Tag: Texans draft

PFF names one free agent the Texans can’t afford to lose in 2025

The Houston Texans would be wise to keep defensive end Derek Barnett in the locker room for another season.

The Houston Texans need depth on their defensive line behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Two seasons into his tenure, defensive end Derek Barnett might be the top No. 3 pass rusher in the league. He once again proved to be a stable fill-in starter behind the dynamic duo off NRG Drive.

After re-signing as a restricted free agent last year, Barnett will become an unrestricted free agent in March. That means he’ll be free to negotiate with any team if the Texans elect to let him walk in favor of re-signing other options like wide receiver Stefon Diggs or defensive back Eric Murray.

Pro Football Focus doesn’t think the Texans should let Barnett reach free agency, calling him the one player they can’t afford to lose this offseason.

“Barnett has been a nice rotational option for the Texans when either Danielle Hunter or Will Anderson Jr. have needed a break,” the publication wrote. “He has earned an excellent 83.9 PFF overall grade since arriving in Houston in Week 13 of the 2023 season. Perhaps Barnett found his ideal role with the Texans, playing a productive 15 to 30 snaps per game instead of trying to carry a starter’s workload.”

Barnett has gone from being a name picked up off waivers to perhaps the best No. 3 defensive end entering 2025. Even in a rotational role, his five sacks were more than a dozen starters on different teams. Add in his run-blocking potential and it’s hard to envision a world where Barnett isn’t considered one of the more well-versed options in the market.

The Texans would be wise to reward him with at least a multi-year extension, keeping him in Houston through at least 2025. Should he walk, defensive end moves up the pecking order of needs since Dylan Horton would be the only remaining option under contract with significant reps.

Potential Texans RB target declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Quinshon Judkins, a top name tied to the Houston Texans, has officially decided on his next course of action.

The Houston Texans need a stable running mate to pair with Pro Bowler Joe Mixon for the long haul down off NRG Drive.

Houston has also targeted an Ohio State player in back-to-back drafts, so adding Quinshon Judkins might be in play for Nick Caserio on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Judkins, who scored three touchdowns in the national championship, told ESPN on Friday that he will enter the 2025 NFL draft rather than use his final season of collegiate eligibility.

The former Ole Miss-turned-Ohio State star totaled three 1,000-yard campaigns and rushed for 50 touchdowns in two years.

“My time here at Ohio State was like no other,” Judkins told ESPN Pete Thamel. “It was like no other place I’ve ever been. I enjoyed my time here so much. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and prove I’m best running back in the draft class.”

A two-time first-team All-SEC runner at Ole Miss, Judkins transferred to Ohio State this past offseason to split carries with TreVeyon Henderson. Once again, he led the team in rushing yards (1,060) and rushing touchdowns (14) in less than 200 carries.

In Monday’s national title game, Judikins finished with 100 rushing yards on 11 carries 21 receiving yards on two receptions and three total touchdowns.

While most fans will remember his run through the postseason, Judkins made headlines as a freshman when he broke Ole Miss’ single-season rushing record with 1,567 yards

He also led the SEC in rushing attempts (274) and touchdowns (17) while finishing with 1,699 scrimmage yards.

Judkins, an expected third-round pick, has already proven to be a capable No. 2 running back on paper who can take over games. Houston needs that consistency behind Mixon, who turns 30 next season and already has missed several games each season over the past few years.

The Texans own six picks in the upcoming NFL draft.

Texans upgrade offensive and defensive trenches in new 2-round mock draft

The Houston Texans shore up both sides of the offensive line in the latest mock draft from Draft on Draft.

The Houston Texans’ sights are set on the AFC postseason, but it’s never too early to look at the NFL Draft.

Daft on Draft is always looking toward the three-day weekend in April. They recently published a full two-round mock draft and had the Texans address both sides of the trenches with their selections.

Since Houston has the worst record among playoff teams, it selects at No. 20. With the pick; the Texnans shore up their interior offensive line with the selection of Texas All-American offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.

“Many project Kelvin Banks Jr. as a guard at the next level, myself included,” Cory Kinnan wrote. “The Texans have leaked along the interior of their offensive line all season. The Outland Award winner helps with that immediately.”

Kinnan is right. Houston must upgrade off both the left and right guard position after lackluster play from Shaq Mason and a myriad of players at left guard. The Texans could shift Tytus Howard permanently to left guard, thus allowing rookie Blake Fisher to take over full-time at right tackle.

Get to know Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.

Banks is a blue-chip player and a top-five offensive lineman prospect in the 2025 NFL draft. While the Texans may need a defensive line help, they are not in the position to reach for an option that could be available in the second round.

A three-year starter, Banks has been the anchor of Steve Sarkisian’s offensive line amid a change from the Big 12 to the SEC. In three years, the Outland Trophy winner has allowed four sacks, 25 pressures and three quarterback hits.

Banks’ 89.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranked second among all FBS offensive tackles, trailing only West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum.

Taking the best player available at the top of the draft is Houston’s best option, which would be the right call with Banks’ selection. If LSU’s Will Campbell was on the board, you could make a case that he’s a better fit, but Draft on Draft has him landing in Chicago with the No. 9 overall pick.

Get to know Kentucky DL Deone Walker

With the 54th overall pick, Houston targets a three-down defensive tackle and former All-American in Walker. Despite an underwhelming season for the Wildcats, the 6-foot-6 defensive tackle totaled four sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

In Houston, the Texans could rotate Walker behind Tim Settle and whoever they plan to bring in as a short-term replacement on a one-year deal. Walker’s arrival would sense a change for the foreseeable future in the trenches.

Why this mock draft makes sense for the Texans

Houston needs stability in its trenches. Keep in mind that entering 2024, the Texans had the most expensive offensive line in the league, which failed to meet expectations keeping C.J. Stroud upright.

The Texans also need long-term stability at defensive tackle. Houston’s comes with the team-friendly, cheap one-year deals at the spot for three seasons. Walker’s addition doesn’t mean Houston won’t bring in another veteran, but it would give the AFC South champions a long-term answer up the middle for run support.

Texans sign DB Calen Bullock to rookie contract

The Houston Texans have officially locked up Calen Bullock to a four-year deal before the start of OTAs on Monday.

Calen Bullock is officially a member of the Houston Texans. 

The third-round pick agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth $5.856 million contract that includes a $1.079 million signing bonus, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson. 

The Texans later confirmed the news via their social media account. 

Drafted 78th overall last month, the former USC standout should be the long-term free safety for Houston’s defense in what hopes to be a revamped secondary come 2024. Last season, the Texans struggled to find consistency at the position, especially on explosive plays 20-plus yards downfield. 

While Bullock might not be asked to start right away, he could split first-team reps with Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre. Both safeties also have nickel defender experience, meaning if the 6-foot Trojan defender impresses, one could move down closer to the line of scrimmage permanently. 

Of course, second-round pick Kamair Lassiter enters OTAs next week as the favorite to command the slot role after being drafted out of Georgia 42nd overall. Lassiter could also compete with former Atlanta Falcons starter Jeff Okudah for reps on the boundary, thus opening a void in the nickel entering Week 1’s road trip against Indianapolis. 

Known for his ability to create turnovers, Bullock was a bright spot the past two seasons for USC’s secondary under Lincoln Riley. As a sophomore, he was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection and intercepted five passes, including one returned for a touchdown.

Last season, Bullock finished with  61 tackles seven pass breakups and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He started 28 games over three seasons with the Trojans and totaled nine career interceptions. 

“You see just his ball skills, his range back there in the deep half of the field. It just stood out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said following his selection on draft weekend. “He’s an exceptional play-maker, attacks the ball. That’s what we are about on defense. That’s what Bullock does. That’s what we’re looking for him to do for us.” 

The Texans return to NRG Stadium on Monday for the start of OTAs. 

Texans land four primetime games in 2024 schedule

The Houston Texans will have more than a few games outside the noon window on Sundays this upcoming season after winning the AFC South division title.

Over the past three seasons, the Houston Texans have been known for kicking off at noon come Sunday afternoon. In fact, the Texans have rarely seen action outside of the early window.

Winning an AFC South division title will change that overnight.

The Texans will play four primetime games and three non-Sunday matchups en route to hopefully another division. Houston will have to earn its way to the postseason, however, since the league office did little favors in terms of carving out consistent start times.

After opening the season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts as a rematch of last season’s finale, the Texans return home for a Sunday Night Football showdown against No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. This isn’t the same Bears roster that finished 7-10 a season ago as GM Ryan Poles spent money to build a contender around the former Heisman Trophy winner.

On Halloween, C.J. Stroud and the Texans travel to New York City to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Jets for a Thursday Night Football showdown on Amazon Prime. That begins a three-week period where kickoffs will come later.

The following Sunday, Houston plays host to NFC runner-up Detroit on NBC. After that, the Texans will get an extra day of rest before taking on Micah Parson and the Cowboys on Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington at Jerry World.

In December, the Texans will get a taste of postseason action with matchups against three contending AFC rosters. After playing host to Miami for a noon kick, Houston travels to Arrowhead Stadium to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs on December 21.

This will pin the three-time Super Bowl winner against the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year for the first — and maybe not the last —time in 2024.

The Texans return home for four days of rest before facing 2023 MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Christmas Day at 3:30 p.m. as a part of the doubleheader on Netflix. Last season, Stroud lost twice to Jackson, including in the AFC Divisional Round on the road at M&T Bank Stadium.

For the list of the Texans’ entire 2024 schedule and the location, check below. To buy tickets for the upcoming season, click here.

Week Date Location Opponent Time (CT) Tickets
1 Sept. 8 Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
2 Sept.15 Chicago Bears NRG Stadium 7:15 p.m. Tickets
3 Sept. 22 Minnesota Vikings US Bank Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
4 Sept. 29 Jacksonville Jaguars NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
5 Oct. 6 Buffalo Bills NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
6 Oct. 13 New England Patriots Gillette Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
7 Oct. 20 Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field 12 p.m. Tickets
8 Oct. 27 Indianapolis Colts NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
9 Oct. 31 New York Jets Metlife Stadium 7:15 p.m. Tickets
10 Nov. 10 Detroit Lions NRG Stadium 7:15 p.m. Tickets
11 Nov. 18 Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium 7:15 p.m.  Tickets
12 Nov. 24 Tennessee Titans NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
13 Dec. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars TIAA Bank Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
14 Dec. 8 BYE WEEK BYE WEEK BYE WEEK Tickets
15 Dec. 15 Miami Dolphins NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
16 Dec. 21 Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
17 Dec. 25 Baltimore Ravens NRG Stadium 3 p.m. Tickets
18 Tennessee Titans NRG Stadium TBD Tickets

*prime-time game

Texans CB Kamari Lassiter reacts to finding out DeMeco Ryans played at Alabama

Kamari Lassiter, a proud Georgia alum, just found out his head coach went to the rival Alabama and couldn’t contain the emotions.

Kamari Lassiter might want to start brushing up on his new head coach’s background when talking trash about the University of Alabama in the locker room. 

Lassiter, the Houston Texans’ first pick in the 2024 NFL draft, is not only a dominant cornerback in man coverage but also a proud Georgia alum. He loves Athens, loves Samford Stadium and will always pull for Kirby Smart and the Dawgs in a new era of SEC football. 

DeMeco Ryans might have something to say about that as not only a proud native of the state of Alabama but was also an All-American for the Crimson Tide. On Friday, Lassiter found out the man he’ll be learning up under in hopes of becoming a bona fide superstar, played for “the other team.” 

“Coach went to Bama? I ain’t know that,” Lassiter said between laughs from the media. “But those two programs, very high-profile programs.” 

Lassiter, a second-round pick, faced Alabama three times before declaring for the NFL draft last offseason. In Round 1, the Crimson Tide pulled off the upset to win the SEC Championship in 2021 behind Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young. 

In Round 2, Georgia got the last laugh en route to claiming its first national title in four decades with a 33-18 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

Alabama, however, broke the tiebreaker in Lassiter’s career with a 27-24 win over the Dawgs last December to claim one more SEC title under Nick Saban and a College Football Playoff berth. Lassiter still has respect for the attention to detail at the program back in his hometown. 

He also notices some similarities between Smart and Ryans given their background on the defensive side. 

“Coach Smart does a really good job of just making sure that everyone buys in, and I think Coach Ryans does a great job of doing that, as well,” said Lassiter. “That probably comes from his background of being at the other place.”

All in all, it was a fun moment between the two sides. Perhaps Lassiter and Ryans can have a bet come Sept. 28 when the Dawgs visit Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on the Crimson Tide. 

 Neither will be able to attend the game since both will be preparing for a Sunday showdown. Maybe on Monday, the loser shows up in an outfit designed by the other? 

Nico Collins expects ‘dangerous passing attack’ from Texans in 2024

By adding in Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins believes the Houston Texans will have one of the more lethal passing attacks behind C.J. Stroud

It’s rare for teams to feel complete entering organized team activities (OTAs), but the Houston Texans might feel like an exception entering May 20th’s return date. 

At least that’s how wide receiver Nico Collins feels with a retooled passing attack surrounding Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud after promising results en route to an AFC South division title. 

And Collins, the NFL’s breakout pass-catcher of 2023, believes that the seventh-ranked passing attack will only get better this fall thanks to another offseason working with Stroud and Tank Dell. 

Well that, plus the addition of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. 

“It’s going to be dangerous, real dangerous, man,” Collins told KPRC2 Sports‘ Aaron Wilson during his youth football camp Saturday morning at Houston Christian High School. “Adding Diggs to the room, it’s going to be a lot of weapons. There’s going to be great opportunities for everybody.

“The sky is the limit for us.”

Collins shined as the Texans’ go-to weapon in 2023, becoming the third player in franchise history to surpass 1,200 receiving yards in a single season. He was on pace to break Andre Johnson’s single-season record (1,572), but a strained calf sidelined him for two games in early December. 

The Texans feel like a team ready to build off their success last fall, though it’s always easy to project that out loud. Living up to the hype on gamedays is the challenging part to emulate.

Countless franchises across the league have put the pieces around their passers on rookie deals with expectations of securing a spot in the Super Bowl, only to come up short.

Los Angeles added pieces around Justin Herbert and never advanced past the wild-card round. Miami built an offense to carter toward Tua Tagovailoa’s strengths and followed a similar path to the Chargers, though Mike McDaniel is still employed entering a pivotal Year 3. 

Houston hopes it doesn’t meet a similar fate while hoping to surpass Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City in the postseason. One could argue the Texans are looking to follow Cincinnati’s formula with Joe Burrow, who thwarted Mahomes and the Chiefs for an AFC crown during his second season. 

In 2021, Burrow trusted three explosive receivers in Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins to secure a spot in the Super Bowl. With the arrival of Diggs, who has led the league in catches (445) since 2020, Stroud now has a similar arsenal.  

“I feel like the offense [has] a lot of weapons. Everybody has got a chance,” Collins said. “When the ball is in their hands, an explosive play is coming. I feel like, for us, we need to continue to work on the details, continue to be us, continue to have fun and show the world what we can do. I can’t wait for it.”

While Diggs was the offseason’s prized acquisition, he wasn’t the only target brought in to elevate Stroud’s numbers. The Texans traded a seventh-round pick to Cincinnati to acquire running back Joe Mixon and later inked him to a three-year, $27 million extension. 

Mixon, 27, is coming off his fourth 1,000-yard campaign but upped his value as a pass-catcher on short routes with 52 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns. 

Houston also brought back tight end Dalton Schultz on a three-year, $36 million extension before the start of free agency. Last month during the draft, the Texans added depth with a familiar face in Cade Stover, Stroud’s top tight end at Ohio State. 

Collins, who’s entering a contract season, knows that Houston’s no longer viewed as the league’s laughing stock. He was part of the rebuild which saw two coaches fired in back-to-back years and lackluster offensive production. 

The Texans are built to win. So is the rest of the AFC South after an aggressive free agency period. The former Michigan receiver knows the division will be challenging but also understands that Houston has a persona to carry. 

He doesn’t intend to watch regression set in, both individually and as a team.  

“The only way is up,” Collins said. “[We] can’t go down, can’t backtrack. Got to elevate. That’s my mindset right now.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans excited to work UDFA DL Pheldarius Payne

Pheldarius Payne has already caught the eyes of the Houston Texans coaching staff through one day of rookie minicamp.

When the 2024 NFL draft concluded on Saturday afternoon last month,  Pheldarius Payne had options.

Plenty of teams came calling, hoping to secure the services of the 6-foot-3 defensive tackle from Virginia Tech. Add in his pass-rushing expertise and some would consider Payne as a top among undrafted free agents. 

Most view not being selected as a downfall for prospects, but it’s more so a strength in the later rounds. Players can choose where they want to sign, thus putting pressure on them to live up to the billing. 

Payne chose to join the Houston Texans. He’s already caught the eyes of the coaching staff within one practice at minicamp. 

“He’s an undersized defensive tackle that is very explosive and quick,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “You saw him make a lot of plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage, utilizing his explosiveness, his quickness. So, we would like to see him translate that to our scheme and what we do.”

Ryans, whose defensive persona factored into Houston securing its first division title in four years, likes interior linemen with upside as pass rushers. Last season, Sheldon Rankins finished with 6.5 sacks. Maliek Collins totaled 5.5. 

Both players weighed under 320 pounds. Payne, who began his career at Lackawanna Junior College in Pennsylvania before signing with Nebraska,  weighed in the combine at 276 pounds. 

While undersized, Payne could be a potential project for Houston’s defensive line entering organized team activities (OTAs) on May 20. Last season with the Hokies, he racked up 10 tackles for losses, four sacks and one forced fumble. 

The Texans listed him as a defensive end on the minicamp depth chart, but Ryans called him a defensive tackle. Regardless of where he lines up, Payne has the potential and willingness to attack, something required to play in Ryans’ defensive front. 

“The guys are attacking and we can utilize his quickness,” Ryans said. “Hopefully, Payne can be a guy who can add to that group as well.”

Texans rookies receive jersey numbers

The Houston Texans rookie class knows what numbers they’ll be wearing to begin their careers at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans returned to practice for the start of rookie minicamp, donning their numbers for the first time since being drafted. Several newcomers, including second-round cornerback Kamari Lassiter and fourth-round tight end Cade Stover, already knew what numbers they’d wear in the pros, but others were still waiting to find out what would be on their backs.

Seven of the nine numbers were released via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning. Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher and USC defensive back Calen Bullock were not on the graphic since neither has signed his rookie contract yet.

While not listed, Bullock was seen at practice wearing No. 41. Fisher, who started 27 games over three years with the Fighting Irish, wore No. 57.

“This period or this phase here with the rookie minicamp, we’re just trying to get our guys adapted to how we do things,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Get them used to our terminology, what we’re teaching. It’s more of a teaching period for us.”

On top of the signings listed above, the Texans agreed to terms with six undrafted free agents, including Virginia Tech defensive tackle Pheldarius Payne, North Carolina running back British Brooks and BYU linebacker Max Tooley.

In a corresponding move, the Texans released running back Gerrid Doaks.

Texans sign Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter to rookie contract

Kamari Lassiter, one of the top boundary cornerbacks in the SEC last season, is now an official member of the Houston Texans.

Kamari Lassiter is officially a member of the Houston Texans. 

The second-round cornerback out of Georgia and Houston agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth roughly $9 million, which includes a $3.376 million signing bonus, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson. 

Lassiter should have a chance to compete for starting reps both on the outside and in the nickel to begin training camp. 

“Kamari provides toughness,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “You talk about energy and the way he plays the game. He loves football. It shows on the tape. It jumps off the tape. He’s a versatile player. He can play inside, he can play outside.

“He’s everything that our team is about. You talk about everything being relentless and attacking. With the relentless mindset every single day, that’s what Kamari brings.”

Lassiter said he felt a connection with the Texans from the jump. The two first met at the NFL combine in early February. That transpired over to Zoom calls as part of the pre-draft visit leading up to the second round. 

“You watch football, and you think you’d fit in and enjoy playing at,” Lassiter said. “I feel like Houston is one of those places. I really fell in love with the coaching staff, just by how wholesome they were. I feel like they were someone I could click with, and someone I could play well under.”

Lassiter, a two-time national champion with Georgia, finished his collegiate career with 86 tackles, 14 pass breakups and an interception. During his final season, he allowed just 15 catches for 137 yards in coverage and broke up a career-high eight passes. 

“I call myself The Locksmith,’” Lassiter said. “I pride myself on having stuff on lock. I really wanted to get a lock with the name ‘Locksmith’ on there.”

The 6-foot, 180-pounder was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection in 2023 and was expected to draw first-round interest before running a 4.6 40-time at Georgia’s pro day. Lassiter had a foot injury when he tested and usually runs in the 4.5 range.  

The Texans, who look more at the film than the metrics, were never concerned with Lassiter’s time, stating his play style carried more weight into the selection.

“I know speed is important. I’m not saying speed is not important. We don’t feel that’s an issue for this particular player,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “When you watch him play in the SEC, you don’t walk away and have that concern.”

Entering Friday’s practice, the Texans have signed seven of their nine rookies, including every pick on Day 3. Notre Dame offensive tackle Blakc Fisher [Pick No. 59] and USC defensive back Calen Bullock [Pick No. 78] are still working to finalize their deals before the start of mandatory minicamp later this month.