Category: 2025 NFL season

Updated 2025 NFL draft order after Super Bowl

With the 2024 NFL season officially in the books, here’s the latest draft order heading into the 2025 season.

The Houston Texans now know when they’re on the clock.

With the 2024 season officially over, all 32 picks of the 2025 NFL draft order have been finalized.

The Texans will pick at No. 25 following their divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are now on the clock following a nine-point loss to Houston while donning the Oilers uniforms.

Here’s an updated look at the 2025 NFL draft order following Philaldelphia’s Super Bowl win over Kansas City courtesy of the folks at Tankathon:

Texans WR Nico Collins knows there’s a ‘job to do’ in 2025

Nico Collins knows the job is not finished for the Houston Texans after missing the conference championship in 2025.

Nico Collins is ready for the 2025 season to begin after the Houston Texans failed to reach the Super Bowl in 2024.

Collins, the Texans’ star receiver, saw a similar ending to his breakout 2023 campaign amid C.J. Stroud’s second season. A 10-7 finish in the regular season led to a playoff win at home.

That led to a loss in the divisional round against the top-seeded roster in the AFC despite it being a one-score game entering halftime.

Collins plans to attack the offseason in stride. This year might have gone south, but it’s more because of the talent lost rather than the loss of internal belief.

“Due to a lot of injuries, we kind of went down,” Collins said Friday on NFL Network’s The Insiders.”But I feel like we have the right pieces, the right people, the right coaches in the right positions. I feel like we know what type of guys we have in the locker room and we know where we want to go. I feel like the main thing is [we] just got to be healthy.”

Houston was banged up, mainly at receiver. After trading for two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs, the Texans believed a trio of Collins, Tank Dell and the newly acquired Pro Bowler would give the franchise perhaps the top receiver room.

Instead, Diggs lasted eight games before suffering a torn ACL. Dell, who suffered a season-ending injury last fall, lacked his signature explosiveness before suffering another lower-body injury that will keep him out for most of next season.

Even Collins was hurt after a hot start. During Week 5’s victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Pro Bowler left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and missed the next five games while on the injured reserve.

The offensive woes led to Bobby Slowik’s firing following last month’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Enter new play-caller Nick Caley from the Los Angeles Rams and the passing attack should be more productive.

“It’s gonna be a great year for us,” Collins said. “New OC, but I feel like we’ve got the same guys, same mindset, come in ready to work. Can’t wait to meet him, get ready for OTAs, learn the playbook and get going.”

Collins said that losing in Arrowhead for a second time in less than six weeks left a bitter taste among players.

“We left a bad taste in our mouth leaving K.C.,” Collins said. “We know what it takes. We know what we got to do to make that next jump.”

The team is looking to progress rather than stay idle. The fifth-year pro is confident his squad is built to continue their success moving forward.

“I’m not stressing,” Collins said. “I love this team. I love the guys.”

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. hints on upcoming contract extension

Houston Texans cornerback Derk Stingley hints at a brand new contract extension coming this offseason after an All-Pro year.

Derek Stingley Jr. made it clear to the Kansas City Chiefs that he wanted to be with the Houston Texans following the divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs “for life.”

That’s not a bit to the local media. He continues to preach his approach to staying in Houston for the long haul.

Stingley, who earned first-team All-Pro status after a breakout 2024 season, appeared on The Pivot Podcast during Pro Bowl week to talk about his breakout season and his father, Derek Sr.

Ryan Clark brought up the contract extension headed into the offseason since Derek Jr. can sign after the Super Bowl.
His answer was brief and direct.

“I want to stay in Houston for the rest of my career really,” Stingley said.

Houston’s top defensive back closed out his 2024 season on a high note with two interceptions in the AFC wild-card round victory against the Chargers.

Earlier this season, Stingley switched agents, signing on with David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Not only has Mulugheta Stingley become his client, but Mulugheta did that for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, signing a three-year, $72.1 million extension to make him the highest-paid average player at the position.

After a dominant season in man coverage, Stingley has laid down the foundation for a new deal with the team. Houston plans to begin conversations with the former No. 3 overall pick later this offseason, though there isn’t a timeline for either side to call it a day.

“The deal gonna happen when it happens,” Stingley said.

As for a holdout, Stingley said there’s too much to be accomplished as a team for him to put individual needs first.

“We still have to take care of business,” he said. “I still got to work out, I still got to be there, be around the team.”

NFL confirms Steelers headed to Ireland to play in 2025

The Steelers will play the NFL’s first game in Ireland next season.

On Friday morning, the NFL confirmed that the league will play a game in Ireland in 2025 and the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a part of it. No word yet on the opponent.

This is a perfect match for the Steelers and Ireland. Pittsburgh ownership has ties to Ireland with former owner Dan Rooney serving as the US Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012. Pittsburgh has as huge fanbase in the country in part because of this and fans will come out strong to support them.

In terms of looking at the schedule, geography will play a role. Outside of the AFC North foes, the Steelers play the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks at home. Our early guesses would be the Colts or Dolphins to travel to Ireland.

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Texans promote Cole Popovich to offensive line coach

Cole Popovich is sticking around with the Houston Texans.

Cole Popovich is sticking around the Houston Texans.

The Texans are promoting Popovich to run game coordinator and head offensive line coach from assistant offensive line coach, according to multiple reports. 

Popovich was set to become a free agent on an expiring contract. After Chris Strausser was fired, Popovich was rumored to be open for the position, but he also had other offers on the market.

When the Texans hired Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nic Caley, there was reason for promise and potential of a reunion. Caley and Popovich previously worked together on the Super Bowl-winning staffs with the New England Patriots under coach Bill Belichick.

Popovich was essential in helping with the run game after the Texans traded for Joe Mixon, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

He previously coached at Minot State as an offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator and previously at Utah State, Fresno City College and Los Angeles Valley College.

Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson sticking around for 2025 season

Jerrod Johnson is back with the Houston Texans for the 2025 season.

Jerrod Johnson isn’t going anywhere.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Johnson is expected to remain the Houston Texans quarterback coach after interviewing for the offensive coordinator job.

On Monday, the job ultimately went to former Los Angeles Rams assistant coach Nick Caley following a two-year run with Sean McVay.

Johnson, 37, was a hot commodity for a potential promotion after his success with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The favorite internal candidate,  Johnson also interviewed for the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets offensive coordinator openings.

The Raiders ultimately hired Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly while the Jets filled the position with Detriot Lions assistant Tanner Engstrand.

This marks the second offseason Johnson has been a name up for promotion. He interviewed last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots for their offensive coordinator positions, but elected to return to Houston for another year.

Part of the reason for his return is because of the relationship with Stroud. The two first met while Stroud was in high school at the Elite Eleven camp during his sophomore year.

The two’s relationship continued to build from Rancho Cucamonga toward bigger avenues during his time at Ohio State. Stroud has spoken highly for years about Johnson since his arrival in Houston in 2023.

“One thing that I can say about Jerrod, you talk about somehow who knows how to play the position of quarterback and knows how to relay something, but also just a great person, man,” Stroud said. “A guy who loves football, he loves Houston, he loves Texas.”

The Texans own the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Texans add two SEC standouts from Senior Bowl in ESPN mock draft

The Texans continue to shore up their trenches with the addition of two former SEC stars.

Death, taxes and trench depth seem to be the top needs for the Houston Texans this upcoming draft season after another underwhelming finish to the 2024 season.

Is that the plan when on the clock in the first two rounds of April’s NFL draft? According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, there’s no other way to turn.

With the 25th overall pick, the Texans shore up their offensive line with the addition of Alabama All-American Tyler Booker. After allowing one sack in two years, Booker should help cut that number in half after the two-time defending AFC South champions allowed 54 sacks last season.

“Booker earned A-plus grades for work ethic and drive from the coaches and scouts I spoke to at the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl. He’s also a really good football player,” Miller wrote. “The 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman is a mauler in the run game, with great initial power in his hands and the lower-body drive to move defenders out of gaps.

“The Texans’ interior protection was a mess in 2024, which was a huge factor in quarterback C.J. Stroud‘s sophomore slump. They allowed 54 sacks, tied for third in the NFL. Investing early draft picks in long-term solutions up front has to be on the front office’s wish list. Booker is a dream fit.”

With the No. 58 overall pick, Houston bolsters its defensive line with former All-SEC defensive tackle Deone Walker from Kentucky. Despite an underwhelming 2024 season in Lexington, Walker was a standout for the Big Blue Wall defense in 2023.

“Fixing the trenches is the theme of this draft in Houston. Walker played through a back injury in 2024 that has to be monitored, but he’s nearly 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds with great pass-rush tools,” Miller wrote. “He had 7.5 sacks in 2023 before falling to 1.5 this past season.”

The Texans own six picks currently in the upcoming draft.

Grade the move: Texans hire Rams assistant Nick Caley as new offensive coordinator

What do you think of the hiring of Texans new offensive coordinator Nick Caley down in H-Town?

The Houston Texans have their new play-caller.

According to multiple reports, the Texans plan to hire Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator and tight ends coach Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator.

He’ll replace Bobby Slowik, who was fired after two seasons with the AFC South franchise.

Caley, 42, previously interviewed for the offensive coordinator position in 2023 before Texans coach DeMeco Ryans ultimately decided to hire Slowik, according to multiple reports. He previously interviewed for both the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers open positions as well.

Before joining forces with Sean McVay and Matt Stafford, Caley spent time working closely with Texans general manager Nick Caserio in New England. He previously served as the tight ends coach and fullbacks coach under Bill Belichick from 2015 until the 2022 season.

Caley and Caserio both went to John Carroll University.

The top task for the new play-caller will be to build a relationship with third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a sophomore slump in 2024 after guiding the Texans to a second AFC South division title.

He’ll also be tasked with fixing an offensive line that allowed 54 sacks last season, which was third-most in the league last year.

His rapport with the tight end position should lead to better results from Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover after an underwhelming campaign last fall.

Overall, what do you think of the move, Texans fans? Vote down below!

Grade the Texans' hiring of Rams assistant Nick Caley
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Texans to hire Rams assistant Nick Caley as offensive coordinator

The Houston Texans have their new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley from the Los Angeles Rams.

The Houston Texans have found their next play-caller.

According to reports, the Texans plan to hire Rams tight end coach and passing-game coordinator Nick Caley as their next offensive coordinator.

Caley, a fan-favorite to land the job, will replace Bobby Slowik, who was fired after two seasons.

Caley, 42, was one of the top names on the market this offseason after two seasons with Los Angeles. He was rumored to be the favorite to land the New York Jets offensive coordinator position. He interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator opening last week following Liam Coen’s departure to Jacksonville.

Caley joined the Rams ahead of the 2023 season after spending six seasons as the tight ends/fullbacks coach for the New England Patriots. He’s considered one of the top influences in developing All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski entering the back half of his career.

In Caley’s first season, Gronkowski led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,084) and yards per reception (15.7) while earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod. He was also named an AP First-Team All-Pro selection.

That same season, fullback James Develin earned his first Pro Bowl nod under Caley’s watch.

As the pass-game coordinator, Caley spent time with Matthew Stafford, who posted strong numbers en route to a division title. The veteran quarterback finished with 20 touchdown passes against eight interceptions and completed 65.8% of his pass attempts.

Caley’s work with tight ends should benefit the Texans, too. Under his teaching last year, Tyler Higbee broke multiple franchise records for Los Angeles, including surpassing Harold Jackson for 14th all-time receiving yards.

Higbee also passed Jack Snow and Elroy Hirsch, moving into ninth all-time in franchise history in receptions.

Since Caley’s arrival, Higbee’s totaled 55 catches for 461 yards and four touchdowns, though he was limited most of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL late last year.

Caley went to John Carroll University, the same alma mater as Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio. He was in New England during Caserio’s time before he departed for Houston in 2021.

The top task for the new play-caller will be to build a relationship with third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who suffered a sophomore slump in 2024 after guiding the Texans to a second AFC South division title.

He’ll also be tasked with fixing an offensive line that allowed 54 sacks last season, which was third-most in the league last year.

His rapport with the tight end position should lead to better results from Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover after an underwhelming campaign last fall.

Texans bolster ground game in CBS Sports latest mock draft

While the offensive line needs a makeover, the Houston Texans are planning to surprise people in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

After a year of struggles on the offensive line, Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio must build a new interior unit if the back-to-back AFC South champions plan on keeping C.J. Stroud healthy in 2025.

Free agency is one way to add in a proven guard or potential center, but the draft might provide more stability for the long term at one position.

The Texans aren’t in a perfect spot to build around Stroud after the line allowed the third-most sacks in 2024. They currently have just over $3 million in cap space and could change their draft trajectory depending on who they plan on cutting to free up space.

Things should change before the Super Bowl, but the Texans are projected to pick 25th overall come April 25 in Green Bay at Lambeau Field. In a new mock draft from CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson, the Texans turn away from the offensive line and swing big at bettering the ground game.

Boise State running back and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty falls outside the top 20 but lands in place for Houston to shore up the rushing attack for years to come.

Is Ashton Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; were Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs luxury picks? Because Jeanty is that type of impact back. He hasn’t been used nearly as much in the pass game, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it.

Compared to former Pro Bowler Marshawn Lynch, Jeanty would take pressure off Stroud to have to win through the air. It also could give Houston a 1-2 combination similar to the Detriot Lions with Pro Bowler Joe Mixon and a No. 2 rising star.

A running back’s lifespan differs in each offensive formation. Mixon could remain a healthy leading rusher for another year, but he’s averaging 248 carries in a season and turns 30 this offseason.

How much is left in the tank for 2026 and beyond? It’s a problem that solves itself with the arrival of Jeanty, who ranks second all-time behind Hall of Famer Barry Sanders in single-season rushing yards and averaged 7.0 yards a carry en route to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Stroud’s development remains a focal point of the Texans’ offeseason. That starts by alleviating the pressure off him to be the team’s top option.

Sometimes, pressure comes when different forms. For the Texans, giving Stroud a stable run game might be as profitable as making sure the offensive line is steady.