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The Houston Texans went 3-13-1 just two years ago. They ended up with two top-three draft picks after that, and that kicked off a quick and effective rebuild.
Houston has won 10 games in each of the last two seasons, and they could be even better in 2025. So, who will make the 53-man roster this year?
C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills
C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons ever. He joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana on the list of the only signal-callers to ever lead the league in both passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio. He set numerous other records during his rookie season, including being the youngest playoff starting quarterback ever, having the most passing yards in a game by a rookie (470), and having the most passing touchdowns in a game by a first-year player (five).
The impressive rookie campaign made it obvious that MVPs are likely in Stroud’s future, but he actually had a sophomore slump in which his numbers regressed. Expect Stroud to get back on track this season. Davis Mills will be his backup this season, and the Texans will hope to stash Graham Mertz on the practice squad. The rookie from Florida hasn’t looked great so far, so he could very well clear through waivers.
Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, Dameon Pierce, Jakob Johnson
The Texans have tons of depth at running back, which will likely make for a big-name cut. Dameon Pierce is on the roster bubble, but his experience as a starter and his recent reps with the ones mean he should make it over Dare Ogunbowale. The Texans having ball carrier depth is important because Joe Mixon is dealing with an injury, and Nick Chubb has been ravaged by injuries for consecutive seasons.
Both of those players have done a lot in their NFL careers, but they are also both likely well past their primes. That is where Woody Marks can make an impact. The rookie fourth-round pick might get carries right away. There is also a positional battle at fullback between Jakob Johnson and British Brooks. It isn’t clear which player has the edge towards making the roster. Johnson has more experience, although Brooks was on the roster last year.
Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson
The Texans were supposed to have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL last year. Instead, Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell all spent a sizable amount of time in street clothes because of injuries. Diggs is gone, and Dell will be out for the year, but a big season from Collins can be expected this year.
The Texans revamped their trove of pass catchers by drafting Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel early in the 2025 NFL Draft. The duo know how to work well together as they played together in college at Iowa State.[ Christian Kirk was also acquired...
