HOUSTON — To everyone’s surprise, Davis Mills put together a successful rookie campaign for the Houston Texans in 2021. Mills, a third-round selection from Standford at pick No. 67, landed on the NFL’s top-25 list for the best rookies of the year, according to Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com.
As one of a few reasons to feel optimistic about the Texans’ future amid a 4-13 season, it appears that Mills has solidified himself as Houston’s distinct starting quarterback for the 2022 season. But there is a possibility general manager Nick Caserio is keeping his options open at the position as the Texans enter the second year of their rebuild.
“I think Davis made a lot of progress and strives this season,” Caserio said. “When you look at the body of work and the things he was able to accomplish, you can make the argument that he was just as good or better than any of the other rookie quarterbacks. But what does that mean for next season? It doesn’t mean anything.”
Each week Mills took the initiative to correct the transgressions that hindered his on-field production through his first six starts of the season. Mills’ most significant issue was the ability to take care of the ball, where he recorded eight interceptions during his first six starts.
Former coach David Culley placed a hefty emphasis on Mills limiting the number of turnovers, and the adjustments were noteworthy. Mills committed two interceptions during the final five games of the season, where his ability to take care of the ball led the Texans to a 2-3 record.
The Texans dropped the first six games of Mills’ career as a result of his flawed decision-making.
“We felt Davis was a good player when we drafted him, and some of the things we saw from him this season was a confirmation of that,” Caserio said. “He still has a long way to go, and more than anything, learning defenses and what the other team is trying to do.”
Caserio added: “For any quarterback, you have to have the ability to understand what is taking place on the other side of the ball. That will help him more than anything.”
Mills finished his rookie year with 2,664 passing yards — setting the franchise record for most passing yards in a season by a first-year quarterback.
It’s unsure what Caserio’s plan will be at quarterback should Mills not remain the starter in 2022, but for the Texans to have arguably the second-best rookie quarterback from the previous season is not a flawed contingency plan.
Mills said he intends to remain in Houston throughout the offseason in hopes of continuing his development ahead of his sophomore year, making it difficult for Caserio and the Texans to move forward with any other quarterback for the upcoming season.