Houston Roughnecks Roster: Position-By-Position Breakdown

The XFL is back after a hiatus of two years when it was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Houston Roughnecks were part of the 2020 XFL too and had a dream run with 5 wins and 0 losses. They are back in XFL 2023 with a fresh roster, hoping to repeat their initial success at the last edition of the XFL. The Roughnecks have a strong squad with a balance of rookies and experienced ex-NFL players. Although bookmakers tip the Houston Roughnecks squad to have the second-worst odds of winning the title, the team performances have spoken otherwise as they look to be dark horses for the title.

Who are the key players on the Houston Roughnecks’ Roster?

The Houston Roughnecks squad is composed of rookies looking to prove themselves and some ex-NFL players who provide much-needed experience to the squad.

The Houston Roughnecks’ have a strong attacking unit where quarterbacks Cole McDonald and Brandon Silvers will take care of signal-calling duties. Brandon Silvers is a Spring football veteran as he has previously competed in the AAF (Alliance American Football) and the XFL too. This is his second XFL stint as he was the starting quarterback for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the 2020 edition of the league.

Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Deontay Burnett will be another attacking threat for the Houston Roughnecks. The 6-foot receiver is bound to be a menace for opposing defenses as he is a great catcher of the ball. Burnett is joined by Davion Davis who has previously had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans.

Cornerback Kary Vincent is one of the fastest players in the XFL this season and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is a vital part of the Roughnecks’ attack.

Alex Mollette is the offensive line's captain. Mollette can play anywhere in the interior after starting at center and both guard positions during his four years at Marshall. Despite being undrafted, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Mollette spent last season's training camp with the Colts before being dismissed in the preseason.

In defense, Duke Ejiofor and Emmanuel Ellerbee are the two star linebackers for the team. Ex-Houston Texans player Duke Ejiofor had a big NFL debut but injuries cut his season short. Emmanuel Ellerbee also comes with NFL experience having played for the Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Who is the starting quarterback for the Houston Roughnecks?

The Houston Roughnecks have three quarterbacks vying for the starting position. Brandon Silvers is no stranger to Spring Leagues as he has played in the USFL for Memphis Express, and even played for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the 2020 XFL. Brandon Silvers is competing for the starting spot with Cole McDonald. Former Tennessee Titans player, McDonald is a strong competitor to SIlvers who is currently holding the spot as the starting quarterback for the Roughnecks. Kaleb Eleby is a backup to Brandon Silvers and Cole McDonald.

Who are the coaches for the Houston Roughnecks?

What is the overall skill level of the Houston Roughnecks Roster?

The Houston Roughnecks are a pretty well-rounded team. They have a balance of rookies and experienced players which seem to work out in their favor. The Roughnecks who were pitted to be the second-least favorites to win the XFL have emerged as dark horses to win the title under former NFL coach of the year, Wade Philips.

The Roughnecks are a skilled squad who can carry out plays devised by the experienced Wade Philips. While Philips is known for his defensive strategies, the Roughnecks are actually one of the most potent attacks in the league with a strong running game and great signal calls.

How does the Houston Roughnecks’ Roster compare to other teams in the NFL?

The Houston Roughnecks are one of the strongest teams in the league. Head coach Wade Philips has ample coaching experience and it translates to the performances shown by the team on the field. The Roughnecks have a formidable attack with Brandon Silvers calling plays. They have a very strong running back squad which helps them have successful attacks. Defensively the Roughnecks are very solid and Wade Philips’ defensive expertise is carried out on the field by experienced linebackers Duke Ejiofor and Emmanuel Ellerbee.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Houston Roughnecks’ Roster?

Strengths

The Defenders have a solid coaching staff going into the new season, led by Wade Philips. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach has been a defensive coordinator for a host of NFL teams, and even won Super Bowl 50 as a defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos.

This squad considers itself to be a strong offensive with a talented collection of quarterbacks and a potent running game supported by outstanding running backs. To boost their prospects, they are also no slouches on defense either.

Weaknesses

Even with a strong attacking unit and an amazing coaching staff, the players ultimately decide the outcome. The Roughnecks are a team mostly consisting of rookies and it remains to be seen how they handle pressure in the latter stages of the league.

How has the Houston Roughnecks’ Roster changed from 2020?

All XFL teams including the Houston Roughnecks have an entirely new roster in 2023. The entire roster is new compared to the 2020 Defenders’ roster. XFL held a fresh draft for the 2023 season where each team filled in their 51-man roster.

What are the contract details for the players on the Houston Roughnecks’ Roster?

The contract system in the XFL is set to be standard for each and every team. Since each team competing in the league is also owned by the owners of XFL, the contracts are the same for every player. Here are the standardized contract details for XFL players in 2023:

2023 Training Camp: $800/week

2023 Active Roster: $5,000/week

2023 Practice Squad: $1,500/week

2023 Regular Season/Playoff Win: $1,000/win