Let's dive right into what I'm seeing at OTAs... actually wait!
The Texans have a lot of new players on the roster, and some emerging talents that are looking to take a big step forward this year.
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Without Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce on the field, everyone has moved up on the depth chart for now. Jawhar Jordan and J.J. Taylor are staging 'Don't forget about me' campaigns. And Rookie Woody Marks is fired up to get a piece of the action.
It shouldn't be an eye-opener but it's important to remind people of how important Dare Ogunbowale can be and has been to this football team. He does so many things well, including kicking a field goal in a pinch in '23!
Remember when he had a big first down late in the Buffalo game last season and slid, to keep the clock going? How about catching the big-short pass (an oxymoron?) to get the Texans in field goal range for the win? Or the game-winning TD reception vs. Jacksonville.
I'm sure RB coach Danny Barrett can point to a few dozen other times he's blocked a would-be sacker at just the right time. Or Frank Ross can highlight his Special Teams moments, but we all know he's going to be hard to beat for a spot on this squad.
I can't decide which rookie I like better – Jayden Higgins or Jaylin Noel. Then I remembered that I really don't have to pick one – just enjoy the show. Both have made nice grabs, and we can only wait and see how they'll contribute once we get into camp and preseason games.
You don't have to work at Pro Football Focus to see that Nico Collins is one of the best in the NFL. After getting picked in the third round in 2021 and signing and delivering on his contract extension last year, he's out there in OTA's, entering year five as a polished Pro Bowler, making play after play. I almost want to put him in a box until September.
Speaking of 'Don't forget about me' guys – Xavier Hutchinson is impossible not to notice, as he's been in a lot of nice connections.
Next week I'll focus on some other position groups, as we march through mini-camp.
But, on the way out, let me say this about Will Anderson Jr. – he has one speed – GO. Seeing him in OTA's reminds me of seeing DeMeco Ryans in the '09 Pro Bowl. DeMeco was hitting players like a Super Bowl ring was on the line. There was no 'off' button. He never got the memo that you're supposed to lighten up in the NFL's all-star game.
Will is like that in an unpadded, offseason practice. He blasts into the backfield like lives hang in the balance. There's a reason why the coaches hold him up as an example of how to do things right.