The Houston Texans did effectively to arrange their future within the 2023 NFL Draft, however the group nonetheless has a lot to determine throughout its first offseason program beneath first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. Listed below are 4 Texans gamers whose inventory is trending both up or down:
Inventory Up
Tank Dell, WR: The Texans drafted Dell at the request of No. 2 total decide C.J. Stroud after the 2 grew to become quick pals throughout the NFL Mix. A robust route runner with fast bursts and good palms, Dell is reportedly changing into an early go-to choice for Stroud throughout OTAs as the 2 have seemingly developed chemistry straight away.
Dell averaged practically 14 yards per reception and scored 32 touchdowns in 35 video games on the College of Houston. His explosiveness and big-play capacity give the Texans a real downfield menace who can stretch the sector, which is strictly what they misplaced after buying and selling Brandin Cooks to Dallas.
Derek Stingley Jr., CB: There have been some issues to love about Stingley Jr.’s rookie season. He didn’t enable a landing in protection and by no means allowed a reception longer than 34 yards, per Pro Football Focus. Nonetheless, with only one interception and 4 compelled incompletions in 9 video games, it all the time appeared like Stingley Jr. was able to extra.
Now, with a defensive-minded head coach in DeMeco Ryans, who led a top-ranked 49ers protection that tied for the NFL lead in interceptions final season, Stingley Jr. might flourish in Yr 2. Reviews from OTAs point out that Stingley Jr. has improved from the place he was at the moment final season, exhibiting a sharper understanding of protection schemes and route mixtures. After including Jimmie Ward from the 49ers and Shaquill Griffin from the Jaguars, Stingley Jr. now has extra assist, liberating him to shadow opponents’ high perimeter WRs.
Inventory Down
Davis Mills, QB: Though each indication factors to Mills as Houston’s No. 1 quarterback for now, it’s just for now. Stroud has been turning heads throughout OTAs and it feels as if it’s solely a matter of time earlier than he ascends to the highest of the depth chart.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson recently reported that groups have been calling the Texans to inquire about Mills’ availability — a telltale signal that his days in Houston might be numbered. The Texans signed Case Keenum to mentor Stroud, and with Mills additionally on the roster, it looks as if one would ultimately must go.
Nico Collins, WR: Collins seemed to be Houston’s No. 1 receiver heading into the offseason. However then the group signed veteran Robert Woods and drafted Dell and John Metchie, the previous Alabama star, began turning heads throughout OTAs after sitting out his rookie 12 months whereas battling leukemia. Now, Collins is surrounded by competitors.
Regardless of seeing 126 targets in his first two seasons, Collins has simply 70 receptions and three touchdowns, and he has by no means damaged the 500-yard plateau. Even on a nasty Titans group final 12 months, Woods had 53 receptions and 527 yards. It’s attainable Collins might discover himself third or fourth on Houston’s depth chart by the point coaching camp is over.
