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Texans Running Backs

Dejaview said:
It’s amazing to me that we passed on so many better RB’s in the draft to get Marks. Draft analysis are never wrong, that’s why the draft is so predictable and easy. Just listen to the pundits who project prospects onto 32 fungible rosters. There are no other moving parts other than the RB. Hey if you need a RB that is an above average checkdown target for CJ then go get that one dimensional RB that rushed for over 1K yards last year. This is sooooo easy!
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They feel very comfortable about their running back group. I’m sure Mixon could practice but they’re holding him out for precautionary reasons. Marks will be a darn good back as well.
 
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Texansballer74 said:
They fill very comfortable about their running back group. I’m sure Mixon could practice but they’re holding him out for precautionary reasons. Marks will be a darn good back as well.
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Hopefully you're correct and I think you are.

Even with Mixon and Marks they still need a 3rd RB unless you believe in Pierce?
 
I’m of the opinion that the team was well aware of Mixon’s ailment going into the draft. They targeted a running back who’s shown he can be an effective ball carrier, has reliable hands with solid production overall in major conferences (SEC and Big 10). Pair that with the current group, and the hope was likely that Mixon would be ready by the start of camp or shortly after. Then OTAs roll around, and Pierce is nursing a quad issue. Suddenly we’re short again, and in comes Chubb. Now let's keep it real, there's almost no chance Chubb returns to his elite form given his age and injury history. But the move at the time looks like it was based on his tough running style, ball security, veteran reliability as a pass protector and available $$$. It may not look like a flashy or inspiring RB room at the moment and I'm not saying I like it, but I’m willing to see how things play out through the rest of camp and maybe even into the first 2 regular season games.
 
steelbtexan said:
Hopefully you're correct and I think you are.

Even with Mixon and Marks they still need a 3rd RB unless you believe in Pierce?
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I saw things I really liked from Brooks and Jordan last year... I'm excited that there will be space for those two to get significant RB reps the next few weeks. I think it is likely that one of those two will become quality NFL Rbs.
 
This trend of bypassing nice RB prospects in the mid rounds frustrates me no end.
I understand the philosophy of skill position players etc taking priority in the top 5 rounds but now we are seeing the results of neglecting the RB position every year.
When you think of it, other than the QB, who else gets to handle the ball on the lion's share of offensive snaps?
Now you guys see why I pound the table for a quality back in the 2nd or third rounds and the annoying part for me is they have had the chance with multiple picks in 2nd or third rounds over the last few years and we have seen several of these guys be very successful in the league.
I think they were spoiled by Arian Foster (UDFA) and they think they can unearth another.
How has that worked since his departure?
 
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Texansballer74 said:
They feel very comfortable about their running back group. I’m sure Mixon could practice but they’re holding him out for precautionary reasons. Marks will be a darn good back as well.
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I agree. My post, rereading it, was poorly stated but I like the Marks pick and I wouldn’t trade our first three picks for any RB. With Marks receiving skills he seems to be an ideal Swarm selection. He and Jaylin Smith are my two players I think might be a pleasant surprise. From the limited film I’ve seen on him he looks shifty and strong…and healthy. Seems I’m reading he’s showing his blocking decision skills in camp. Jon Harris recently said a rookie RB better know not just how to block but WHO to block and Marks is showing some aptitude there.
 
Im not hearing that Mixon could practice. Quite the contrary. I hear its a concerning lingering injury, and while the goal is the Rams…theres a decent chance he wont be ready for game 1 and quite possibly beyond that. CND has talked about the cumulative effect of the ankle injuries from these hip drop tackles. We had chances to draft a guy that has a good shot to be “the guy” but instead they went for the pass catching back that is a specialty back. Marks might be very good at what he was drafted to do, but if you press him into a role he isn't well suited for…not good.
 
Texansphan said:
This trend of bypassing nice RB prospects tin the mid rounds frustrates me no end.
I understand the philosophy of skill position players etc taking priority in the top 5 rounds but now we are seeing the results of neglecting the RB position every year.
When you think of it, other than the QB, who else gets to handle the ball on the lion's share of offensive snaps?
Now you guys see why I pound the table for a quality back in the 2nd or third rounds and the annoying part for me is they have had the chance with multiple picks in 2nd or third rounds over the last few years and we have seen several of these guys be very successful in the league.
I think they were spoiled by Arian Foster and think they can unearth another.
How has that worked since his departure?
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Didn't they spend a 3rd on Marks?

Or did they trade a 2026 3rd for a 2025 4th and draft Marks?

Seems like you dont like the Marks pick? I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised with Marks. BTW, looking back at the Texans needs and who they picked in the 1st four rds who would you have rather given up to pick a RB higher than what they did. Higgins/Noel (They got tired of CJ not having WR's that can separate in the playoffs) Ersery (Many people said they didn't do enough to address the OL) Smith (Petrie going down cost this team the chiefs game IMHO) Then you've got Marks. What would you have done differently?

I'll tell you what I would do now, I would look at trading a late rd pick for either Singletary or Ettiene at the end of camp.
 
Porky said:
Im not hearing that Mixon could practice. Quite the contrary. I hear its a concerning lingering injury, and while the goal is the Rams…theres a decent chance he wont be ready for game 1 and quite possibly beyond that. CND has talked about the cumulative effect of the ankle injuries from these hip drop tackles. We had chances to draft a guy that has a good shot to be “the guy” but instead they went for the pass catching back that is a specialty back. Marks might be very good at what he was drafted to do, but if you press him into a role he isn't well suited for…not good.
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They never report they could practice but we’re holding him out. Never
 
Porky said:
Im not hearing that Mixon could practice. Quite the contrary. I hear its a concerning lingering injury, and while the goal is the Rams…theres a decent chance he wont be ready for game 1 and quite possibly beyond that. CND has talked about the cumulative effect of the ankle injuries from these hip drop tackles. We had chances to draft a guy that has a good shot to be “the guy” but instead they went for the pass catching back that is a specialty back. Marks might be very good at what he was drafted to do, but if you press him into a role he isn't well suited for…not good.
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I'm not worried because he didn't play at all last preseason either. Now if he misses game #1 I will be worried. But if it looks like Mixon wont be ready to play week #1 then you can expect Caserio to trade for a vet RB like Singletary.
 
Porky said:
Im not hearing that Mixon could practice. Quite the contrary. I hear its a concerning lingering injury, and while the goal is the Rams…theres a decent chance he wont be ready for game 1 and quite possibly beyond that. CND has talked about the cumulative effect of the ankle injuries from these hip drop tackles. We had chances to draft a guy that has a good shot to be “the guy” but instead they went for the pass catching back that is a specialty back. Marks might be very good at what he was drafted to do, but if you press him into a role he isn't well suited for…not good.
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Marks is what his draft profile called a "scheme fit" - he needed to go to the right team. All indications are that the Texans are moving away from Slovick's zone blocking and more toward a gap scheme - a perfect fit for Marks. But at a minimum, he should be satisfactory as a 3rd down role player.

On a second look last night, I'm more concerned about Brooks and Jordan. They may have potential, but are unknowns, and with limited college production. And Dare hasn't had production last year, even though healthy. These three have their chance this year and we need at least one to come through.

I'm not sure about Mixon. Last year he played 14 reg season games. In 3 he had less than 10 carries. He had only 7 games in which he had more than 15 carries.
 
Rich Schmidt said:
This is where I am at. Astros have given us PTSD, Mixon is a gamer and I think he will go game 1
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Maybe, but look at his stats from last year. He had only 7 games with 15 carries. Caley says he wants to run the ball, but who's gonna run the ball the other 10 games. Or are we expecting him to be healthier than last year? It may be that RB2 has more carries and production than RB1.
 
They gave up a 3rd rounder in 2026 for the right to draft Marks at the top of round 4. Nick could have stuck and drafted Martinez, Neal, Harvey, Skattebo, or a couple of others that might be more well-suited to the backup role...prepping to take the reins. Marks is a 3rd down pass catcher.

Giving up next years 3rd was highly questionable in late April, and it's highly questionable now. If Marks overachieves, as some (#19, et al) seem to think might happen and he becomes the dude and a good 3 down back...all will be forgotten. If he's a good 3rd down guy...it's questionable. Less, and it's a total bomb like Metchie. You can get good 3rd down backs for less than the cost of a 3rd AND 4th round pick. Come on guys. This isn't rocket science. You don't give up that kind of jack for a specialty back. Stupid!
 
Porky said:
They gave up a 3rd rounder in 2026 for the right to draft Marks at the top of round 4. Nick could have stuck and drafted Martinez, Neal, Harvey, Skattebo, or a couple of others that might be more well-suited to the backup role...prepping to take the reins. Marks is a 3rd down pass catcher.

Giving up next years 3rd was highly questionable in late April, and it's highly questionable now. If Marks overachieves, as some (#19, et al) seem to think might happen and he becomes the dude and a good 3 down back...all will be forgotten. If he's a good 3rd down guy...it's questionable. Less, and it's a total bomb like Metchie. You can get good 3rd down backs for less than the cost of a 3rd AND 4th round pick. Come on guys. This isn't rocket science. You don't give up that kind of jack for a specialty back. Stupid!
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Just for a little clarification on my position on Marks, the 4th round is where I was hoping to take a RB, and Marks wasn't checked off as one I was looking at. It's just that, after the draft, I don't dwell on what I would have done or what could have been, as so many do. What is, is. So I looked at Marks profile and I liked what I saw and understood why he was the back the Texans wanted. Having him on the squad, yes of course I'm hoping for the best. Looking at our RB room, we need Marks to produce if we are to have the season we all want.
 
steelbtexan said:
Didn't they spend a 3rd on Marks?

Or did they trade a 2026 3rd for a 2025 4th and draft Marks?

Seems like you dont like the Marks pick? I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised with Marks. BTW, looking back at the Texans needs and who they picked in the 1st four rds who would you have rather given up to pick a RB higher than what they did. Higgins/Noel (They got tired of CJ not having WR's that can separate in the playoffs) Ersery (Many people said they didn't do enough to address the OL) Smith (Petrie going down cost this team the chiefs game IMHO) Then you've got Marks. What would you have done differently?

I'll tell you what I would do now, I would look at trading a late rd pick for either Singletary or Ettiene at the end of camp.
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Skattebo @97 or Dylan Sampson rather than Marks @ 116.
 
Porky said:
They gave up a 3rd rounder in 2026 for the right to draft Marks at the top of round 4. Nick could have stuck and drafted Martinez, Neal, Harvey, Skattebo, or a couple of others that might be more well-suited to the backup role...prepping to take the reins. Marks is a 3rd down pass catcher.

Giving up next years 3rd was highly questionable in late April, and it's highly questionable now. If Marks overachieves, as some (#19, et al) seem to think might happen and he becomes the dude and a good 3 down back...all will be forgotten. If he's a good 3rd down guy...it's questionable. Less, and it's a total bomb like Metchie. You can get good 3rd down backs for less than the cost of a 3rd AND 4th round pick. Come on guys. This isn't rocket science. You don't give up that kind of jack for a specialty back. Stupid!
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It will be worth it if Marks has a James White type career. IMHO
 
theCATALYST said:
Fingers crossed for a re-birth of one Dameon Pierce, Texans RB. Pierce is a true Gap Rush RB and struggled with Slowicks Outside Zone scheme. I believe that with Nick Caley's new offensive look, Pierce will be back to his year one self, only better. And I am here for it!

View attachment 15700
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Yes, we need Pierce. But he's rehabbing from a quad injury with risk of reinjury high.
 
Porky said:
They gave up a 3rd rounder in 2026 for the right to draft Marks at the top of round 4. Nick could have stuck and drafted Martinez, Neal, Harvey, Skattebo, or a couple of others that might be more well-suited to the backup role...prepping to take the reins. Marks is a 3rd down pass catcher.

Giving up next years 3rd was highly questionable in late April, and it's highly questionable now. If Marks overachieves, as some (#19, et al) seem to think might happen and he becomes the dude and a good 3 down back...all will be forgotten. If he's a good 3rd down guy...it's questionable. Less, and it's a total bomb like Metchie. You can get good 3rd down backs for less than the cost of a 3rd AND 4th round pick. Come on guys. This isn't rocket science. You don't give up that kind of jack for a specialty back. Stupid!
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Agree.
They must have taken him for a special task but geez, that kind of capital on a specialist role, likely on 3rd down as a RB, is a little rich for my liking.
Guess we will have to wait and see.
 
Yeah Marks is wait and see. But specialist doesn’t necessarily mean just third down only. Maybe a play is designed to put a receiver swarm on the field to change the tempo and gas the defense. Third down specialist just means the first two downs came up short. If he succeeds and moves the chains what’s not to like and value?
 
We dont know if SB is right, but he compared Marks to James White. Would you give up a 3rd and 4th for White?

My answer is no. While that role has value, its not worth that much capital imho. The 4th for sure. Maybe even the third by itself knowing in advance im getting a career similar to White. I would not give up both and therin lies the rub.

Its not Marks fault that Nick overpaid to acquire him, but the trade Nick made will be debated in regards to value received for compensation given up. Lets see what the kid can do before the book is closed on all of this. But i do think he was acquired specifically for a role as a pass catching specialist not as a complete back. If he becomes that…i think its very likely that exceeds the Texans most lofty expectations.
 
Porky said:
They gave up a 3rd rounder in 2026 for the right to draft Marks at the top of round 4. Nick could have stuck and drafted Martinez, Neal, Harvey, Skattebo, or a couple of others that might be more well-suited to the backup role...prepping to take the reins. Marks is a 3rd down pass catcher.

Giving up next years 3rd was highly questionable in late April, and it's highly questionable now. If Marks overachieves, as some (#19, et al) seem to think might happen and he becomes the dude and a good 3 down back...all will be forgotten. If he's a good 3rd down guy...it's questionable. Less, and it's a total bomb like Metchie. You can get good 3rd down backs for less than the cost of a 3rd AND 4th round pick. Come on guys. This isn't rocket science. You don't give up that kind of jack for a specialty back. Stupid!
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I do agree on most of your points, yet Marks did rush for 1,133 yards in 2024. What I like best about him in the Gap system, he follows his blockers closely and is quick into the hole. This should take advantage of linebackers dropping into the backfield to protect against Stroud's passing.
I think Mixon will be okay, but Chubb being healthy will offer Mixon some relief and insurance in case Joe leaves the field for more than a couple plays.
 
badboy said:
I do agree on most of your points, yet Marks did rush for 1,133 yards in 2024. What I like best about him in the Gap system, he follows his blockers closely and is quick into the hole. This should take advantage of linebackers dropping into the backfield to protect against Stroud's passing.
I think Mixon will be okay, but Chubb being healthy will offer Mixon some relief and insurance in case Joe leaves the field for more than a couple plays.
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I'm not counting on Chubbs being healthy. Are you? The one report I saw said Chubbs, last week, even without the pads, was not looking like the old Chubbs.
 
Texansballer74 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1949888909644616038
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This, I think, is how we all see the situation with Mixon. He'll be treated with kid gloves during TC and will be ready to go game one. The question is: how well will he hold up as the season progresses? As "good" as he was last year, his play was limited, having only 7 "workhorse" reg season games. So we definitely need another RB to step up as RB2.
 
steelbtexan said:
Or did they trade a 2026 3rd for a 2025 4th and draft Marks?
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So here is the trade to move up for Marks.


www.pro-football-reference.com

2025 NFL Draft Listing | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the 2025 NFL Draft Results including drafted players and trade timelines and their career stats on Pro-Football-Reference.com
www.pro-football-reference.com www.pro-football-reference.com
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Apr 26, 2025: Dolphins traded 2025 4th round pick (116th overall, Woody Marks) and 2025 7th round pick (224th overall, Kyonte Hamilton) to Texans for 2025 6th round pick (179th overall, Ollie Gordon) and a 2026 3rd round pick
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Texans get 2025 pick 4.116 (Marks)+ 2025 pick 7.224 (Kyonte Hamilton)
Dolphins get 2025 pick 6.179 (Ollie Gordon) + 2026 3rd round pick
 
badboy said:
Skattebo @97 or Dylan Sampson rather than Marks @ 116.
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I was with you on those guys above Marks, but he is who they took so I hope he succeeds. I came to start liking the pick the more I looked, but still wanted the other guys more. Skattebo feels like that guy who's measurables will never impress, but the leadership and tape was so good. When I see how the offense is designed maybe Marks will look like the better fit for what they want to do. Right now all we know is it is some mix of Rams, EP.
 
badboy said:
I do agree on most of your points, yet Marks did rush for 1,133 yards in 2024. What I like best about him in the Gap system, he follows his blockers closely and is quick into the hole. This should take advantage of linebackers dropping into the backfield to protect against Stroud's passing.
I think Mixon will be okay, but Chubb being healthy will offer Mixon some relief and insurance in case Joe leaves the field for more than a couple plays.
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It’s Woody’s vision man!
 
TxnsJuggernaut1 said:
I'll admit I like underdogs and long shots so I am being partial when it comes to those kinds of players.
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Not sure you remember the negative comments I went through when Brooks was drafted. My main contention was he had not done anything in college because of his injury history. So far in the NFL, I have been correct. Of course, as with any Texan, I do wish him well and like you ,I do root for under dogs or those with heart tug life histories.
 
Number19 said:
And his burst. Of course highlight reels only show the good, but boy, those chunk plays accelerating into the gap. His yards per carry for the USC last year was 5.7, so if we have the blocking....? Mixon's average last year was 4.1, so that's the minimum I want to see from Marks.
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Yup, as I said above, Marks is going to catch some linebackers and safeties out of position.
 
Number19 said:
And his burst. Of course highlight reels only show the good, but boy, those chunk plays accelerating into the gap. His yards per carry for the USC last year was 5.7, so if we have the blocking....? Mixon's average last year was 4.1, so that's the minimum I want to see from Marks.
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He really seems to have game speed vision running and blocking from what I’m reading. His reported shiftiness and blocking seems to point to that vision.
 
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