Tag: Texans minicamp

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says C.J. Stroud working with ones was part of QB rotation

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says rookie C.J. Stroud working with the first team was simply part of the QB rotation during mandatory minicamp.

With the Houston Texans having spent the No. 2 overall pick on quarterback C.J. Stroud, all eyes are on which signal caller is working with the first team throughout the club’s offseason program.

On the first day of mandatory minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center, the former Ohio State product was working with the ones.

According to coach DeMeco Ryans, there wasn’t much to read into the rookie field general getting first team reps.

“Both of our guys have been rotating each week,” Ryans said. “As you came to practice, you’ve seen we’ve rotated those guys each week. Just happened to be the week C.J. was with the ones.”

Davis Mills, who was the Texans’ starting quarterback last season and has logged the most since 2021 with 26, still has the confidence he can win the job. Weighing the progress of the third-year product versus the newcomer is part of the evaluation for the Texans.

“We’ll see where their process goes in training camp,” said Ryans. “As the competition continues to grow, we’ll see who separates themselves. That decision will take care of itself.”

The Texans have not had a rookie quarterback start on Opening Day since Sept. 8, 2002, when David Carr led the Texans to their first win in franchise history with a 19-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at then-Reliant Stadium.

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Texans CB Steven Nelson attends mandatory minicamp

Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson is attending mandatory minicamp after not being present for the team’s voluntary workouts.

The Houston Texans don’t have to worry about the attendance in the secondary.

According to Aaron Wilson from KPRC-TV, cornerback Steven Nelson will participate in mandatory minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center Tuesday.

While Nelson was away from the team, he also retooled his representation. The 30-year-old hired David Mulugheta from Athletes First — C.J. Stroud’s representation — as his new agent.

The 5-10, 194-pound cornerback started 15 games for Houston last season, collecting 52 combined tackles, 1.0 sack, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, a forced fumble, an interception, and seven pass breakups.

Nelson is tied for 40th in terms of annual average compensation among cornerbacks at $4.5 million a year.

The former Kansas City Chiefs 2015 third-round pick signed a two-year deal in March 2022 with a maximum value of $10 million that includes $4.5 million guaranteed. Nelson gets a $3.5 million base salary in 2023 along with $750,000 of the salary guaranteed. There is also an additional $1 million per-game active roster bonus with $500,000 in play-time incentives.

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Texans S Jonathan Owens says CB Derek Stingley ‘asks a bunch of questions’

Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens says that rookie cornerback Derek Stingley is plenty curious and “asks a bunch of questions.”

Derek Stingley may not have been out on the practice field much during the Houston Texans’ offseason workouts, but his impact upon the secondary was nevertheless felt.

Inside the facilities at NRG Stadium, the No. 3 overall cornerback was picking the minds of veteran defensive backs to get a better understanding of how the Tampa 2 scheme worked.

“Great ball skills, athletic, smart, and willing to learn, asks a bunch of questions,” safety Jonathan Owens told reporters on June 14 after mandatory minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “That’s really a thing where you’re a new guy, you’re always going to be a sponge, anything anybody tells you.”

Stingley displayed immense promise in his freshman season with LSU, generating 38 combined tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, six interceptions, 21 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery through 15 games. The 6-1, 195-pound cornerback played no more than 10 games over the next two seasons as the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and a Lisfranc injury in his foot in 2021, but Stingley’s potential made him one of the more fascinating defensive back prospects in the 2022 NFL draft.

Owens, who is entering his fifth season with the Texans, is using his past experiences to help young defensive backs flourish immediately.

“I’m relaying my past experiences to them, letting them know, okay, this is what you did, this is probably what you could do better, this is what somebody taught me,” said Owens. “I’m excited.”

Coach Lovie Smith expects Stingley to be a full go for training camp. Across the NFL — save for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars — veterans can report no earlier than July 26, although the Texans have yet to announce official dates for training camp.

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Texans K Ka’imi Fairbairn remains steady entering 2022

Houston Texans special teams coach Frank Ross says kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn has been steady throughout offseason workouts.

The Houston Texans’ roster has undergone massive upheaval since 2021, but the one steady element has been kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn.

The former 2016 undrafted free agent from UCLA had his own struggles last season. A groin injury and a positive COVID-19 test limited him to 13 games, and Fairbairn posted a career-low 78.9% field goal percentage (15-19). Fairbairn also posted a career-low extra point percentage at 81.3% (13-16).

Despite Fairbairn’s struggles, special teams coordinator Frank Ross thought the 2018 NFL scoring leader persisted through the setbacks.

“I thought Ka’imi had a strong year and I think that every single player out here wants to improve whatever their craft is,” Ross told reporters June 15 at mandatory minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “His is obviously more finite skills set.”

According to Ross, what the Texans want for Fairbairn is for him in 2022 is to continue to “grow his body.”

Said Ross: “He is 27, 28 years old. As you get into that, you want to be a sustainable strength as much as possible. Just working on legs, feet, and overall strength. He’s done a great job of trying to implement that throughout the spring. Hopefully he continues that through the break here.”

The Texans went with Joey Slye for the first three games of the season and then had Dominik Eberle fill in for Fairbairn in Week 16 when Fairbairn was in the COVID protocol.

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Texans OC Pep Hamilton wants to boost run game to create a balanced attack

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton wants to get the run game going, not to supplant the passing game, but to complement it.

The Houston Texans promoted Pep Hamilton from quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator following the promotion of Lovie Smith to coach.

Hamilton is known for his tight end inclusive offenses and also a commitment to running the football.

The interpretation is that with Hamilton the run game will start to take a more dominant role in moving the offense. However, the 47-year-old clarified for reporters during mandatory minicamp on June 15 that the goal is to elevate the run game to where it is equals with the passing attack.

“If you go and just look at the analytics, look at the data, I think it’s important that you have balance in your offensive attack if you want to be a successful team in this league,” said Hamilton. “We’re ultimately going to do whatever we have to do to score one more point than the opponent.”

The Texans need help inside the red zone where they converted just 51.4% of their trips, the sixth-lowest in the NFL. Houston also had the third-lowest points per game in the league at 16.5.

While second-year quarterback Davis Mills takes the reins of the offense, and the organization has surrounded him with help from the offensive line to the receiving corps, Hamilton believes the run game will ultimately be a factor in determining Houston’s success.

“It may be pushing the ball outfield in the passing game,” Hamilton said. “Of course, at some point you want to finish the game running the football. We want to be good at all of the above.”

The Texans were the worst team in the NFL in 2021 at running the football with a 3.4 yards per carry and 83.6 yards per game. The Texans have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Carlos Hyde in 2019, which coincidentally was the last time Houston had a winning season.

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GM Nick Caserio outlines Texans’ approach to players missing OTAs

Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio told @sportsradio610 how the organization works with players who aren’t available for voluntary offseason workouts.

The Houston Texans had nearly 100% attendance during their offseason program — save for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

The two-time Pro Bowler was absent during the course of organized team activities. However, coach Lovie Smith said that — just like in Big Sandy, Texas — “voluntary is voluntary” and that there was only one portion of the offseason program that was mandatory.

Tunsil showed up for the Texans’ mandatory minicamp from June 14-16. Smith was right. Crisis averted.

General manager Nick Caserio joined “Payne & Pendergast” on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] June 16 to talk about how the organization views players who aren’t available for voluntary workouts.

“I think the most important thing on all of this is to make sure that you have communication and dialogue along the way,” said Caserio. “That’s the most important thing, and I think Lovie has been consistent about that from the beginning. He spends time with all of our players, talks to all of our players. And in the end, it’s a voluntary program. So, every player has to make a decision they feel is in their best interest. So, you know, that’s part of the NFL. That’s part of what we deal with.”

Undoubtedly having Tunsil at the facilities at NRG Stadium generated even more optimism for the Texans. Nevertheless the Texans’ overall approach is to work with players as partners in the offseason.

Said Caserio: “I would say just from our perspective, the Texans’ perspective, this is never adversarial. It’s never confrontational. So, you try to maintain. You try to handle like adults. I think that’s one thing about Lovie. Treat them like men and handle adults, have communication. If an individual has their opinion, we respect their opinion, and our job is to just keep moving forward and just try to do what we think is best on a day to day basis.”

The Texans are off until July 26, which is the earliest date the veterans can report for training camp.

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CB Steven Nelson calls Texans’ offseason program ‘one of the hardest’ he has seen

Cornerback Steven Nelson says that the Houston Texans’ organized team activities and minicamp was among the hardest he has witnessed in the NFL.

Steven Nelson has seen his share of offseason workouts across the NFL.

The former Kansas City Chiefs third-round cornerback was with the AFC West club through the 2018 season. After playing for Andy Reid, Nelson played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers coached by Mike Tomlin. Last year, Nelson was with the Philadelphia Eagles, led by rookie coach Nick Sirianni, who led the NFC East club to a wildcard berth.

The 29-year-old completed offseason workouts — including organized team activities and mandatory minicamp — with the Houston Texans, and had a positive review.

“By far one of the hardest otas/mini camps I’ve ever been [a part] of,” Nelson wrote on Twitter. “Can’t wait to see it all pay off.”

Coach Lovie Smith told reporters on June 14 that what made the offseason program successful to that point was the players’ willingness to be coached.

“When we started the off-season program, we asked the guys to show up every day and let us coach you up,” said Smith. “Let our strength and conditioning staff build you up. They’ve done all of that. Our program, the guys have bought into that, and they’re following.”

Official dates for training camp have yet to be announced, but the Texans are among the 28 NFL teams that can report no earlier than July 26.

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Why Texans fans shouldn’t be afraid to buy the LB Garret Wallow hype

Second-year linebacker Garret Wallow has been earning rave reviews from key figures inside the Houston Texans. Fans need not be hesitant.

Since leaving TCU, linebacker Garret Wallow has faced an uphill battle towards making an impact at the next level in the NFL.

After his departure from the Horned Frogs as a senior, his NFL Draft profile read as follows (NFL.com)

“Inside linebacker known for his work ethic, leadership and production for the Horned Frogs. He clearly has the mindset and athletic talent to go hunt for the football. That said, he’s not as strong as teams would like when taking on blocks and he’s not very instinctive as an open-field tackler. If Wallow can improve his fundamentals as a finisher, it could go a long way in determining his NFL future. He can run and has special teams potential, but his tape was a little disappointing as a third-down linebacker, which could hurt his stock. Wallow should find a home on Day 3 of the draft: Average back-up or special teamers”

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio took Wallow during his controversial first draft with the 170th overall pick. The fifth rounder, along with fellow Day 3 pick and sixth-rounder Roy Lopez, composed the part of Houston’s draft where fans were left to wonder exactly what kind of impact could be expected.

The Texans had traded three selections to move up for their chosen linebacker. What was it that Wallow had to offer in Houston? Entering a desperate 2021 campaign, hope was all most could muster.

Fast forward one year later and the change is staggering. Hope has truly turned into expectations. Lopez is projected as the starting 1-technique defensive tackle and Wallow appears to be one of the biggest stars in camp.

After starting just two games in 2021 and finishing his rookie year with 23 combined tackles per Pro Football Reference, Wallow has been the talk of the coaching staff. The team has praised him from essentially every corner imaginable. His teammates, especially the older veterans, are extremely complimentary of his work ethic and drive on the field, especially Christian Kirksey.

Coaches have been equally excited about his potential. Special team’s coordinator Frank Ross noted that Wallow has become a fixture of the special teams unit. Other coaches have noted he’s able to play the weak side, strong side, and middle linebacker position in head coach Lovie Smith’s base 4-3 defense.

“He’s done a great job. Guys like him have taken the reins as far as special teams, heavy core-four roles. He’s done a great job with that and excited to see where he comes into camp in shape, and gets ready to roll for his second full year.”

As if the train wasn’t moving full-steam ahead, Nick Caserio truly threw gas on the fire yesterday on Sports Radio 610 when he went out of the way to compliment his first linebacker selection. He called him the most improved player on the team. Even for a general manager that enjoys interacting with the press, the comment was poignant and offered some key insight to how Houston views their linebacker.

This leaves fans of the Texans to wonder what exactly fair expectations during year two are for Wallow. The answer might be one that is stunningly simple.

Houston should just enjoy the process. Simply celebrate the success of a young man who is clearly becoming a big part of the team’s culture.

Draft picks made on Day 3 are often ones that you are hoping still make the team during their second year. The idea that the Texans may have found a full time starting linebacker, especially with a clear need this year at the strong side linebacker spot, would be incredible. Even if Houston only has someone who’s going to help lead and captain their special teams unit would be a massive win from where Wallow was once projected.

It appears that Caserio has hit another draft homerun from a 2021 class that is majorly outperforming expectations. Wallow’s presence and preached improvement from everyone around him have the potential to serve as the proverbial cherry on top.

Winning teams in the NFL have strong special teams units, it appears Wallow is ready to elevate the Texans in that level. Strong supporting linebacker play is massively important for rookies and it appears Wallow could be in a position to help the onboarding of 2022 third-round pick Christian Harris. The strong side linebacker has huge responsibilities against the run and it’s possible Wallow helps Houston improve from their league-worst run stopping unit.

Whatever it is, fans should be very excited to see what comes to fruition in camp. It just wasn’t something that ever could have been expected after his selection in the fifth-round last year. Everyone will have to wait a few more weeks but all of Houston will know soon enough just how fair the high praises are for the second year linebacker.

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Texans GM Nick Caserio says QB Davis Mills ‘a lot further along’ compared to 2021

Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio told @sportsradio610 that QB Davis Mills is “a lot further along” after 2022 offseason workouts compared to 2021.

The Houston Texans weren’t too sure about Davis Mills in 2021.

The team gave first-team quarterback reps to Tyrod Taylor throughout the offseason workout program and training camp. Taylor was also the starter for the first two weeks of the regular season until a hamstring strain compelled Houston to start their third-round rookie from Stanford.

Mills ultimately went 2-9 as a starter with a 2-3 record down the final five games, including a 41-29 win over the playoff-hunting Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie posted a 9-2 touchdown to interception ratio with a 102.4 passer rating.

Houston did not sign a viable veteran quarterback in free agency, and let Taylor walk. The Texans also avoided quarterback in the 2022 NFL draft.

The keys to new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s offense belong to Mills.

After completing the 2022 offseason program, general manager Nick Caserio told “Payne & Pendergast” on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Thursday that Mills is further along compared to where he was a year ago at the same time.

“Overall I would say from he was, call it a year ago, to where he is now, he’s certainly a lot further along,” Caserio said. “So, I think the preseason and the training camp will be another opportunity, not only for him, but the whole team to see if we can kind of build on some of the things that we’ve done here over the last however many weeks it’s been.”

What Mills has displayed throughout the offseason program — albeit in an environment wherein tackling is not allowed and quarterbacks are off limits — is good decision-making and accuracy.

“I would say two of the most important things are decision making and accuracy,” said Caserio. “So, when you look at that position, do you take care of the football, do you make the right decision, do you go where the play tells you the ball should go. So, I would say for the most part, the majority of the plays that we’ve run during the course of the spring, that’s been the case. Are there some instances where he could have made some better throws or a throw there? So, I would say for the most part those couple of areas I articulated I would say he’s certainly ahead.”

What Caserio has appreciated about Mills throughout his tenure with the Texans is his ability to shake off bad plays and move on.

Said Caserio: “I would say the one thing that’s been consistent relative to his personality and his demeanor if regardless of what happens on a play good or bad, it’s just kind of on to the next play. He really doesn’t let that ruffle him, which I would say is a good quality as a player because, look, there’s 70 plays that happen during the course of a game. So, you’re going to run a play, and then you’re going to go to a next play. So, what happened two or three plays ago honestly it doesn’t really matter. What matters is can you focus on what your job is, what you have to get accomplished on that particular play regardless of the situation.”

If Mills is able to carry over his decision-making and accuracy into training camp, preseason, and the regular season, it should provide consistency to a position that has been a colossal question mark for the entire Caserio era.

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Texans GM Nick Caserio says coach Lovie Smith has provided consistency

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio appreciates the consistency coach Lovie Smith has instilled throughout the football team.

The Houston Texans have lacked a steady foundation since the 2020s began.

The Texans fired coach and general manager Bill O’Brien four games into the 2020 campaign. After finishing the season with a 4-8 record — 4-12 for the season — the Texans did not promote 72-year-old Romeo Crennel from the interim role to the full-time job. Instead the Texans went with 65-year-old David Culley, but fired him after a 4-13 finish.

Lovie Smith has been a part of the whirlwind as the Texans promoted him from defensive coordinator and associate head coach to the main gig, but the 64-year-old is providing a stable presence for the organization.

“I think Lovie has been consistent since the day that he was put in that chair and from the start of the offseason program about what the expectation is for the players, what the expectation is for the program, and it’s about work and it’s about improvement,” general manager Nick Caserio told “Payne & Pendergast” on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Thursday. “So, I would say when that was laid out to where we are now, I would say progress in that area.”

The Texans have completed their offseason program with the finalization of mandatory minicamp. The Texans will have the next five weeks off, and Caserio knows that Smith’s communication with the players has instilled a sense of ownership over the 2022 product.

“The players ultimately have to take ownership, but the communication from Lovie to the players and Lovie to the leadership group and then the leadership group disseminating information throughout the team, I’d say we’re in a really good spot relative to those measures,” Caserio said.

Smith has not coached in the NFL since he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2014-15, compiling a 6-24 record in that span.

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