Tag: 2024 Houston Texans

Texans QB C.J. Stroud holds second annual youth football camp

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud continues to give back to the community every chance he gets.

Growing up, C.J. Stroud always wanted to give back to the community. Entering Year 2 as the Houston Texans starting quarterback, he now can.

Stroud hosted his second annual youth football camp on Tuesday at St. Thomas High School just outside downtown Houston. Hundreds of local kids traveled across the city to run drills, haul in passes, and better their craft while learning from the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“The night before I always try to pray and ask God for strength to be able to handle 600 kids and give them everything they’re looking for when they talk to me,” Stroud said. “That means something. I’ve had times when I met some of my heroes and they weren’t the nicest people, so I want to be that person. Like Snoop Dogg said: ‘You’re not only going to see me on TV, but you can touch me and be able to be around me and feel my energy.”

The camp was established by the C.J. Stroud Foundation and its director, Kimberly Stroud. It became a hit last offseason after Stroud was selected No. 2 overall out of Ohio State.

This year, the numbers reached new heights. Campers were enthusiastic to catch a glimpse of their favorite starting quarterback reading the field while targeting one lucky kid for an easy score.

Stroud wasn’t the only notable name in attendance. Second-year receiver and former University of Houston star Tank Dell also partook in drills, as did quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson and Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens. Texans owner Cal McNair and foundation vice president Hannah McNair also stopped by.

A man of principle, Stroud talked about the importance of listening to parents, leaning on faith, and establishing a consistent work ethic to build a path to success.

“It starts with God and listen to your parents, and that’s a recipe for success,” Stroud said. “That’s what I did as a kid and that’s what I’ll always pass along through my foundation. That’s really what I want to give, how to set a foundation set on rocks and go from there.”

Stroud, who led the NFL in passing yards per game, looks to build off a promising first season in the pros, but he also knows how to enjoy downtime. That time is being spent on giving back to the city and the fans who support him and the franchise on Sundays.

While the campers get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity while hanging out with their favorite passer, Stroud gets to spend time doing what he always wanted: giving back.

“I really used to dream of stuff like this, but it’s crazy to see the city come out and support me and want to be around me,” Stroud said. “That’s just a blessing. I’m just really inspired. I want to keep being great for that reason right there.”

Projecting Texans QB C.J. Stroud’s future contract extension

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s contract extension topped the market, but what will Texans QB C.J. Stroud’s second contract look like?

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence became the latest signal-caller to ink a massive, agreeing to a five-year deal worth $275 million, including $200 million guaranteed.

The contract matched Cicinnati’s Joe Burrow’s extension for second-highest in total value, trailing only Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million deal. Since the two-time league MVP agreed to his record-breaking deal, the average per-year salary for top-flight quarterbacks has increased by 22%.

With Lawrence locked up, the market price moves again before the 2024 season. And as more quarterbacks work out future extensions, sights turn to the Houston Texans and a potential long-term deal for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

A deal isn’t imminent. Stroud still has three years remaining on his rookie contract, plus a fifth-year option that could be picked up after the 2025 season. The financial commitment makes Stroud one of the league’s best bargains, and it’s why Houston has aggressively upgraded its to maximize its Super Bowl window entering Year 2 of the DeMeco Ryans’ era.

However, Houston will eventually have to make Stroud one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks should he only build off one of the greatest rookie seasons in league history.

But what will that contract untimely be in annual salary and guarantees given the market value?

This exercise only explores players signing their second contracts, so while Dak Presscot’s potential (clears throat) $60 million annual salary was considered, it’s not included. In total, nine quarterbacks’ second contracts were used. Green Bay’s one-year extension with Jordan Love was also excluded since it was mainly used to avoid picking the fifth-year option on a first-year starter.

Those players are:

  • Patrick Mahomes (2020)
  • Dak Prescott (2021)
  • Josh Allen (2021)
  • Kyler Murray (2022)
  • Justin Herbert (2023)
  • Lamar Jackson (2023),
  • Jalen Hurts (2023),
  • Joe Burrow (2023)
  • Trevor Lawrence (2024)

The per-year cost increase previously mentioned is due to the rising salary cap total, which made the grandest single-season increase since 1994 by adding $30.6 million to the team’s pocket this past offseason.

With the NFL continually exploring avenues for revenue, such as a two-game broadcast contract on Christmas with Netflix, the league’s salary cap will expand.

So, while the per-year cost is rising, the percentage against a team’s salary cap at the signing has not significantly jumped. For instance, Burrow and Lawrence’s contracts are nearly identical, aside from Burrow being guaranteed $19 million more, yet Burrow’s percentage of the Bengals’ cap space was 24.47% at the signing compared to Lawrence accounting for 21.93% of the Jaguars cap.

When Deshaun Watson signed his five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal with the Brown in 2022, it sent a seismic change to the market as more quarterbacks sought higher guaranteed totals. Mahomes’ contract in 2020 included a guaranteed money percentage of 31.4%, and Allen’s six-year, $258 million contract a year later garnered him 58.1% of guaranteed money.

Since Watson’s signing, no quarterback that’s signed their second contract has had a percentage of guaranteed money under 69%. Murray, who signed the same year, is the lowest at 69.3%. Herbert’s 2023 five-year deal worth $262.5 million peaked at 83.3%.

The average percentage of guaranteed money among the six quarterbacks to sign since Watson is 74.1%.

Spotrac estimates each team’s salary cap to be $334.8 million in 2028, a $79.4 million jump or a 31.1% increase. The last four years saw a $57.2 million increase or 28.8% leap.

Stroud, who became the youngest quarterback since Mark Sanchez (2009) to win a playoff game, figures to crack the top five in percentage against Houston’s salary cap. The average among the current top five is 23.44%. Most quarterbacks sign five-year deals to give themselves another crack at free agency, and Stroud will likely do the same.

With the parameters of a five-year extension, a 23.44% hit against the team’s salary cap at signing and 74.1% of guaranteed money, Stroud’s projected extension would be worth $392.5 million, which includes $290.8 million guaranteed.

And as for annual salary, Stroud would earn $78.5 million. Welcome to the future NFL.

The good news? That’s four years away, so Houston can relax knowing Stroud still has one of the best contracts in the league.

The bad news? This is all a projection based on current numbers. We’re one unearthly contract away from this reaching astronomical heights and making this scenario illogical.

Texans to host joint practice with Los Angeles Rams during training camp

The Houston Texans will host a joint practice with the Los Angeles, providing the offense and defense an opportunity to improve.

The Houston Texans will get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the league’s top offensive minds this August. 

According to The Athetlic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, the Los Angeles Rams and Texans will hold a joint practice on Thursday, August 22 in Houston at NRG Stadium prior to the final preseason game on August 24. 

Los Angeles bounced back from an injury-riddled 5-12 season in 2022 to make the playoffs last season. In a revenge game for Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions secured the win at Ford Field during the wild-card round. 

Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s return and rookie wideout Puka Nacua’s emergence helped the Rams offense go from 27th in points and 32nd in yards in 2022 to 8th in points and 7th in yards. Head coach and offensive play caller Sean McVay also played a pivotal role in the return to the postseason. 

The Texans will benefit from practicing on both and playing against a McVay-led roster heading into what hopes to be another prominent season behind Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. 

Los Angeles ranked among the league’s upper half in every major offensive category, with the run game ranking as one of the league’s most effective. The Rams did so primarily out of three wide receiver sets.

 

Stroud, the Texans’ main x-factor in 2023 to secure a postseason berth, will also spend the day with the Rams Super Bowl-winning signal caller. Stroud praised Stafford while appearing on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast.

Stafford played 15 seasons in the NFL and has seen every type of defensive formation thrown his way. Entering his second season, Stroud will likely see an uptick in new formations to trick him now with film on him. 

The practice could also be somewhat of a dress rehearsal for second-round pick Kamari Lassiter. Ideally, the Texans thought he would play on the inside, but his strong showing during minicamp on the outside generated buzz that he’ll stick as the No. 2 corner.

Few pass-catchers will point out flaws in a young defensive backs game like former Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp.

 

Houston has plenty of pass-rushing talent after signing Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter to play alongside Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

The three-hour event should be another exceptional game of chess between McVay and Ryans. The two went toe-to-toe against one another for two seasons when Ryans served as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator prior to his return to Hpuswho spent two years battling in the NFC West when Ryans was with the 49ers, with how the Texans deploy pressure.

Who are the Texans starting nickel defender options entering 2024?

Houston Texans second round pick Kamari Lassiter has been the star of minicamp, and his rising star as an outside corner leaves the question of who will play the nickel spot?

It’s June, and full pads have yet to enter the mix, but former Georgia star Kamari Lassiter has been the Houston Texans’ mandatory minicamp star.

Many anticipated the second-round pick would play shift inside based on his 4.6 second 40-time at UGA’s Pro Day, but he’s been wowing media and coaches working on the outside. 

There’s still a possibility that Lassier slides into the nickel spot once training camp begins next month, but if he continues to impress, he’ll stay a fixture opposite of Derek Stingley Jr. Even after signing several free agents, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans is a practicer of the “right man for the job” method.

If Lassiter fits the mold outside, what are the Texans’ options in the slot?

Desmond King seems to be the most logical option entering camp. After being waived before the start of the season, he returned to Houston and started five games, including two in the postseason.

Among eligible nickel corners, King ranked 12th in passer rating when targeted at 89.8, according to Pro Football Focus. He also served as a necessary element in the Texans’ return game.

 

Just because King started doesn’t mean he was the elite. Teams went after King, averaging 5.4 snaps per target and 6.3 per reception, the latter of which was the worst in the league.

And King, who turns 30 this December, might not be viewed as a long-term option near the line of scrimmage. A position switch to safety could be in the works should he make the final 53-man squad.

Myles Bryant was an under-the-radar free agent signing after a four-year stay in New England. Texans general manager Nick Caserio quickly signed him while working in the Patriots’ front office and did the same once Bryant became a free agent.

Even though New England elected not to re-sign the 26-year-old, Bryant found a way to make the active roster as an undrafted free agent out of Washington. And no, this wasn’t one of those backup-only types.

Bryant played in 55 total games and started 17 in the nickel.  Last season, he started a career-high nine games, recording 77 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Bryant also played clean football, recording 443 coverage snaps without a penalty after being flagged twice in the first three games.

The Texans tied the Philadelphia Eagles for the league lead in defensive pass interference calls last season, making Bryant’s addition more than welcomed.

Houston’s final listed nickel cornerback on the team’s depth chart is D’Angelo Ross, though it’s hard to imagine a player with 50 career coverage snaps pushing for a starting spot.

Lassiter may have to play the nickel out of necessity. In that scenario, Houston, barring a late free agent signing, would turn to Jeff Okudah or C.J. Henderson.

Lassiter played in the slot during his freshman campaign in Athens, albeit in limited playing time. Over the next two seasons, he became one of the stickiest defenders in college football, allowing the fewest completions and the second-lowest completion percentage among FBS defensive backs.

As an All-SEC defender in 2023, Lassiter surrendered 136 yards on 15 catches last season with Georgia. Opponents completed just 38.5% of passes when targeting receivers covered the Alabama native. 

The Texans looked past Lassiter’s 40-time and looked at other measurables. An area of strength for the “Locksmith” came in the three-cone drill, where he posted the fastest time (6.62) of any defensive back at the combine. 

It’ll be an evolving story throughout the offseason as the Texans look to improve their pass defense, which conceded the 10th-most yards through the air last season.

DeMeco Ryans pleased with Texans OL Kenyon Green’s offseason progress

DeMeco Ryans provided another promising update on Kenyon Green as he looks to add consistency to the Houston Texans’ offensive line in 2024.

The best ability is availability, something Kenyon Green hasn’t been graced with since joining the Houston Texans in 2022.

Green, a two-time All-American at Texas A&M and former first-round pick, was limited to 11 games during his rookie season and produced mixed results. A year later, his season was over before it began as he would undergo shoulder surgery following the preseason finale.

Year 3 development is essential for Green if he plans to be a part of Houston’s long-term outlook. Little is guaranteed in terms of his status entering June, but there’s a noticeable difference in Green after spending a year on the injured reserved.

“First off credit to him for the work that he has done,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wedensday following minicamp. “He has changed his body, he is looking good, looking lean. He is able to move better, and I see a more athletic guy. I see a guy that has actually been able to stay on the field and I think that has been the main thing for Kenyon and just availability.

“The work that he has done in the offseason, he has given himself that chance and he will continue to build off of that and come back in camp ready to roll.”

Green trimmed some of the inches and bulked up the muscle during his time away from the field. He remained in the building but also worked out on the sides as Houston clinched its first playoff berth in four years.

Ryans said long stints on the IR can derail a person’s spirit, so it was important to keep encouraging Green throughout the process.

“It is a difficult time when you’re going through an injury, everybody else is out at practice and you are going home that is a tough spot to be in, but he has been encouraged through it all, seeing the smile on his face,” Ryans said.

A year later, Green looks more agile when holding blocks for C.J. Stroud and opening lanes for Joe Mixon. Throughout drills on Wednesday, he worked with the first-team offense at left guard.

Ideally, Houston hopes Green can remain healthy. General manager Nick Caserio saw the upside of a prominent run blocker who held his own in pass protection during his three seasons as a starter in College Station.

Should Green win the starting left guard position, Houston’s offensive line would be secure, barring a late-training camp injury. Tytus Howard and Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil are out due to knee injuries, but they’re expected back for the start of next month’s camp.

Shaq Mason isn’t moving from right guard, and the Texans traded up into the second round last season to make Juice Scruggs their center.

Green will have to earn his way onto the field. Ryans’ conversations with the former first-round pick should serve as a sign the path to starting won’t be a concern.

“He is just like, ‘Coach, I am ready to get back out there, it looks like it is fun out there I am excited to go play again.’ ” Ryans said of Green’s enthusiasm to return. “So, seeing that in his eyes I am excited to see him go compete.”

Tank Dell returns to Houston Texans with better outlook, bigger goals

Tank Dell has battled back from a season-ending leg injury and being shot in the offseason to hopefully break record for the Texans this fall.

Tank Dell had big goals entering Year 2 with the Houston Texans.

Those goals have grown in the recent weeks since his life saw a shake-up.

Dell, the Texans’ breakout receiver of the 2023 season, is thankful to be able to still play football after being shot in the leg during a bar altercation in his home state of Florida following the draft. He considers himself blessed that someone was watching over him that night in Sanford.

“God blessed me to get out of that situation healthy,” Dell said speaking to the local media for the first time since the shooting. “I was only down for like a week, but I was just working out. But after that, I got right back to work, and I’m feeling good.”

Dell, 24, was one of 10 people who suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting. Earlier this week, police released video evidence of Dell getting caught in the middle of the altercation as shots were fired.

A 16-year-old suspect was charged with attempted homicide, firing a weapon in a public place, using a firearm during a felony and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor. All 10 victims survived, suffering only minor wounds.

The moment scared Dell, wondering what would happen to his career, though the moment also affected others waiting to hear an update.

“I don’t want to put myself in that type of position. And especially like my family, like I got a little brother, my mom,” Dell said. “I know how they were feeling at that time. And it’s just a blessing that I’m safe. But it’s a traumatic experience.”

Mentally, Dell feels back on pace. He still goes to church on Tuesdays and prays every morning and every night. He talks to his grandma more often through daily text messages.

And sights are set on a promising future with Houston now viewed as a playoff threat. Dell has big goals this upcoming season, including finding the end zone at least 10 times over 17 games.

“I’m looking forward to stepping in that light and achieving them,” Dell said.

Dell wants to expand his role in the offense, one that features dominant No. 1 target Nico Collins and the newly acquired Stefon Diggs. C.J. Stroud, one of Dell’s best friends, will have his choice of target to fire at on Sundays as Houston looks to clinch its first conference title in franchise history.

While Collins and Diggs may have experience, there’s little reason to imagine Dell taking a step down on offense. As the No. 2 target last season, he proved to be an essential asset, hauling in 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns.

He was on pace for over 1,200 receiving yards before a broken fibula suffered against Denver sidelined him for the rest of the regular season. Since then, Dell’s received countless support from teammates and members of the organization.

“Everybody’s been showing a lot of love and just letting me know, reassuring me they’re right by my side the whole time every step of the way, so that’s been good,” Dell said.

Since his return, Dell has been working his way up to full speed, though he looks near-perfect during drills. He’s been a full participant since last week’s voluntary OTAs began, winning multiple routes in coverage both during team drills and 7-on-7 routes.

During Tuesday’s open session for media members, Dell broke free for a gain of 25 yards during team drills while matched in man coverage. While the catch was impressive, the throw from Stroud couldn’t have been placed better.

Consider that a tribute to the duo’s success and friendship off the field.

“Just got a lot of love for that guy.,” Stroud said. “I’m very excited for him. He’s been snapping at practice and doing really well, and to knock off the rust that quick shows how much work he’s put in.”

Stroud, who relied on Dell in marquee games during his rookie season, learned that Dell was shot while attending a basketball game in Philadelphia. In a recent podcast, he called the situation  an “eye-opener.”

The duo grew close during the rookie season because of their faith. Stroud thanked God when he found out Dell would be fine following the incident.

“We have those conversations about our faith. This football stuff, it seems like it’s everything, but it’s not,” Stroud said. “We’re people, and we go through a lot off the field people don’t know (about). As his brother, I have to be there for him just like he’s there for me when I go through what I go through. So I’m just proud of him. The word proud isn’t probably even enough to state the feelings that I have.”

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Dell in his return. While the path back to play came with blockage, he’s emerged from the other side with a clearer mind.

His goals are lofty, but achievable. It might take time, but the second-year receiver is ready to take the next step.

He’s also thankful that there’s another step to take in his career.

“I give all the glory to God for sure,” said Dell. “It’s been a blessing, nothing short of a blessing.”

Texans excited for Danielle Hunter to flourish in DeMeco Ryans’ defense

Now at practice, the Houston Texans expect big things from Danielle Hunter in 2024 coming off the edge.

Two is better than one, especially when adding pressure to a quarterback off the edge. Houston Texans‘ gunslinger C.J. Stroud knows what it feels like to have the pocket collapse and end a play.

He’s also lucky to only face Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter in practice and not during the regular season.

Hunter, the prized addition to the Texans’ defensive line, gave a taste of what Texans fans should expect coming off the edge during drills at Thursday’s voluntary OTAs. During an 11-on-11 drill, Stroud could find a target downfield for a first down.

Instead, he found Hunter inches away from placing him on his back.

“Danielle obviously has a history of success rushing the passer,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “We think that, hopefully, playing in this front and stylistically can even enhance that. Partnering him with Will (Anderson Jr.) and the other guys we have rushing, we’re excited to see how that comes to fruition.”

Signed to a two-year, $49 million deal this offseason, that play is what Houston is hoping to get on the regular from the Houston native who wanted to return home. The only difference is that Blake Fisher, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame, won’t be Hunter’s target.

All-Pro Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore will.

So will veteran Taylor Decker and Pro Bowler Penei Sewell from Detriot.

Oh, and don’t forget about standout Dion Dawkins from Buffalo. He arrives at NRG Stadium for the Stefon Diggs revenge match in Week 5.

Hunter should live up to the billing back home. He’s coming off a career-high and lead-leaguing 23.5 tackles for loss. He also finished top-five nationally in sacks (16.5) and totaled 84 tackles.

Hunter alone would create chaos, but having Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, only doubles the concern.

“If they’re focusing attention on Hunter or Will or whoever, it sort of unlocks some other things that we can do or how we manipulate some of those (pass) protections,” Burke said. “I think just having (Hunter’s) presence and his history of what he’s done in the league, teams are going to have to account for where he is and how we’re using him.”

Hunter, who currently ranks sixth among active pass-rushers in sacks (87.5), could hit triple-digits if he emulates similar numbers from his time in Minneapolis. Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record, is looking to hit the double-digit marker for the first time in his young career.

Adding Hunter should open the pass rush for Anderson. Most teams with two high-upside pass rushers see one used as the decoy for the other attacks. That doesn’t mean both defenders can’t hit 10-plus sacks or tackles for loss.

Anderson, who finished third in pressure rate among all pass-rushers in 2023, should see those numbers double with another year in the system. With Hunter in the fold, Burke isn’t expecting breakout numbers, but he is expecting better production.

“There was times last year Will was just throwing fastballs and being Will, but I think his understanding the defense and protections and things like that are growing as I have conversations with him. Excited to see where he takes that, for sure.”

Where does PFF have Texans’ roster ranked entering 2024?

The Houston Texans aggressively upgraded in the offseason to maximize C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract, with the roster seventh in PFF’s list

The Houston Texans’ voluntary OTAs continued Thursday morning with a few new faces debuting on the team’s practice field. 

Four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs dawned the No. 1 jersey in what was the most anticipated arrival of the offseason. Fellow Pro Bowler and Houston native Danielle Hunter joined him on the practice field while working reps at defensive end. 

Pro Football Focus is riding the Houston hype, ranking its roster the seventh-best among all 32 teams entering June.  

San Francisco took the top spot followed by reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City at No. 2 The Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions rounded out the list ahead of Houston.

Six teams ranked in the top 10 will take on the reigning AFC South champs, thus pushing Houston’s seventh-ranked strength of schedule. Still, PFF believes with that much talent, the Texans should hit the over at 9.5 wins. 

This is an offense fueled with ample firepower, headlined by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. Last season, en route to leading Houston back to the postseason for the first time since 2019, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions while completing over 65% of his passes. 

Diggs joins a receiving room of newly extended Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Noah Brown, Robert Woods, John Metchie III and Ben Skowronek. There’s no shortage of receiving talent, even without mentioning tight ends such as Dalton Schultz and fourth-round selection Cade Stover.

Houston also upgraded its rushing attack by trading for former Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. Last season, Houston ranked 28th in rushing while averaging less than 98 yards per game between Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary. 

“It takes all limits off for whatever you feel you need to do to win a game,” Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said.

Houston must get better play from its offensive line if it hopes to win a Super Bowl. Both Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard were absent from Thursday’s practice, though it was expected given their rehabilitation. 

Tunsil had an offseason knee scope. Howard, who enters the first season of his three-year extension, required season-ending surgery in November. 

Howard mostly played at guard last season out of necessity as former 15th pick Kenyon Green missed the entire season with an injury. Improved health could elevate Houston’s offense further. 

Hunter’s the headliner on defense but there’s more than just him coming over in 2024. Denico Autry, Jeff Okudah and Azeez Al-Shaair were three of the Texans’ more significant signings during free agency.

Hunter and Autry should pair with Will Anderson Jr. to form a tantalizing pass-rush trio. Houston also brought back No. 3 pass-rusher Derek Barnett on a one-year deal and drafted former USC standout Solomon Byrd. 

Al-Shaair replaces linebacker Blake Cashman and reunites with head coach and defensive play-caller DeMeco Ryans, whom he played under in San Francisco. 

Questions about the defense occur in the back end with no clear answer at the cornerback spot opposite Derek Stingley Jr. The former No. 3 pick will handle a heavy load, taking the best receiver weekly, something he’s been preparing for since the end of last season. 

“I’ve seen Sting in the building every day since February, so I think he’s really locked in and committed to take it to the next level,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said Thursday. 

Injuries at the safety position, specifically Jimmie Ward, led to inconsistent play. Jalen Pitre struggled in his sophomore campaign after a successful rookie season. Burke acknowledged a growing comfort zone and knowledge of scheme in Pitre, which should help him play faster and more instinctively.

Houston addressed the position groups last month in the draft with the selections of Georgia corner Kamari Lassiter and USC safety Calen Bullock. Entering June, their permanent roles remain unknown, but both are versatile pieces. 

Lassiter was a physical coverage man during his three seasons in Athens and is capable of playing inside or outside. He allowed 14 receptions and 119 yards last year, but a poor forty-time dropped his draft stock. Lassiter’s a willing tackler, so his future may lie in the slot.

Nobody denied Bullock’s talent level, but inconsistencies kept teams away during the draft. Houston rolled the dice on the former All-Pac-12 product in the third round.

Like Lassiter, Bullock’s a pest in man coverage. He’s best suited for a role as a rangy ball-hawking safety.

Ultimately, there’s more known than unknown about the talented Texans roster, and it’s why fans and media are placing lofty expectations on the reigning AFC South champs.

Patrick Mahomes lists Texans QB C.J. Stroud as one of his favorites to watch

Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes went on Fox Sports “First Things First” and named C.J. Stroud as one of his favorite QBs.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud made plenty of fans during his rookie season, including one particular competitor. 

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes revealed on Fox Sports “First Things First” that Stroud is one of his favorite gunslingers to watch.

The two-time MVP also mentioned the Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnat’s Joe Burrow as his go-to watches when checking the tape. 

“He’s been a phenomenal player,” Mahomes said of Stroud. “He’s been out there making plays.”

Drafted out of Ohio State in 2023, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions. His 1.0% interception rate was the lowest in the league, and his average of 274 yards per game was the highest. Had Stroud not missed two games with a concussion, he likely would have surpassed Andrew Luck’s rookie season passing yard record at 4,374.

Stroud, however, did join Hall of Famer Joe Montana and G.O.A.T Tom Brady to lead the league in passing yards and touchdown-to-interception ratio during the same season.

 

Mahomes interestingly named the three quarterbacks—outside of Jackson— who are his biggest competition for the top spot in the AFC. 

Of the trio named, only Burrow, who still recovering from a season-ending wrist injury, has beaten Mahomes in the postseason. Allen is 3-1 against Mahomes in the regular season but is 0-3 in the playoffs, including a 27-24 loss in the divisional round this past season.

Stroud has yet to play Mahomes, though that will change come Dec. 21 when the two meet in Week 16’s standalone contest at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs matchup is in the middle of the Texans’ hardest three-week stretch next season.

Stroud is the latest AFC quarterback to emerge as a potential threat to Mahomes. He’s been nearly unbeatable in the postseason, collecting three Super Bowl rings before his 29th birthday.

Only Brady and Burrow have defeated him in the playoffs since he took over for Alex Smith in 2018.  

Stroud hopes to become the third quarterback to do so in what could start a potential rivalry. 

Which Texans free agent CB signing has the upper hand?

The Houston Texans signed two former first-round cornerbacks in free agency. Which one has the inside track to be the starter?

The Houston Texans’ voluntary OTAs began Monday, providing the front office and coaching staff the first opportunity to see the offseason acquisitions.

After its surprising 10-7 finish to last year, Houston aggressively upgraded its roster, signing a league-high 26 free agents, including former first-round cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson.

Okudah and Henderson, along with second-round pick Kamari Lassiter, will vie for the starting outside spot opposite rising star Derek Stingley Jr.

Right now it feels like Lassiter, the No. 42 pick out of Georgia, is competing with Desmond King for starting reps in the nickel, meaning Okudah and Henderson will battle it out on the edge.

Does one of the former top-10 picks have the upper hand?

The case for Okudah

After three rocky seasons in Detroit, the Lions shipped him off to Atlanta before the start of the 2023 season. Okudah played in 12 games, starting nine and putting together arguably his best campaign since coming out of Ohio State. 

At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Okudah physically fits the mold of Texans head coach and defensive play caller DeMeco Ryans’ vision for an outside cornerback. After Tuesday’s practice, Ryans described Okudah and Henderson as “elite movers.”

In Atlanta’s Week 9 matchup with Minnesota, Okudah (No. 1) is beaten inside by alignment yet has the speed to stick with rookie Jordan Addison throughout his crossing route. He displays an uptick in ball skills by deflecting the pass at the last second for an incompletion. 

The Falcons were heavily a man-based coverage unit, which fits Okudah’s skill set. He’s a sticky defender, especially in press situations. 

Here, Okudah is matched up with Washington’s Terry McLaurin in a late-down scenario. He does a nice job delivering a jab with his inside arm to get contact with McLaurin. The two engage in some hand fighting before McLaurin cuts toward the first-down marker.

Okudah’s length and acceleration allow him to recover and get the defense off the field. 

Another benefit of Okudah is his willingness and ability to tackle. Last season, he posted a 6.7% missed tackle rate, ranking in the top 20 among cornerbacks in the NFL. Having defensive backs willing to lay their bodies down for a stop is crucial, especially after the NFL banned the hip-drop tackle this offseason. 

Play recognition was a positive in Okudah’s game too, as evident on this screen against the Titans. He quickly breaks on the receiver once he realizes it’s a screen, not allowing any potential blockers to get their hands on him before finishing the play against tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.

The Case for Henderson

The Jaguars took Henderson ninth overall in the 2020 draft out of Florida but traded him just a year and a half into his tenure. He spent the last two-plus seasons with the Panthers, starting 22 games both in the nickel and on the perimeter.

Four years into his career, Henderson’s results have been mixed. The Panthers played more zone coverage in 2023 under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero than they had in Henderson’s first two years with the team, potentially leading to regression. 

From Week 2 to Week 9, Henderson served as the outside cornerback, allowing 11 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Henderson played zone coverage on 67.6% of snaps, just slightly higher than Stingley’s rate a year ago.

Henderson is responsible for the wide side of the field and shows solid closing speed, making it a heavily contested catch for Noah Brown. C.J. Stroud delivered a perfect ball, but Henderson displayed his ability to recognize routes underneath and break.

Like Okudah, Henderson is 6-1 and weighs over 200 pounds, but he’s more compact. While Henderson played a lot of zone coverage last season, he came into the NFL profiling as a man cornerback. 

Henderson mirrors and matches Sehawks’ DK Metcalf’s pitter-patter off the line of scrimmage and then beats the physical receiver to his spot on the inside.

The physical coverage throws Metcalf off, and he settles for a noncompetitive curl route in favor of Henderson. 

Henderson gets in trouble when matching receivers down the field, especially in zone coverage. He is overly reliant on his athleticism to carry him in matchups, occasionally leading to him getting beat deep.

Regardless, Henderson’s fluidity in coverage at his size makes him worth a flier on a one-year deal. 

The Verdict

Barring any other veteran cornerback signings, Okudah will — and should — start Week 1. Houston has a higher financial commitment in Okudah, albeit $2.7 million, and his film is much cleaner.

The decision to bring in two players lauded for their man coverage skills is interesting. Since he started play calling in 2021 with San Francisco, Ryans’ most used coverages are Cover-3 and Cover-4.

Stingley can hold up in man coverage, suggesting a potential uptick in man defense in the upcoming season.