent yet to be signed)

I just don’t think Derrick Ward is coming back. Javarris Williams is on the roster, and he’s a possibility, but I think they’ll end up bringing in a free agent.

Fullbacks (2)
James Casey
(Free agent yet to be signed)

I fully expect the Texans to bring in another fullback, as they did last year. There don’t appear to be any Lawrence Vicker-types currently available, but perhaps something will shake out when the next couple rounds of NFL cuts passes.

Quarterbacks (3)
Matt Schaub
T.J. Yates
John Beck

I do expect Houston to carry three QBs, unless TJ Yates just absolutely assures Kubiak beyond any doubt that he is the clear cut number two guy. Even then, Kubiak may be a little gun shy after how things went last year. I’d love for Case Keenum to be the number three guy but I think he’s headed for the practice squad at best – though I think Kubiak’s offense is a good fit for him.

Defensive Ends (4)
Antonio Smith
J.J. Watt
Tim Jamison
Jared Crick

I’m a big fan of this group. Can’t wait to see what Crick brings to the table, and Tim Jamison sure looked good last year when he got chances to relieve Antonio Smith after some shoulder issues. Side note – I recently re-watched parts of the Texans late season and playoff games, and I still cannot get over how DOMINANT – not just good, but DOMINANT – JJ Watt was.

Defensive Tackles (2)
Shaun Cody
Earl Mitchell

Earl Mitchell has apparently bulked up to 308 after playing at a very light 287 last season. Fine by me. Shaun Cody is Shaun Cody. I’d love for the undrafted Loni Fangupo to force his way into the opening day depth chart, but I’m as skeptical as I am hopeful.

Inside Linebackers (4)
Brian Cushing
Darryl Sharpton
Bradie James
Tim Dobbins

Easy call here. James was a smart, familiar signing, especially for the low amount they were able to land him at. Dobbins looked like a plus bench player last year, and brought some unexpected pop. Sharpton will of course be the key to this whole thing. He was taking a lot of snaps away from DeMeco Ryans last year before Sharp went down, so clearly the coaches already had changes in store.

Outside Linebackers (5)
Connor Barwin
Brooks Reed
Whitney Mercilus
Brian Braman
Jesse Nading

Wade loves his pass-rushers, and the Texans started last year with five OLBs, so I have no reason to think they won’t go that way again. The top three are obviously locks. Braman also got it done on special teams, so he has made himself more valuable there. We’ll see if he can stick or if he was just a flash. Nading I’m not sure about. I nearly changed him to “free agent yet to be signed,” in fact I’m very seriously considering making that change.

Cornerbacks (5)
Johnathan Joseph
Kareem Jackson
Brice McCain
Roc Carmichael
Brandon Harris

With the loss of Jason Allen in free agency, there is some additional uncertainty at cornerback. Brandon Harris and Roc Carmichael showed absolutely nothing as rookies. The fans had high hopes for Harris, but he never saw the field (speculation came out that his speed was hurting him), and Carmichael was hurt. These two guys could be the key to the Texans’ immediate and long-term future at corner. We also have the constant source of uncertainty in Kareem Jackson, to go along with Joseph who is probably the most dependable player on the defense, if not the entire team. I had a hard time not finding a spot for Sherrick McManis, but ultimately I think they’ll go with their two draft picks from last year. Cornerback is also a spot where I think they might end up carrying six into the regular season, and shaving off a guy elsewhere.

Safeties (4)
Danieal Manning
Glover Quin
Troy Nolan
Quentin Demps

As good as Manning is in the kick return game, I hope a replacement is found this year as I do not want Manning to get hurt doing something that a specialist or depth player could do. Demps played surprisingly well last year, and Troy Nolan had a nose for the ball… in the preseason. Nolan and Demps are decent depth but hopefully the Texans will give serious looks to others in the preseason.

Specialists (3)
K Randy Bullock
P Donnie Jones
LS Jonathan Weeks

I do like Bullock to beat out Shayne Graham, even if he struggles a bit. Hopefully Brett Hartmann won’t hook on with another team before his three-game PED suspension is up. If he doesn’t I would expect the Texans to drop Jones and get back with the young guy, unless Jones is just absolutely killing it. Jonathan Weeks is a long snapper. Sadly, we will burn a roster spot for him, which is fine as long as he never, EVER screws up.