HOUSTON TEXANS

Site: Methodist Training Center, Houston, Texas.

Report Dates: July 22 (rookies), July 27 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: CB Alan Ball, QB John Beck, RB Justin Forsett, ILB Bradie James, P Donnie Jones.

Key veteran departures: CB Jason Allen, OG Mike Brisiel, TE Joel Dreesen, WR Jacoby Jones, ILB DeMeco Ryans, RB Derrick Ward, OLB Mario Williams, OT Eric Winston.

Juiciest story lines: The Texans appear to be the cream of the crop in the AFC South, but they will have to overcome several offseason defections, as well as being in an unfamiliar position — with targets on their backs — to follow up their most successful season in franchise history with a deeper postseason run.  

Burning questions: How will the Texans’ offensive leader, QB Matt Schaub, perform coming off a season-ending lisfranc injury and in the final year of his contract? … Can one of the league’s best and most cohesive offensive lines adequately replace two starters on the right side? …  Can defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ unit avoid a major dropoff after its stunning turnaround a season ago?

Fearless prediction: WR Andre Johnson, who missed nine games with hamstring injuries and had his knee scoped in the offseason, will return to his All-Pro form, starting 16 games and eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards and 10 TDs.