Tag: Texans cornerback

TeX’s and O’s: Texans gamble on coaching and upside at cornerback

The Texans have forged ahead with a new vision for DeMeco Ryans’ defense, most notably at cornerback.

It’s an unconventional strategy.

Many NFL teams who overachieve are prone to double down on their recipe for the following season. It’s hard to stray away from the formula that brought unexpected success and instead go onto a different and unknown path. The New York Giants are a notable example with their massive extension to quarterback Daniel Jones that, despite evidence it may not be the wisest idea, felt necessary after they made the playoffs in 2022.

The Houston Texans have done the exact opposite. Instead of doubling down and re-signing key players, they’ve forged ahead with a new vision for head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense despite a strong finish at 10-7 and a playoff victory in his debut season. The team appears willing to take risks for a Super Bowl run rather than merely sit content with their 2023 success.

Nowhere is that more evident than at cornerback.

Steven Nelson had an incredible 2023 season as the Texans’ starting cornerback across from sophomore breakout star Derek Stingley Jr. He started 16 games and had a career-high four interceptions, five including his incredible postseason pick-six of Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Joe Flacco in the wild-card round. Nelson provided consistent, above-average cornerback play and was admirable in filling in during Stingley’s mid-season absence.

Rather than bring back that known commodity, Houston opted to go in a different direction. Nelson would have been one of the more expensive free agent cornerback signings and also represents a potential declining asset who is 31. Instead, they took two apparent dart throws at the position.

The Texans signed Atlanta Falcons free agent cornerback Jeff Okudah during the first week of free agency and Carolina Panthers free agent cornerback C.J. Henderson the week after. Those two players were, coincidentally, the first two cornerbacks drafted in the 2020 NFL draft at Nos. 3 and 9 overall, respectively.

Neither of the former top-10 picks lived up to their billing so far, though. Okudah has only two career interceptions and 13 passes defended in just 31 career starts between the Detroit Lions and the Falcons. Henderson has three interceptions and 16 passes defended in 32 starts of his own between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Panthers. Both have played for multiple coordinators, struggled to stay healthy and ultimately have been unable to provide consistent play at the NFL level.

That doesn’t scare Ryans and the Texans.

Before he was drafted, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wrote the following of Okudah:

Head coach and general manager’s dream prospect with blue-chip physical traits, mental makeup and personal character. He has size, length and foot quickness to road-block press release and elite closing burst to close catch windows or eliminate yards after catch”. His sentiment was eerily similar for Henderson, described as a “silky smooth boundary cornerback with mirror-and-match footwork and the agility and athleticism to stay connected to routes. He has NFL recovery burst and the long speed to track vertical routes downfield.

After a season that saw Texans defenders such as Nelson, Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman, Christian Harris and Sheldon Rankins play some of the best football of their careers, Houston is ready to bet on themselves again. How they’ve coveted these high football trait players is a testament to how this coaching staff likely views themselves and what they believe the environment in Houston can generate.

Okudah and Henderson’s traits are evident on film. It’s believable that a staff that saw such enormous success in Year 1 may also believe they can be the first to wield these players consistently.

Okudah is a great player in man coverage and his size and speed combination is a tough draw for opposing wide receivers when he’s allowed to play simple. He’s also shown the added ability to defend when the nickel when called upon. This play of Okudah shadowing 2023 first round receiver Jordan Addison stride-for-stride before extending for a great play on the football is a great example of what Houston’s staff will look for.

Henderson has also shown flashes on film, particularly during his first year in Carolina. When he was asked to play as a No. 2 cornerback next to Jaycee Horn, he put together a career best season in Steve Wilks’ defense. His closing speed to break on the football is evident and he reads plays exceptionally well as they develop.

Both players will likely be tasked to play plenty of man coverage and quarters coverage alongside Stingley. If Stingley travels with the best receiver, as he did at the end of 2023, this assignment becomes even more straightforward. Ryans will task these talented young cornerbacks to take care of the man in front of them and play to their instincts, all while rarely facing a huge mismatch.

The scheme not only empowers their athleticism to shine but the environment with Stingley and a formidable pass rush that includes Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter will shield defensive backs to an extent on passing downs.

These players also notably fit the Houston defensive mantra of SWARM.

This shows up on Henderson’s film quite a bit. His ability to quickly read plays translates well with his willingness to tackle and kill plays that bounce to the outside. Whether it was Nico Collins, Jaylen Waddle or Jameson Williams, Henderson showed an ability to react quickly and kill screen plays. That desire and overall willingness to contribute in tackling and run support matters. There’s a similar willingness shown in Okudah who, despite being billed as a premier athlete to cover receivers, is also willing to come downhill and crash on opposing running backs.

Once you consider these thoughts, the Texans’ moves that appear to be a gamble on the surface appear far more calculated.

Coach Ryans will task two demonstrably talented and athletic corners in Okudah (6’1″, 205lb) and Henderson (6’1″, 204lb) to battle for the starting cornerback job opposite of one of the league’s premier corners. The scheme will encourage both to play fluid, fast, and take advantage of the talents that had them drafted so highly in the first place. While Stingley travels with the top receiver and the pass rush generates favorable looks, either player will be incredibly well positioned to have the best season of their career in 2024, if they can stay healthy.

Essentially, a very similar premise to the eco-system that saw great athletes like Greenard and Cashman earn huge paydays this past season. Great athletes, in good environments, are empowered to do what they do best.

While the Texans look to leap towards Super Bowl contention, these types of moves are necessary. They can’t field a team of All-Stars at every position and betting on surroundings and development will be required to maximize the roster. Surplus value has to be found and it appears the place they’ll expect it is cornerback.

Betting on DeMeco Ryans and his star-studded surrounding roster on defense, and once considered top-tier talent at the position is an avenue for general manager Nick Caserio to find just that. Fans will have to wait for training camp to see how the moves pay off.

Report: Dolphins CB Xavien Howard has interest in joining Texans

It sounds like Xavien Howard is interested in joining the Texans, if he’s released by the Dolphins.

The Houston Texans have uncertainty at cornerback entering the 2024 offseason. Veteran Steven Nelson is not under contract after a career season, and it’s left a huge hole across from breakout sophomore Derek Stingley Jr.

Before the NFL free agency period has even started, one potential replacement has already made his interest known: Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard.

NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo reported Friday that Miami intends to release Howard. The former second-round pick is a four-time Pro Bowler and has led the NFL in interceptions twice, most recently in 2020 when he was a First-Team All-Pro. His play has dipped recently the past two seasons, and a major contract extension that he signed in 2022 has forced the Dolphins to move on from their former star as a cap casualty.

ESPN reporter DJ Bien-Aime shared Friday that Howard has expressed interest in joining the Texans, according to individuals close to him. Now, it’s up to general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans veteran scouting department to decide if the interest is mutual.

Howard would be a very reasonable plug-and-play corner opposite of Stingley who might come at a discounted price after his recent season. However, it’s unclear whether or not he would be a true upgrade from Nelson at this point or if he would even be a cheaper option considering how his name and past performance could increase demands.

At this point, this is still speculation. Miami has still not determined when they will release Howard, with many expecting it to happen at the start of the new league year on March 13. Whenever he is released, he will be free to sign with Houston or whatever team is interested

For fans searching for big name editions and further talent infusion to DeMeco Ryan’s defense, Howard be a welcome addition. He likely won’t be the last name interested in the up-start franchise looking to take the next steps towards true Super Bowl contention.

CB Desmond King sees rejoining Texans as ‘fresh start’

In returning to the Houston Texans, cornerback Desmond King sees a fresh start in a familiar place.

As Houston Texans cornerback Tavierre Thomas sat down at his locker, he was greeted by an old friend who didn’t speak a word. He just gave Thomas a look, and both men erupted in laughter, keeping the reporters in attendance in suspense, wondering what the inside joke was all about.

That camaraderie was something that Thomas had missed after defensive back Desmond King was surprisingly cut at the conclusion of training camp this past summer after spending the prior two seasons with the Texans. The Pittsburgh Steelers quickly added him to their roster, hoping to use his unique skill set to help them get through the rough AFC North, but after three games, including one against the Texans, the Steelers released him.

King, 28, went to San Diego, California, to train and keep himself in shape while spending time with his one-year-old daughter. When that call came from his agent that Houston wanted to sign him to the practice squad and bring him back home, King was ready to come back to the franchise, where he started 25 of 33 games, recording 182 tackles and five interceptions.

“I am excited to be back,” King said after practice on Wednesday. “That’s all that matters. Giving me a second chance here to come back and be with the family; I missed these guys so much. Just to see them doing well, it’s good to be back in a good presence with them.

“I feel like this is an opportunity for me just to come out here and play ball. Not to think too much about it and come here with a clear mind. Like I have said before, this is a fresh start; just go in and do what I do best, and that is play football.”

Although King was not a part of the team, he kept up with his former teammates from a distance, watching the amount of success they were having and keeping themselves in a position to win the AFC South title.

“I was still watching even when I was away; I was still watching the guys and still rooting for them,” King said. “It’s good just to see them doing well and being a part of the family.”

The Texans recognized King and Thomas’s bond on and off the field as they talked continuously about football and life. So, when King returned, they placed his locker next to Thomas’s so the bond could continue growing.

“It is great to have him back,” Thomas said. “He is very versatile and will help me out a lot. He is going to help the back end out a lot in general because he can play all positions. Just having him back is a blessing. That is my brother, and anytime I can play with my brother, I am happy.”

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Texans sign CB Desmond King to the practice squad

The Houston Texans have signed cornerback Desmond King to the practice squad.

The Houston Texans are going with a familiar face to help out in the secondary.

The Texans signed corner Desmond King to the practice squad Monday. Houston previously rostered King from 2021-22 wherein the former Pro Bowler played 33 games for the Texans. King collected 182 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, five interceptions, 14 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries while with the Texans.

Houston released King at the end of preseason, and he spent three games with the Pittsburgh Steelers primarily as their kick returner. King returned four kickoffs for 88 yards. King logged one defensive snap compared to 15 special teams snaps.

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Texans release CB D’Angelo Ross

The Houston Texans have released cornerback D’Angelo Ross.

The Houston Texans are parting ways with a veteran cornerback.

The Texans announced Monday they have released D’Angelo Ross from their active roster.

The former 2019 undrafted free agent played two games for the Texans. Ross was on the field for 35 special teams snaps across two games against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5 and the New Orleans Saints in Week 6.

The 26-year-old previously played for the New England Patriots from 2019-21 and then spent time with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 as a member of their offseason roster. Ross joined Houston in late November as a member of the practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract at the end of the season.

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Texans sign former Chargers, 49ers CB Jason Verrett to practice squad

The Houston Texans have brought in one of DeMeco Ryans’ former cornerbacks in Jason Verrett, an addition to the practice squad.

The Houston Texans are adding another former cornerback from DeMeco Ryans’ time with the San Francisco 49ers

The team announced Wednesday they have signed former San Diego Chargers and 49ers cornerback Jason Verrett to the practice squad.

The former 2014 first-rounder has been hobbled with injuries since 2017 when a knee injury limited the TCU product to one game. In 2018, Verrett tore his Achilles in training camp, and then signed with the 49ers in 2019 where he played just one game before an ankle injury claimed his season.

The only season where Verrett has been healthy since leaving the Chargers is in 2020. Verrett generated 60 combined tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups through 13 games for the 49ers.

In 2021, Verrett played one game as he tore his ACL in Week 1. In 2022, a stint on the PUP list delayed his start to the season, which was short-lived anyway given he tore his Achilles in November.

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WATCH: Texans CB Steven Nelson intercepts Steelers QB Kenny Pickett

Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson intercepted Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett in Week 4.

The Houston Texans’ secondary has taken its hits with injuries, but the unit has been nevertheless resilient.

Cornerback Steven Nelson has been arguably the most consistent element the Texans have been able to count on in the secondary, and he proved it yet again in Week 4. The nine-year pro took advantage of a deep ball from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett with 4:58 to go in the first quarter.

It wasn’t just that Nelson came up with the takeaway, but the wily veteran returned the turnover 33 yards to the Steelers’ 45-yard line.

The interception was the defensive back’s second of the season.

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Report: Texans could place CB Derek Stingley on injured reserve with hamstring injury

The Houston Texans could place cornerback Derek Stingley on injured reserve as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained in practice.

The Houston Texans secondary is taking the hits.

According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, the Texans could place former 2022 first-round cornerback Derek Stingley on injured reserve as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Stingley was not on the injury report for Wednesday, and it appears that the former LSU product sustained in the injury in practice on Thursday.

Houston is also working through a rash of injuries to the secondary that has safeties Jimmie Ward, Jalen Pitre, and Eric Murray on the injury report. The Texans are also compromised at nickelback with cornerback Tavierre Thomas working with a hand injury.

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Texans to turn to S Grayland Arnold if CB Tavierre Thomas doesn’t play against the Jaguars

The Houston Texans are prepared to turn to S Grayland Arnold to handle nickel if CB Tavierre Thomas can’t make it against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tavierre Thomas has carved out a role as one of the best nickel backs in the NFL. However, the Houston Texans may need to find an adequate replacement in Week 3 as the former Ferris State product missed Wednesday’s practice with a hand injury.

While Thomas missed the first of three practices for Week 3, the Texans still have to be prepared in case their starting nickel isn’t able to face the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at TIAA Bank Field.

Coach DeMeco Ryans met with reporters at NRG Stadium and revealed how the Texans would approach the nickel should Thomas be unavailable.

“With Tavierre, with him and his injury, we’ll have Grayland [Arnold] step into his place and Grayland will be ready to go,” said Ryans.

Arnold has been a mainstay on special teams with 42 such snaps logged through the first two games. As Houston has dealt with injuries to safeties Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward, and Eric Murray, Arnold has played 20 snaps on defense through the first two games.

The 5-10, 190-pound defensive back has been with the Texans since Week 2, 2021, when he signed with the practice squad. Arnold has recorded four combined tackles through 14 career games with Houston.

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Texans cornerbacks placed among Pro Football Focus’ top-32 for Week 1

The Houston Texans had three cornerbacks appear on Pro Football Focus’ top-32 list for Week 1.

There were favorable happenings for the Houston Texans in their Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Although being squelched 25-9 and beginning another rebuilding season with an 0-1 mark invites its own pessimism, the Texans had a few positive trends develop on the field at M&T Bank Stadium.

Would you believe three of the best cornerbacks across the league were in Texans uniforms in Week 1?

According to John Kosko from Pro Football Focus, the top cornerback was Tavierre Thomas, who earned a 91.2 coverage grade from the analytics firm.

Thomas locked it down vs. the Ravens, recording four pass stops, including one tackle for a loss. Not only was he excellent on targeted passes, where he allowed -0.308 expected points added (EPA) per target, but Thomas was the eighth-best cornerback at preventing separation on all pass plays.

Steven Nelson came in at No. 8 overall with an 84.9 coverage grade. Considering the 30-year-old had an interception and a pass breakup, it would be hard to argue Nelson not being somewhere around the top-10.

Second-year Derek Stingley made the list, but had an interesting placement at No. 24 with a 65.0 grade.

Stingley looked more like the LSU freshman version of himself in Week 1, as he allowed just one catch for 20 yards and forced an incompletion while allowing the fourth-best separation rate of the week.

If the Texans are able to consistently take care of the boundaries and add tight slot coverage, it won’t be hard to find once the offense starts scoring points and opponents have to play catch-up.

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