Houston Roughnecks XFL roster analysis: Do Houston have it in them to go all the way?

The Houston Roughnecks are among the more intriguing teams in the 2023 XFL. They compete in the South Division, and some see them as dark horses for the title.

This piece will look at the Houston Roughnecks' roster, spotlighting their players and analyzing whether they can go all the way.

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An analysis of the Houston Roughnecks XFL roster

The Houston Roughnecks roster comprises offensive studs, defensive stalwarts, skill players, and an intriguing group of specialists. Let's highlight each position.

Quarterbacks

• QB1: Cole McDonald
• QB2: Brandon Silvers
• QB3: Kaleb Eleby

Running Backs

• RB1: Nick Holley
• RB2: Brycen Alleyne
• RB3: Max Borghi
• Depth: Dejoun Lee

Wide Receivers

• WR1: Cedric Byrd
• WR2: Deontay Burnett
• WR3: Justin Smith
• WR4: Jontre Kirklin
• WR5: Aaron Nelson
• Depth: Darece Roberson, B.J. Byrd, Ben Putman, Travel Harris, and Brandon Lewis

Tight End

• TE1: Garrett Owens

Offensive Line

• Jack Snyder
• Desmond Noel
• Tommy Champion
• Kary Kutsch
• Dareuan Parker
• Alex Mollette
• Sage Doxtater
• James Moore
• Dylan Pasquali
• Ryan Pope
• John Yarbrough

Defensive Line

• John Daka
• Elijah Qualls
• Austin Edwards
• Chauncey Rivers
• Tariqious Tisdale
• C.J. Brewer
• Jaquan Artis
• Trevon Mason
• Mike Boykin
• Trent Harris
• Jack Heflin
• Brian Khoury
• Glen Logan
• Tim Ward

Linebackers

• Deandre Johnson
• Tavante Beckett
• Ellis Brooks
• Diego Fagot
• Chauncey Mannac
• Duke Ejiofor
• Koby Quansah
• Warren Thomas
• Emmanuel Ellerbee
• Nate Wieland
• Charles Wiley

Defensive Backs

• Raleigh Texada
• Ajene Harris
• A.J. Hendy
• Devin Hafford
• Alexander Myres
• Kevin Toliver
• Jordan Mosley
• Michael Lawson
• David Tolentino
• John Brannon
• Andrew Whitaker
• Brandon Easterling
• Sean Davis
• William Likely
• Kary Vincent
• Jordan Mosley

Special Teams

• Kicker: Hunter Duplessis
• Punter: Race Porter

According to bookmakers, the Roughnecks are unlikely to go all the way. The Houston Roughnecks have the second-worst odds of winning the 2023 XFL Championship.

The Roughnecks went on a 5-0 surge to start the 2020 XFL season. Unfortunately for them, that season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It's been three years since that improbable run, and the Houston Roughnecks look very different. The team comprises unproven rookies and a couple of former NFL prospects, and they are coached by former NFL Coach of the Year Wade Phillips.

Phillips will have his work cut out, as he has to make the best use of a QB room comprising Cole McDonald, Brandon Silvers, and Kaleb Eleby. The QB room has no specific number one, so the starting spot remains up for grabs.

Phillips will also be tasked with getting the best out of young defensive players like John Daka, Elijah Qualls, and Chauncey Rivers.

The former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator will be leading a team of hungry yet young and unproven talent. This Roughnecks side is weaker than the 2020 class, but they could make some noise.