Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
Getty
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is seen before a game between the Auburn Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is about action, and the remake of the offensive line this offseason is among the latest examples. Caserio recently drew attention to himself and the Texans for different reasons, including with EJ Smith.
The Texans do not have a lot of holes left on their roster, but they can still find their next star contributor in the 2026 draft, and Caserio is taking a hands-on approach.
Moreover, he took a heavy contingent of Texans personnel with him.
Texans Showing Interest in Emmith Smith’s Son
EJ Smith, Houston Texans
EJ Smith #22 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns.
Caserio was part of the Texans’ group on hand for Texas A&M’s pro day, which featured a host of NFL prospects, including Smith, the son of Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith.
“Texas A&M RB EJ Smith said he has a workout with the Cowboys next week and the #Texans in two weeks,” The Houston Chronicle’s Sam Warren reported on X on March 25.
“Smith is the son of Cowboys legendary running back Emmitt Smith.”
Despite his famous lineage, Smith is coming off a lackluster collegiate career, finishing with 969 yards and 9 touchdowns on 207 carries, adding 470 yards and 1 TD on 71 receptions in his six seasons split between A&M and Stanford.
“Smith’s skill set suggests potential as a rotational back in an NFL committee approach,” NFL Draft Buzz’s Bill Miller wrote in his pre-draft profile on the second-generation running back. “Athleticism concerns and limited collegiate production may cap his ceiling as an every-down contributor.”
Miller forecasted “an uphill battle to secure a roster spot” for Smith, expecting him to be either a later-round pick or priority free agent.
Texans Get Closer Look at DT Prospect
Tyler Onyedim, Houston Texans
GettyTyler Onyedim #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies in action during the Maroon & White spring football game.
In addition to Smith, the Texans also made plans to get further intel on his teammate and former Aggies defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim.
“Texas A&M DL Tyler Onyedim said he has an upcoming Top 30 visit with the #Texans,” Warren said in another post. “GM Nick Caserio, assistant GM James Liipfert and DL coach Rod Wright were present to watch him at the Aggies pro day today.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Onyedim to Atlanta Falcons DT Brandon Dorlus.
Zierlein called Onyedim a “future starter with athleticism” and the versatility to play in an even or odd front.
“Onyedim is an impressive athlete with an explosive first step and long arms,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft forecast. “Pass rush is behind his run defense but the tools and flashes are promising.”
Texans GM Nick Caserio Draws Attention at Aggies Pro Day
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Warren noted before the event started and reporting on the Texans’ plans with Onyedim and Smith that Caserio appeared to be the “first front office or coaching representative” on the scene.
“#Texans Assistant GM James Liipfert, OL coach Cole Popovich, DL coach Rod Wright and several other members of the organization are also here,” Warren added in another follow-up post on X.
“Houston well represented in College Station today.”
Caserio has been present at other pro days this offseason, so his presence alone does not exactly stand out. However, such a large group of Texans personnel being at the event is noteworthy.