Collapsing the pocket, sprinting around blocks, it was an epic race all last season for Texans bookend pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.The secondary was a constant threat to intercept passes.And middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair provided a thumping, intimidating presence for the top-ranked defense in the NFL.Since last season, an elite defense has signed Anderson to a three-year, $150 million extension to make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, extended Hunter on a one-year, $40.1 million deal and Al-Shaair on a three-year, $54 million contract, added former Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship along with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Logan Hall. They drafted Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, the Big Ten Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year.What do the Texans do for an encore defensively for a group headlined by two All-Pros in Anderson, a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.?For the first time this defense during a full-team minicamp, the entire star-studded group was assembled on the field for a practice. Hunter and veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, back on a two-year, $17 million contract, joined their teammates for the mandatory workouts after opting to train on their own during voluntary organized team activities.Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, the primary architect of the defense along with defensive coordinator Matt Burke, couldnt help but smile when asked what he thought about seeing the defense at full strength Tuesday.Offenses are going to struggle," Ryans said.#Texans DeMeco Ryans on outlook for top-ranked returning defense: 'Offenses are going to struggle' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/znOWfkPNXx Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 9, 2026One area the Texans havent done as much with his defensive end depth behind Anderson and Hunter.They didnt re-sign former defensive end Derek Barnett, who had five sacks last season. Barnett has multiple options across the league, per a league source.The Texans have been leaning on former Chicago Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson and former fourth-round draft pick Dylan Horton as they compete for the third edge spot.Were excited about the D-line that we have, Ryans said. Well continue to roll our guys as much as possible. Thats how we operate. We really want eight, nine guys who can go out there and play in a rotation. Were still figuring out who that eight or nine guys will be. Itll be really tough competition in training camp that Im excited to see, excited to really see our young guys in the interior to see how they perform in camp.Having Rankins in place to mentor McDonald, who was regarded as the top run-stopping defensive tackle in the draft could further bolster the chemistry.Sheldon brings a calming presence to the defense, Ryans said. When you have a guy of Sheldons caliber whos seen it all, done it all, very smart guy, very aware of formations, he can ID things that a lot of young guys cant do and we dont ask them to do.Having him there with Kayden is going to be significant for Kayden and his development. Kayden should grab a hold of Sheldon and not let him leave without gaining some type of insight, some type of knowledge every day on what its like to play in one of the toughest positions in football: interior defensive line.Since Ryans arrival, the Texans have won two AFC South division titles and three playoff games. The former Pro Bowl linebacker and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is 32-19 in the regular season.Now, the Texans want to take the next step after going 0-3 in the AFC divisional round the past three seasons.Ryans feels confident in the Texans culture and style of play.When I first came here in 2023, it was really to establish a mindset and an identity of who I wanted the Texans to be, Ryans said. As youve seen over the past three years, we have that identity. We play ball aggressive. We play physical. We do it the right way. Were going to be the toughest team to suit up every time we suit up. Thats the culture that weve built. Now I dont have to go back and reestablish our identity and how we play. As we grow as a team, as Ive grown as a head coach, for me, its more so now about how much smarter can we play as a team? How can we be more elite on our execution? Our communication, can it be louder? Can we echo it more? Can we truly be tied together every time we line up? Thats what Ive seen when I talk about the process of us this year being better. Ive seen better communication. Ive seen guys just being able to absorb more defense, absorb more offense, formations, emotions. Guys are just able to handle more.NOTES: Several players didnt practice, or were limited during the opening day of minicamp.Wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was limited in practice, not taking part until the end of practice. Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, who has been paced throughout the spring without any apparent injury, had a similar day of activity.Offensive tackle Braden Smith was limited due to a neck injury from last season with the Indianapolis Colts.Not practicing: rookie tight end Marlin Klein (strained hamstring), Hall, safety M.J. Stewart (torn quardriceps tendon last season), linebacker E.J. Speed (out for season with torn quardriceps tendon, per league sources).The first-team offensive line was comprised of left tackle Aireontae Ersery, left guard Wyatt Teller, center Jake Andrews, right guard Ed Ingram and right tackle Trent Brown.Keylan Big Red Rutledge has operated with the first-team offense extensively this spring since being drafted in the first round out of Georgia Tech. He worked with the second-team offense Tuesday morning.The Texans are excited about Rutledge from an athleticism, aggressiveness and technique standpoint. Georgia Tech coach Brent Key told KPRC 2 that Rutledge has the potential to be an All-Pro center.Keylan has done a great job, Ryans said. Keylans moved around from guard to center. Hes done a great job with both. Really great communicator as a young player, aggressive, intense, just like the tape you saw at Georgia Tech, so its looked great so far.The defense won most of the matchups overall.Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson during a red-zone drill. Among the top performers: wide receiver Jaylin Noel. Noel has shown an ability to create separation throughout the spring. His timing with Stroud has improved. He caught a touchdown pass from the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.Texas State coach G.J. Kinne visited practice as Ryans guest. They were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles.It was fun seeing G.J. come out to practice today, just congratulating him on the growth that hes had in his career as a head coach, Ryans said. Hes done a great job of establishing a culture there in Texas State, and Im proud of the success that he had.Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com