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Houston Texans 2025 Training Camp

Granted still early…but it looks like Nick may have finalky hit on an offensive lineman. He is your RT as of today.

Im also hearing good things about Howard at RG. I remember Seth Payne talking one day last year about Howard and saying if he really dedicated himself, Howard could be a very good guard. Offseason reports lead me to believe he changed his mindset and his body and embraced the challenge and it may be paying dividends.

Maybe its the optimist in me, but im feeling good about the right side of this line.
 
Porky said:
Granted still early…but it looks like Nick may have finalky hit on an offensive lineman. He is your RT as of today.

Im also hearing good things about Howard at RG. I remember Seth Payne talking one day last year about Howard and saying if he really dedicated himself, Howard could be a very good guard. Offseason reports lead me to believe he changed his mindset and his body and embraced the challenge and it may be paying dividends.

Maybe its the optimist in me, but im feeling good about the right side of this line.
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I agree, I really like this combo on the right side. Now, if our two, old vets on the left side can give us one more good year.....we could have a pretty good OL.
 
I cannot believe I am gonna say this, but in clips Schulz looks open and making nice catches. If someone has motivated him to block, this may be something I did not have on my bingo card. I was ready to move on. Anyone see with pads if he actually hit people, the right people?
 
Somewhat encouraged...but still guarded...by today's outing per several sources including Sean P in the clip above.

Even a good established offense would likely struggle at times against this D. This could easily be a top five D if health doesn't ruin the parade.

Plus...early in camp, it almost always favors defense. It's easier to destroy then create. To put it another way, I can wipe out the Jinga tower took you 30 minutes to build in less than 5 seconds. Building that cohesiveness will take time, and it's not always going to look pretty, especially the first month or so of the season. Let's see what we really have around game 4 or 5. That's the point we can start drawing major conclusions and praise or bash...as the case may be.

But the fact that the offense had it's fair share of answers...not too shabby for a first padded practice.
 
DBCooper said:
View attachment 15691
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Look how he is using his hand to block the glare of the sun! Backward ball caps aren't in keeping with the purpose of wearing them normally. They are meant shield our eyes from the bright sunshine and not simply counting on shades and our hands. I say that but I also like to wear my ball caps backward sometimes. It just depends on how I feel at any given time.
 
Porky said:
I love Metchie the person. Hes overcome a lot and is just the best of the best as a person.

But i never liked the pick. Unlike others who claimed his magic power was getting open, i wasnt that impressed with that part of his game, or any other part. To me he was just ok. 4th rounder. Did some things well, but nothing really stood out as special to me. Compounding the error was trading up in the 2nd round to get him.

Add this to Juice, Green, and likely Fischer and Nick’s draft record is fair but far less than stellar.
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Nicks hits far exceed his misses in my opinion. The picks he hit on negate the picks that he didn't draft well on. I'll take Nicks picks so far over the picks of more than half the GM's in the league made since Nick became our GM.
 
Porky said:
Metchie drops a pass.

In other news, grass is usually green and blacktop is black. Dude is playing himself off the team. Best he can hope for is late round pick swap (e.g. 6th for a 7th)

Total flop as a draft pick. Tricky Nicky traded up for this guy. And most of you guys supported it. :cute:
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Nick has had some misses and we are all wrong at least occasionally but I personally like Nicks track record. That may just be me though. Psychics aren't real so I will take Nicks study of talent and his overall draft record over half the other GM's in the league. Metchie hasn't quite failed just yet. Lets see how things progress in training camp.
 
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ghostlight said:
So we have Mixon has a foot problem, Chubb is looking like yesterdays paper and now I’m thinking about some of the very good RB that we passed up. It amazes me how aging RB’s when looking a a long season seem to be a weak link. I saw this coming and wonder why a GM sits on a brewing injury storm while not grabbing some young studs in the middle rounds to fill in during the recovery times.
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You think Nick knows something we don't? What about the fact that prior to injury British Brooks was looking like he might a diamond in the rough! I think we could ascertain that Nick feels confident with our RB depth.

Also we all assume our O-line struggles last season was due a lack of talent on the line when a big part of their problem may have been due to coaching and fit.

I am no talent evaluator but with an improved overall O-line our back up RB's can better showcase their skills! It's still early in training camp and the dynamics change as time goes on. Everything is a work in progress and nothing is set in stone! Plus it seems that early in camp the defense is bound to have an advantage because most of them have a familiarity with the coaches and how to run their defense. There is a lot more work to do on offense and it is not like our defense is full of scrubs. I for one am glad our offense is up against one of the top defenses in the league for training camp. It is a great way to get better and prepare for other teams.

We tend to be prisoners of the moment early in camp but we need to let it all play out. There is still a lot of it left.
 
So I have 2 tickets to the Club Private Party Tent at tomorrow's training camp practice. Unfortunately, I forgot I'm traveling for work the next 2 days. So if someone wants them shoot me a message and I'll transfer them to you. You gotta have a Ticketmaster account for me to transfer them. I'll keep checking on here until about midnight...yes it's free

Edit: Found someone to give these to.
 
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WAJTerminator said:
Going on Nick's draft record, O-line is a clear deficient area for drafting. Fingers crossed on Ersery. I also think there are moments he out smarts himself trying to trade back, trade up etc.

I like EDC in Baltimore who basically trades back and to see who falls but they're in another league of an organization/situation.
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Warthop and Strausser are gone.

Popovich/Caley are in town. Hence the ERsery pick. Ersery is going to be really good. A man that big shouldn't be able to move his feet like that.
 
ghostlight said:
So we have Mixon has a foot problem, Chubb is looking like yesterdays paper and now I’m thinking about some of the very good RB that we passed up. It amazes me how aging RB’s when looking a a long season seem to be a weak link. I saw this coming and wonder why a GM sits on a brewing injury storm while not grabbing some young studs in the middle rounds to fill in during the recovery times.
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Lets see,

2-34 Did you like the Higgins pick? Would you pick a RB?
2-48 Ersery- would you pick a RB over him?
3-79 Noel- After only having Collins as a viable WR in the playoffs for 2 yrs in a row, would you have rather Caserio picked a RB? I was happy with the Noel pick.
3-97 Smith- after seeing Petrie/Ward go down and the Chiefs take advantage of this I've got no issues with the Smith pick over a RB, do you have an issue with this?

4-116 Marks- They picked their James White, Smart in blitz pickup, good hands and is a good runner. Only thing he lacks is elite speed, but he's god good vision. I dont have a problem with this pick. Marks may not be a bell cow RB but he's more than capable of handling a 150 carry/catch 50 passes in a season. There' a lot of value in this. Dont under sell Marks and if Pierce isn't ready then I could see Caserio trading for a vet RB later in camp.
 
KoolAid Sipper said:
So I have 2 tickets to the Club Private Party Tent at tomorrow's training camp practice. Unfortunately, I forgot I'm traveling for work the next 2 days. So if someone wants them shoot me a message and I'll transfer them to you. You gotta have a Ticketmaster account for me to transfer them. I'll keep checking on here until about midnight...yes it's free
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We're going from SA thru Houston to Lake Charles on Sunday a few days then back. Thanks for the kindly share tho koolaid
 
steelbtexan said:
^^^^
This
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KoolAid Sipper said:
Much to our chagrin, Schultz ain't being paid to block and shouldn't be used as such. Let him be the receiving option at TE and keep it moving.
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One issue I had with Slowik was his utilization of certain weapons. Pierce as a gap finder instead of being told where to go. Pierce thrived in shotgun runs at Florida with double team blocks and this is the hole and hit it like this. Schultz being asked to 1-1 with premier pass rushing defensive ends with a line slide to Tunsil’s side (your premier LT). Asking our slow footed guards to down block 1-2 gaps over when you and I and everyone in the stadium knows they can’t get there in time.

Caley can “unlock” things in our offense by truly allowing guys to thrive at what they do well. You want Schultz to chip - fine - but make sure you also have a proper line slide to assist him. If not, maybe align a RB behind him to cover his outside shoulder for another split second before releasing. Flex him out as a big slot after motioning him away from the line once the defense adjusts their front based on initial package. If we are paying him as a top 5 receiving TE - let him do that. He will never be Gronkowski and that is ok. But this is where SCHEME meets TALENT. One without the other is useless.
 
steelbtexan said:
Lets see,

2-34 Did you like the Higgins pick? Would you pick a RB?
2-48 Ersery- would you pick a RB over him?
3-79 Noel- After only having Collins as a viable WR in the playoffs for 2 yrs in a row, would you have rather Caserio picked a RB? I was happy with the Noel pick.
3-97 Smith- after seeing Petrie/Ward go down and the Chiefs take advantage of this I've got no issues with the Smith pick over a RB, do you have an issue with this?

4-116 Marks- They picked their James White, Smart in blitz pickup, good hands and is a good runner. Only thing he lacks is elite speed, but he's god good vision. I dont have a problem with this pick. Marks may not be a bell cow RB but he's more than capable of handling a 150 carry/catch 50 passes in a season. There' a lot of value in this. Dont under sell Marks and if Pierce isn't ready then I could see Caserio trading for a vet RB later in camp.
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As ussual you covered the picks with our needs and I must agree. I don’t have any idea who Marks is but it seems most on here like him. As said earlier that training camp is still developing and the old dudes seem to always pace themselves while nursing aches that come with long term abuse. I will do some research on Marks
 
Ok, i looed up Marks and it seems he is indeed woth the 3rd round traded to move up for him. I would love to have that extra 3 rd for next year however I do remember RB’s were coming off the board at the time. I should have been more informed however when he wasn’t on my radar I just moved on.
 
JWLCASPER said:
One issue I had with Slowik was his utilization of certain weapons. Pierce as a gap finder instead of being told where to go. Pierce thrived in shotgun runs at Florida with double team blocks and this is the hole and hit it like this. Schultz being asked to 1-1 with premier pass rushing defensive ends with a line slide to Tunsil’s side (your premier LT). Asking our slow footed guards to down block 1-2 gaps over when you and I and everyone in the stadium knows they can’t get there in time.

Caley can “unlock” things in our offense by truly allowing guys to thrive at what they do well. You want Schultz to chip - fine - but make sure you also have a proper line slide to assist him. If not, maybe align a RB behind him to cover his outside shoulder for another split second before releasing. Flex him out as a big slot after motioning him away from the line once the defense adjusts their front based on initial package. If we are paying him as a top 5 receiving TE - let him do that. He will never be Gronkowski and that is ok. But this is where SCHEME meets TALENT. One without the other is useless.
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Better yet, let's see what Cade can do with more snaps. He's at least got the size and the want to in order to be a competent blocker. And neither Schultz or Stover are top end athletes in terms of being a pass catcher. So, you've got two guys with some limitations as a pass catcher, but they can make something happen when schemed open....and one of the two looks like a decent blocker, while the other guy is just a get in the way of the guy in front of you and cross your fingers type...give me Stover.

If it wasn't for the money, Stover would be passing Schultz in no time, but money is what it is. Egg on the face of the GM for overpaying Schultz is going to keep him as the starter this year unless he goes down with injury or it becomes overwhelming.
 
CB Maulet is still wearing a red ****.


Maulet underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in August 2024 while with the Baltimore Ravens.
Here's a timeline of events surrounding the injury and his subsequent return..........not a picture of a promise of health:

August 2024: Maulet suffered a knee injury in training camp, requiring arthroscopic surgery.

August 27, 2024: Placed on injured reserve by the Ravens.

October 2, 2024: Designated to return from injured reserve and returned to practice, according to Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site.

October 22, 2024: Activated to the 53-man roster.

November 30, 2024: Placed back on injured reserve due to calf and knee injuries.

March 12, 2025: Released by the Ravens.

July 21, 2025: Signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. Reports indicate Maulet is healthy and participating in Texans training camp.
 
Take John Harris with 42 grains of salt, but yes I've heard generally positive reports about Taylor...but as per usual with Harris, the truth is buried in 12 stories worth of hyperbole and exaggeration. I was pretty excited when we signed him because I knew DeMeco is going to max out his talent.

I've also heard good things about Solomon Byrd, a 2024 6th (or 7th?) rd pick from USC. Lean for his overall size and semi-lanky, he projects best as a pass rush specialist.

The question is where does he fit on this particular roster? Taylor would seem to have the inside track as a veteran with a track record if it's down to he and Taylor. Even if Byrd excels the rest of camp/preseason how does he make the 53? He'd have to be a demon on ST. You've got 4 and maybe 5 locked in at DE. Hopefully he can go back on the PS and be called if when needed without being plucked by another team.
 
I can only go by 3rd hand info, but by multiple accounts, the offense really held their own today vs. the defense. I haven't heard/read every detail, but at worst it seems today was roughly a tie ballgame. Considering it's still relatively early, and this D is one of the best units in the NFL, I'm cautiously optimistic as the O is slowly stepping up it's game against a heavyweight champ. I heard the interior of the o-line was quite good today against our interior D. That's a good sign. Still some trouble at the tackles but the Texans edge rushers are among the best these tackles will see.

Speaking of the o-line, it's taking shape quickly. I think the only true battle left is at center, and I give Patterson an edge due to experience. He's got a number of starts under his belt that Jake doesn't have. But I think it's still in doubt and Patterson needs to earn it. The other four spots (I personally believe) are set as long as health is ok.
 
Porky said:
Take John Harris with 42 grains of salt, but yes I've heard generally positive reports about Taylor...but as per usual with Harris, the truth is buried in 12 stories worth of hyperbole and exaggeration. I was pretty excited when we signed him because I knew DeMeco is going to max out his talent.

I've also heard good things about Solomon Byrd, a 2024 6th (or 7th?) rd pick from USC. Lean for his overall size and semi-lanky, he projects best as a pass rush specialist.

The question is where does he fit on this particular roster? Taylor would seem to have the inside track as a veteran with a track record if it's down to he and Taylor. Even if Byrd excels the rest of camp/preseason how does he make the 53? He'd have to be a demon on ST. You've got 4 and maybe 5 locked in at DE. Hopefully he can go back on the PS and be called if when needed without being plucked by another team.
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Harris and 42 grains of salt are more TC news than I’m being fed where I live. I’m aware of his style but I’m hungry for any news. He’s also stated that Bullock has been a beast, he mentions Hutchinson a lot, he likes Jaylin Smith and says Ersery is getting worked by the edge rushers but is a wall otherwise.
 
austins23 said:
Guaranteed this new OC won't have him put in spots where he has to block a DE solo. We saw that too many times last year in that offfense!
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The problem with that is that his hands aren't great (he doesn't drop many but he is a double-catcher), he doesn't have the speed/quickness to create separation, and he's not particularly physical when boxing out... So, certainly this year, there are better receiving and blocking options than Schultz, anywhere you would consider lining him up. Late last year, Robert Woods essentially replaced some of Schultz's role.
 
Porky said:
Take John Harris with 42 grains of salt, but yes I've heard generally positive reports about Taylor...but as per usual with Harris, the truth is buried in 12 stories worth of hyperbole and exaggeration. I was pretty excited when we signed him because I knew DeMeco is going to max out his talent.

I've also heard good things about Solomon Byrd, a 2024 6th (or 7th?) rd pick from USC. Lean for his overall size and semi-lanky, he projects best as a pass rush specialist.

The question is where does he fit on this particular roster? Taylor would seem to have the inside track as a veteran with a track record if it's down to he and Taylor. Even if Byrd excels the rest of camp/preseason how does he make the 53? He'd have to be a demon on ST. You've got 4 and maybe 5 locked in at DE. Hopefully he can go back on the PS and be called if when needed without being plucked by another team.
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I'm curious what happens with Autry, they clearly love him but he's getting older and costs $$$. Might be a surprise cut if Taylor and Byrd are balling out
 
dalemurphy said:
The problem with that is that his hands aren't great (he doesn't drop many but he is a double-catcher), he doesn't have the speed/quickness to create separation, and he's not particularly physical when boxing out... So, certainly this year, there are better receiving and blocking options than Schultz, anywhere you would consider lining him up. Late last year, Robert Woods essentially replaced some of Schultz's role.
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Can't remember from who, but I saw a tweet that said they ran 12 personnel with Jakob Johnson as the second TE. Although I've heard before Jakob's got pretty good reliable hands, I still thought that was interesting
 
I will use the “its early” moniker with every post like this, plus the usual caveat that its TC and the defense can only shoot blanks…

All that said, we are where we are and within that context im hearing that both Mills and Mertz are dropping dimes and looking good.

Its said that Mills is having his best camp. But he always shines brightest when it matters least. Im glad he is doing well, but i am not completely convinced.

I didnt even think Mertz would be ready this soon. I thought this was a redshirt year. Ill be interested to see how he does in preseason action. I get that defenses are really vanilla but you can usually get a hint if the guy can actually play or if its only against air where he looks good. If he turns into something, thats a feather in Nicks cap.

On the downside…Slovis appears to be a camp arm and hasnt been particularly impressive.
 
steelbtexan said:
Lets see,

2-34 Did you like the Higgins pick? Would you pick a RB?
2-48 Ersery- would you pick a RB over him?
3-79 Noel- After only having Collins as a viable WR in the playoffs for 2 yrs in a row, would you have rather Caserio picked a RB? I was happy with the Noel pick.
3-97 Smith- after seeing Petrie/Ward go down and the Chiefs take advantage of this I've got no issues with the Smith pick over a RB, do you have an issue with this?

4-116 Marks- They picked their James White, Smart in blitz pickup, good hands and is a good runner. Only thing he lacks is elite speed, but he's god good vision. I dont have a problem with this pick. Marks may not be a bell cow RB but he's more than capable of handling a 150 carry/catch 50 passes in a season. There' a lot of value in this. Dont under sell Marks and if Pierce isn't ready then I could see Caserio trading for a vet RB later in camp.
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Why trade for a vet when you could've just drafted 2?
 
steelbtexan said:
Lets see,

2-34 Did you like the Higgins pick? Would you pick a RB?
2-48 Ersery- would you pick a RB over him?
3-79 Noel- After only having Collins as a viable WR in the playoffs for 2 yrs in a row, would you have rather Caserio picked a RB? I was happy with the Noel pick.
3-97 Smith- after seeing Petrie/Ward go down and the Chiefs take advantage of this I've got no issues with the Smith pick over a RB, do you have an issue with this?

4-116 Marks- They picked their James White, Smart in blitz pickup, good hands and is a good runner. Only thing he lacks is elite speed, but he's god good vision. I dont have a problem with this pick. Marks may not be a bell cow RB but he's more than capable of handling a 150 carry/catch 50 passes in a season. There' a lot of value in this. Dont under sell Marks and if Pierce isn't ready then I could see Caserio trading for a vet RB later in camp.
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True but if we are going to 'what if and compare' with Woods, then we can with Scattebo or Dylan Samson.
 
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