The way we hear it, it is quite clear after the Texans' offseason workouts that SLB Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin are expected to play important roles in their first season — and that both will need to consistently contribute for the defense to reach its potential. The 6-2, 243-pound Cushing will start from the outset, and he is aware of the expectations placed upon him. "I know my role," Cushing said at the Texans' mandatory minicamp. "They understand me; I understand they brought me to come in and play right away." Barwin, who played only one season of defensive end at the University of Cincinnati but has very good athleticism for the position, flashed some ability at the mandatory minicamp, and the plan is for him to come off the bench as a pass rusher on the right side of the defensive line.