Quinn is more of a pass rush specialist. Maybe Hyder, or someone else, beats out Crawford at RDE in the base. We have a lot of them.
But at DT, even with Hill and Crawford, I still only see 3 pass rushers, counting Maliek. And Crawford is probably be the best of the 3 today.
I don't see Crawford leaving yet. And next year, Maliek likely leaves (although I'd try to sign him cheap *now* to an extension).
Collins is better when healthy. He is very under-rated. He has been forced to play 1-tech at times which is not his position.
Collins and Crawford are both likely gone in 2020. I don't think Collins being on the final year of his contract affects their thoughts on Crawford. That decision is all about 2019.
I think Crawford will primarily practice at DE in training camp; however, I think his fate is more tied to Collins and Hill. If Collins is injured before game 1 then Crawford almost definitely stays. If Hill is not ready then that also keeps Crawford on the roster.
Crawford and Hyder both have position flex between DE and 3-tech; however, of those 2 Hyder is the better DE and Crawford the better DT based on past performance.
Covington played 5-tech in Houston's 3-4. It's hard to say from watching his game footage if he will be better at 3-tech or 1-tech. For many 4-3 defenses I think he would be a 3-tech but with Marinelli he fits the mold as a 1-tech. He is definitely more of a 1-tech than Collins. Crawford not at all a 1-tech.
My gut feeling (if all DL stay healthy) is that only 2 or these 3 are on the 53:
Crawford
Hyder
Covington
They will want to keep some young developing players like Armstrong and/or Joe Jackson but most years with Marinelli they've just kept 9 DL at the initial cuts.