Tag: Texans football

Dane Brugler believes Texans had bottom-five NFL draft class

The Houston Texans overall draft class has potential but was not among the favorites of The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.

The Houston Texans didn’t need to win the NFL draft weekend to be offseason winners, but any extra praise is a bonus. 

Houston improved its roster makeup with nine new additions. Some, like Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter and USC’s Calen Bullock, are viewed as Day 1 contributors. Others, like Auburn’s Marcus Harris and Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher, might be more so here for the long run.

“We’re very excited about all the guys we brought in,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Saturday afternoon. “Feel like all these guys are quality players that add to the depth, add to the competition of our team.

A majority of draft pundits agree that Houston finished middle of the pack, often grading out with something in the “B” range. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, however, listed the Texans as the 28th-ranked class heading into 2024.

Brugler, one of the nation’s top draft expected, credited GM Nick Caserio for the selection of Lassiter, who played like a first-round defensive back, but dropped down boards after running a 4.6 40-time at UGA’s pro day.

The Texans didn’t have a draft pick in the top 40, putting them at a disadvantage for these rankings. They did, however, draft two promising players in the second round: Lassiter and Blake Fisher. Although several teams were concerned about his lack of speed, Lassiter’s tape shows a tough, competitive player — and it was clear DeMeco Ryans saw the same thing. — Dane Brugler

As for a player he believes could surprise fans in Year 1, Brugler singled out Ohio State tight end Cade Stover, who already knows what Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud is looking for given their time together in Columbus.

After their rookie quarterback had a record-setting season, what could the Texans do to help him continue to climb? Adding his college tight end is one idea. Stover might not truly have an A-level trait, but he is well-rounded as an athlete, pass catcher and blocker. — Brugler 

Draft grades mean little now as live reps will determine who lives up to the hype and which prospects crumble under the pressure. Most of the Texans’ new additions will be limited in their roles in Year 1 given the state of the roster following a productive free-agent period. 

Brugler also had questions surrounding two of the other three AFC South teams, listing Tennesee and Jacksonville 26th and 29th overall, respectively. While a fan of the first-round selections, there’s questions among the rest of the roster. 

There are still moves to be made this offseason before the Texans return Week 1, but it is shaping up to be a promising year down off NRG Drive for the reigning AFC South champions. 

46 Texans players slated to become free agents in 2025

With the 2024 season right around the corner, which Houston Texans are entering the final year of their contracts?

The 2024 NFL draft is in the books, and the Houston Texans have improved as a roster. At least that’s how DeMeco Ryans feels with the nine newcomers set to better Houston’s odds of winning a Super Bowl come February in New Orleans.

“We like all the guys that we were able to pick,” Ryans said early Saturday evening. “We want to work with these guys. We’re fired up about it.”

The Texans are confident this could be their year. They should, too, after spending over $150 million in guaranteed money to secure high-profile free agents like defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive lineman Denico Autry. Houston also traded draft capital to acquire Pro Bowlers Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon and elevations to an already promising offense headlined by C.J. Stroud.

Houston’s all-in for 2024 because it has to be. Next offseason, 46 of the current 87 players on staff will hit free agency. And sure, several lower-tier names are easy to replace, but Diggs isn’t one of them. Neither is potentially Jimmie Ward, Houston’s defensive captain and vocal leader on the field.

Don’t forget about Nico Collins, either. The breakout pass-catcher is coming off a career season and wants to be properly compensated. General manager Nick Caserio has mentioned talks of an extension, but that was before the team acquired Diggs. Now, Collins might be willing to bet on himself for more money on the market.

Before rookie minicamp begins, let’s take an early look at the 46 Bears players slated to hit free agency in 2025.

DL Ali Gaye

DB Brandon Hill

WR Johnny Johnson

RB Gerrid Doaks

TE Dalton Keene

CB Troy Pride Jr.

WR Jared Wayne

LB Marcus Haynes

OT Jaylon Thomas

Texans WR Tank Dell suffers minor injuries in Florida shooting, expected to make full recovery

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was shot on Saturday evening in Florida but is expected to make a full recovery before the season.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered minor injuries after being shot as an innocent bystander in a mass shooting at a nightclub Saturday evening in Sanford, Florida.

Dell was treated for his wounds and released from the hospital Sunday. He is expected to make a full recovery and be cleared to participate in football activities later this offseason.

“We have been made aware that Tank Dell was a victim of a shooting in Sanford, Fla., last night,” the Texans said in a statement. “He sustained a minor wound, but has been released from the hospital and he is in good spirits. We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate, but we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident.”

According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Dell was visiting family in Dayton Beach, Florida, and was out at a private bar when the shooting occurred. According to The Associated Press, a fistfight broke out, leading to someone not involved in the fight to begin shooting into the crowd.

According to the police report, Dell was not involved in the altercation and was simply caught in the crossfire. He was one of 10 people hit by the gunfire, all of whom suffered non-life threatening injuries.

A 16-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center, according to Florida Today. The 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.

Dell, a 2023 third-round pick out of Houston, proved to be an essential piece of the Texans’ revamped offense last season and a consistent No. 2 weapon opposite Nico Collins. In 10 games, he caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns, helping Houston secure its first division title in four years.

Dell was on pace to break Andre Johnson’s rookie receiving record with over 1,200 yards before suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 13’s win over the Denver Broncos. He underwent surgery this offseason and has been rehabbing with NFL trainer Justin Allen and private coach Delfonte Diamond.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud worked out with Dell earlier this month in Los Angeles and said he was pleased with his development from Year 1 to Year 2.

“He looks great,” Stroud said. “He’s gotten a lot better. Mentally, I think for both of us, really all of the rookies coming into Year 2, everything is starting to slow down, and the wheels aren’t turning so much up in your head. You’re starting to play ball. Being able to throw with him in L.A. was really big.”

Dell was back in the building with the Texans for voluntary workouts last week and participated in the jersey unveiling earlier at the Texans’ release party last Tuesday.

Texans Wire will continue to keep you up to date with the latest surrounding Dell.

Texans select DL Marcus Harris with 247th overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Houston Texans have secured a defensive lineman with the addition of Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris.

The Houston Texans have made their seventh selection in the 2024 NFL draft, picking Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris at No. 247. Harris has been a sturdy defensive tackle on The Plains for three seasons under multiple coaching staff.

Harris is coming off arguably the best season of his career after recording 40 total tackles. He led the Tigers in tackles for a loss with 11 and finished first in sacks with seven, respectfully.

Last month in Indianapolis for the combine, Harris posted a 5.06 40-yard dash, a 29.5-inch vertical jump, and an 8-foot-7 broad jump. He also repped 225 pounds on the bench press 27 times. Heading into Auburn’s Pro Day on March 22,

The Texans continue to bolster their defense. Houston added Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter with its first pick at No. 42 and later traded up for USC safety Calen Bullock at pick No. 78. On Day 3, the Texans added Oregon linebacker Jamal Hill with pick No. 188 and

Andre Johnson excited for Texans’ addition of WR Stefon Diggs

Andre Johnson, the Houston Texans’ all-time leader in touchdowns, is excited to see what All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs brings to the offense

Andre Johnson knows something about catching touchdown passes at NRG Stadium. After all, he’s still the Houston Texans’ all-time leader in almost every receiving category, including touchdowns with 70. 

While the future Hall of Famer isn’t expecting newly acquired pass-catcher Stefon Diggs to break his record in 2024, Johnson is excited to see the Pro Bowler guide Houston back to the postseason alongside Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

“I thought we already had a great receiving corp, but I think [Diggs] has elevated it even more,” Johnson told KPRC2 Sports Tuesday evening during the Texans’ uniform reveal party. “I got a chance to talk to him a little bit. I’m He’s super excited about being here, great player. I just can’t wait to see how we put it all together.”

The Texans acquired Diggs earlier this month, sending a 2025 second-round pick (via the Minnesota Vikings) to Buffalo. Houston also acquired two draft picks: a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 189 overall) and a 2025 fifth-round pick. 

Houston was looking for a veteran receiver for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud after winning its first division title in four years. Last season, the Texans finished seventh in passing as Stroud led the league in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). 

As part of the blockbuster move, the Texans voided the final three years of Diggs’ contract signed back with Buffalo back in 2022, making him a free agent this offseason. Diggs, 30, should be hungry to prove his best years are still ahead while earning another major payday. 

While Diggs saw a dip in his production after a hot start in 2023, he still remains one of the league’s premier weapons. Since his trade from Minnesota in 2020, Diggs has led the league in receptions with 445. 

In four years with Buffalo, Diggs posted at least 1,110 receiving yards and 103 catches each year. In 2020, he led the NFL in receptions (127) and totaled back-to-back 10-plus touchdown campaigns in 2021 and 2022. 

Collins, who also enters a contract year, is coming off a career-high 1,297-yard season as Stroud’s No. 1 target. Dell, a third-round pick out of Houston, was on pace to finish with 1,205 receiving yards before suffering a season-ending injury in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. 

Houston also traded for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year, $36 million extension.

Stroud also has been pleased with the development of former second-round pick John Metchie III, who missed the entirety of his rookie season after undergoing treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer.

Texans sign Browns LB Jacob Phillips to one-year deal

The Houston Texans are bringing in linebacker depth by signing former Browns standout Jacob Phillips.

Linebacker depth was a concern for the Houston Texans entering the 2024 NFL draft. Now, it’s moved down the pecking order. 

The Texans agreed to terms with former Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Phillips should fill a similar role to that of rotational linebacker Denzel Perryman, who signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Phillips, 25, spent four seasons in Cleveland after being drafted out of LSU in 2020. Surprisingly, the pick belonged to the Texans, who traded it to the Browns in exchange for running back Duke Johnson. 

During his time with the AFC North franchise, Phillips recorded 88 tackles, three sacks and five pass deflections. His best season came in 2022 when he notched 46 tackles and two sacks. 

Phillips missed the entirety of the 2023 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a preseason game against Washington. The year prior, he missed the final two months of the regular season after suffering a similar injury during a regular season game against Baltimore in October. 

A native of Nashville, Phillips should fill in as a multi-purpose replacement for both Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair. After a breakout season with the Titans in 2023, Houston elected to reunite Al-Shaair with DeMeco Ryans, signing him to a three-year deal worth $34 million. 

Just because the Texans added Phillips doesn’t mean they won’t target a linebacker. In four years, the former third-round pick has been limited to 20 games due to injury. Currently, Houston only has Henry To’oTo’o as an option with extensive reps under his belt. 

The Texans own nine picks in the draft, though general manager Nick Caserio has been known for working the phone lines in trades. Last season, Houston made a franchise record eight trades, including moving up to No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals to acquire eventual Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. 

“We’ll see if that changes or stays static,” Caserio said Thursday when asked about the draft strategy. “Given our history, it will probably change at some point.”

Texans owner Cal McNair drops photo to confirm new ‘H-Town’ helmet

Houston Texans owner Cal McNair made sure to drop one of the coldest photos online when confirming the new “H-Town” logo.

If you’re someone waiting for a confirmation on the latest Houston Texans logo and ‘H-Town’ helmet, owner Cal McNair just gave you the answer.

After a user posted a five-second video of a helmet on X (formerly Twitter) that fits the criteria of what the H-Town design was supposed to encapsulate, McNair elected to steer into the skid, posting a photo to social media wearing a hat with the new logo.

And just to add a bit more fun to the photo, McNair made sure his dog, Tex, was dressed up too, wearing a chain with the new “H” to confirm that new look.

Fans had mixed reviews on the helmet when the post surfaced. Some thought it was an upgrade over the previous bull logo that’s been the only design since the inaugural season back in 2002. Others weren’t as pleased as initially thought when the franchise announced last offseason it would be getting new threads for the 2024 campaign.

The helmet has a Deep Steel Blue undertone with a light blue “H” to represent “H-Town” as the primary logo with a red outline. The uniform itself has yet to be unveiled, so maybe the combination could actually end up living up to the expectations that fans envisioned from the jump.

The team’s X account got in on the fun, acknowledging the leak a few hours after it first surfaced on social with a leaky faucet GIF.

This isn’t the first time McNair and the organization have handled damage control of a leak. Last month, another user posted a photo of one of the models sporting the away jersey at the private unveiling for several fans who were given a sneak peek.

McNair took to Reddit to confirm the new look, posting a more crisp design of receivers Tank Dell and Nico Collins wearing the uniforms instead. The away designs feature the traditional Liberty white jerseys and Deep Steel blue pants.

The Texans still have two full uniforms and another jersey to release next Tuesday. One can only hope at this point there are no more surprises leading up to the launch of a new era of Houston football.

DeMeco Ryans, players excited for fans to see Texans’ new uniforms

The Houston Texans are about to have a new look and players are excited for fans to see their fresh new uniforms.

Will Anderson Jr. was asked what he thought about the new uniforms before their launch to the public next Tuesday evening. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year smiled, then put his index finger over his mouth.

“Shhh…” said the Houston Texans’ star defensive end as a few chuckles filled the media room at NRG Stadium.

Anderson, the fun-loving, quarterback-hunter defender, later gave a more detailed answer without giving away too much information.

“I think they’re dope,” Anderson said. “I think it really just gives back to the Houston community and I think it does a good job of getting the community back involved in football. Back involved with the Texans brand of ball and I’m really excited for everyone to see them. I’m really excited for everyone to see what we have going on here.”

After two-plus decades of the same look, the Texans are getting a well-earned makeover. It’s a new era for the franchise under a longtime favorite DeMeco Ryans, so it’s only fitting the team looks fresh to complement their new approach.

Ryans, the mastermind behind Houston’s six-win turnaround and postseason berth, remembers back in his playing days wearing the Battle Red and Steel Blue uniform combo in front of screaming fans on Sundays. He lasted suited up at NRG Stadium in 2012, but the jerseys have been a constant.

“It’s 2024, time for a fresh look for the Texans,” said Ryans. “I know we’ve had the same uniforms since our organization started here in 2002. I was messing with the guys earlier, talking about how I wore the same uniform that they’re wearing, and I think it’s time for an update.”

Texans Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Doug Vosik was tasked to come up with a new design that would best encapsulate Houston and its city. The project began back in 2022, with a few different marketing designs being released over time.

One major detail that was implemented in the new apparel was a stylized H or ‘H-Town’ design on the back. That became the baseline incorporating a new logo along with the famous bull head that resides on the helmets.

“Fans challenged us back a little bit and they said, ‘When I wear Texans gear, I’m repping my city. We love repping the H when it comes to Texans gear. What do y’all think of that, Texans?,’ ” Vosik said in a video released by the team. “So, we poked a little bit more and said, ‘Do you just want a new H on more hats, hoodies and shirts? ‘ And some of them challenged us pretty clearly and said, maybe it would be cool if that was somehow on a sleeve or on the back of a jersey or how do you bring that H identity, rep the H, into the uniform? And we took that challenge very seriously when the fans told us that.”

https://twitter.com/TexansCommenter/status/1779940600084590964

The Texans involved their fan council, along with staff members, media members and current and former players to get input and ideas, incorporating much of that feedback, which included 10,000 surveys and more than 30 focus groups, into the uniform redesign.

Last month, a small group of fans, local media members and Texans players were able to see the uniforms in person. Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud said H-Town should enjoy the new look as it’ll bring a new energy to a rejuvenated franchise.

“I’m super excited just to be wearing new stuff,” said Stroud. “I liked the unis last year too, but I think it’s time for change and it’s a new era now. We’ll be able to build with these unis and look good while doing it.”

Texans owner Cal McNair confirmed the photo leak on social media of a model wearing the team’s new road uniforms was true, but decided to up bring in a bit more fire.

Instead of simply confirming the uniform, McNair posted a photograph on Reddit of receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell wearing the new threads.

“The uniforms looked a lot better on them,” McNair said at the owner’s meetings last month in Orlando, Fla. “They’re excited to put them on and show them off and we’re excited for the fans to see those. We just felt like it was the right thing to be transparent and straight-on and address it.”

All four uniforms for the defending AFC South champions will be unveiled at the team’s official uniform release party on Tuesday, April 23, at the 713 Music Hall starting at 6:30 p.m.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans named to Senior Bowl 2024 Hall of Fame class

DeMeco Ryans will forever represent the Houston Texans and Alabama Crimson Tide as a member of the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.

DeMeco Ryans is going to the Hall of Fame.

The one in Mobile, Alabama, and not Canton, Ohio, just to clarify.

The second-year Houston Texans coach and former Pro Bowl linebacker was named to the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. Ryans, a former standout for the University of Alabama, became a sensation down at Ladd-Peebles Stadium during the 2006 Senior Bowl.

“Being from Alabama, it was a huge honor to get the invite and participate in the 2006 Senior Bowl,” Ryans said in a statement. “I’m thankful to have played my last collegiate game in front of my home state fans. This game provided me a pivotal opportunity as a draft prospect to prove myself against the best competition in college football. Now as a coach, I continue to follow the game closely to evaluate the top talent in the draft each year. Now, as a coach, I continue to follow the game closely to evaluate the top talent in the draft each year. This game helped me as a player many years ago, and it is still assisting players in reaching their dream of playing in the NFL.”

Ryans was one of five inductees for the Class of 2024, joining Marty Lyons (1979), Carson Palmer (2003), Eric Weddle (2007) and Roddy White (2005).

A second-round pick for the Texans in 2006, Ryans would go on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year under first-year coach Gary Kubiak. A year later, he’d earn first-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl nomination.

Ryans spent six seasons in Houston before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. He retired in 2015 and almost immediately caught the coaching bug, joining the 49ers’ staff in 2017.

Hired by the McNairs last offseason, Ryans was the architect for the team’s turnaround after a woeful three seasons. Houston was on its fourth coach in four years after Bill O’Brien, David Culley and Lovie Smith combined for 11 wins in three years.

Headlined by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, the Texans coasted to a 10-7 regular-season record and their first division title in four years. Ryans, who finished second in AP Coach of the Year voting, became the seventh coach since 2019 to improve by at least six wins since the previous year.

Houston also secured its first playoff win since 2019 with a victory over the Browns in the wild-card round.

Ryans and the Texans will look to build off their dominant first season in 2024 and should be considered an AFC favorite. Entering next week’s draft, the Texans have the seventh-best odds to win this year’s Super Bowl, according to BetMGM.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud throws out first pitch at Astros game

The Houston Astros may want to call the Texans to rent C.J. Stroud as their next start on the mound.

C.J. Stroud might be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, but the team across town might need to borrow him for six frames in the not-so-distant future.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw out the first pitch Monday night before the Houston Astros took on the Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Much like in the 2022 World Series, the Braves would go on to win 6-1.

Houston’s pitching has been downright putrid to begin the year under new manager Joe Espada, posting a team ERA of 5.35. Stroud, who grew up playing all sports, but thrived on the gridiron and the hard court, delivered a perfect strike to first baseman Jon Singleton, though any professional big-league would have taken him yard before rounding the bases.

Unlike the Astros, the Texans are looking to progress following a breakout season behind Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., and new coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston was one of the more aggressive teams in free agency, spending $178.5 million this offseason in guaranteed money,

Stroud, who became the fifth rookie passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in Year 1, should only benefit from a revamped offensive arsenal. The Texans not only re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year extension, but also traded draft capital to acquire running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Last season, Stroud led the NFL in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5). He was named a Pro Bowler, where his relationship began to grow with Diggs off the field. Anderson, whom the Texans traded up nine spots to acquire at No. 3, also earned a Pro Bowl nod after breaking J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record (7.0).

Maybe the duo could launch the Astros’ back up the leaderboards? Stroud would be a flamethrowing ace with time, and Anderson likely could compete with Yordan Álvarez at designated hitter.

Stroud and the Texans are back in the building for voluntary workouts. Next week, a slew of new players will join the franchise via the NFL draft.