Texans OTA Takeaways: What We Learned Before Mandatory Minicamp

Jordan Mckendrick/Houston Texans

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The Houston Texans wrapped up Organized Team Activities (OTAs) last week, bringing an end to the voluntary portion of the offseason program before mandatory minicamp begins Tuesday and Wednesday.

Participation was reportedly high throughout OTAs, though a handful of established veterans such as Danielle Hunter and Sheldon Rankins were not consistently present. At this stage of the offseason, that isn't viewed as a major concern, and all players are expected to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp this week.

Before diving into the takeaways, it's important to remember what OTAs actually are.

These practices are non-padded and heavily focused on installing schemes, fundamentals, communication, and technique rather than physical competition. Media members were only able to attend two of the seven-plus OTA sessions, so much of the reporting comes from those observations as well as comments from coaches, players, and team personnel throughout the spring.

The overall reports were fairly balanced between offense and defense, which is typically a positive sign this time of year.

Tank Dell's Return Continues to Trend Up

Perhaps the biggest headline from OTAs was the sight of Tank Dell back on the field.

While Dell's participation came in a glorified walkthrough setting and at a controlled pace, simply seeing him moving around with teammates was encouraging. General Manager Nick Caserio recently told Payne & Pendergast that he expects Dell to be ramped up for training camp.

Considering the nature of Dell's devastating knee injury, any progress is good progress.

Tight End Room Generating Buzz

One unfortunate development was rookie tight end Marlin Klein suffering what Aaron Wilson reported as a minor hamstring strain.

Prior to the injury, however, Klein appeared to flash some of the athletic traits that made him an intriguing selection. Houston has been searching for a true all-around tight end presence, and Klein's movement skills have stood out early.

The rest of the room has also generated plenty of positive discussion.

Both Marc Vandermeer and John Harris have repeatedly noted how good Brevin Jordan looks physically. That's encouraging considering Jordan is coming off significant injuries and has spent extensive time on injured reserve. New teammate Foster Moreau even referred to Jordan as the "best kept secret in the NFL" because so few people have seen him healthy over the last couple of years.

Speaking of Moreau, it didn't take long for him to establish himself as a leader.

Whether it was comments from DeMeco Ryans, teammates, or Moreau himself on Texans All Access, one theme remained consistent: leadership.

Ryans referred to Moreau as a "football guy," which is about as high a compliment as a coach can give. Moreau's energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to mentor younger players have already been noticed. He openly acknowledged his responsibility to help develop the younger members of the room and appears to have embraced that role.

The veteran should also help Houston's blocking presence at tight end. Will Anderson Jr. specifically mentioned Moreau when discussing improvements on the edge of the offensive line.

Will Anderson Jr. Setting the Tone

If there was any question whether Will Anderson Jr. would ease into the offseason, those questions were quickly answered.

According to coaches, Anderson has been exactly what he's always been: full speed.

DeMeco Ryans joked that they may have to pull him out of practice just so they can get through a session. Defensive coordinator Matt Burke shared a story about Ryans asking Anderson not to finish at the quarterback for safety reasons. Anderson reportedly slowed down, still won the rep, and still found a way to let everyone know he had won.

The third-year star also appears to be embracing an even larger leadership role. Reports indicate Anderson has spoken to the team after practices and has emphasized urgency, referencing Houston's three consecutive playoff exits in the Divisional Round and the desire to finally break through.

Anderson Jr. also highlighted several edge rushers who have had productive springs, including Dylan Horton, newcomer Dominique Robinson, and rookie Sebastian Harsh.

Offensive Line Rotation Taking Shape

Several offensive linemen have been limited throughout the spring.

Projected starting right tackle Braden Smith has been eased back into action while continuing his recovery process. Trent Brown has also been brought along carefully, which has allowed Blake Fisher to receive valuable starter reps at right tackle.

One encouraging development has been rookie Keylan Rutledge getting work at center along with guard.

Houston appears to be following a similar philosophy to last offseason by exposing young linemen to multiple positions early in the process. The more versatility they can develop now, the more valuable those players become once injuries inevitably arise during the season.

Lewis Bond Turning Heads

One rookie who continues to receive positive reviews is sixth-round receiver Lewis Bond.

Bond was a prospect I found intriguing when Houston drafted him. Having played in Bill O'Brien's Erhardt-Perkins offense at Boston College, Bond arrived with a strong understanding of route concepts and offensive structure that he'd likely see in Caley's system.

He's not a burner, but he wins in other ways.

Bond brings a high football IQ, route-running savvy, toughness, shiftiness, and an understanding of how to settle into zones. He consistently made contested catches in college, and so far it appears many of those traits have translated.

Throughout the offseason, I believed Houston could benefit from adding a veteran slot receiver such as Keenan Allen to serve as a security blanket for C.J. Stroud. While I'm still open to that possibility, Bond could eventually carve out a role if he continues building momentum.

Kayden McDonald Quietly Progressing

There hasn't been a ton of public buzz surrounding second-round defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Through various interviews with coaches and teammates, the consistent message has been that McDonald is assimilating well. He's learning new techniques and refining his game while also showing impressive movement skills for a player his size.

The rookie appears to be progressing exactly as Houston hoped.

Secondary Looks Strong

Derek Stingley Jr. appears to have picked up right where he left off following his First-Team All-Pro season.

One report from an open practice included Stingley jumping an out route and returning it for a pick-six.

New safety Reed Blankenship has also reportedly fit in seamlessly. Multiple comments have pointed toward his communication skills, which should be a valuable addition to a defense that places a premium on pre-snap communication and adjustments.

C.J. Stroud and the Offense Benefiting from Continuity

While media reports have described some practices as average and others as strong for C.J. Stroud, the biggest takeaway may not be any specific throw or highlight.

It's the continuity.

This is now Year 2 in Nick Caley's offense, and coaches have repeatedly discussed how much smoother operations look compared to this point a year ago.

Last season, the Texans occasionally struggled with the pre-snap process. Getting calls from the sideline, relaying them through the huddle, breaking the huddle, identifying protections, motions, alignments, and defensive looks all took time.

Nick Caley, DeMeco Ryans, and quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski have all praised Stroud's command of that process this offseason.

His leadership and willingness to be more vocal have also been noted repeatedly.

Stroud reportedly led a successful two-minute drill during one of the open practices, and both he and Caley have spoken positively about their collaborative relationship.

Houston's offensive staff appears to value Stroud's input, with the quarterback having opportunities to discuss concepts he likes, doesn't like, and adjustments he sees from the field.

That's the type of relationship you'd hope to see between a franchise quarterback and his offensive coordinator.

Wyatt Teller Already Making an Impact

One offseason addition who's received praise is veteran guard Wyatt Teller.

Will Anderson Jr. recently described Teller as a leader within the offensive line room "who I love."

For a team that prioritized toughness, physicality, and leadership this offseason, those comments are notable.

Second Year Skill Players Flashing

Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have also reportedly looked bigger, faster, and ready to contribute more in year 2.

Noel in particular appears likely to be heavily involved in the return game, especially on punt returns. Woody Marks could also factor into kick return duties.

One interesting offseason development was the brief addition of Darren Sproles through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. Sproles spent time working with both Marks and Noel on special teams while also helping Marks refine techniques for finishing runs and creating missed tackles at the second level.

For two rookies expected to contribute in multiple phases, that experience could prove valuable.

Running Back Room Drawing Positive Reviews

One position group that has quietly generated positive feedback throughout OTAs has been the running back room.

New addition David Montgomery appears to be exactly what the Texans envisioned when they traded for him this offseason. Beyond his physical running style, Montgomery has already emerged as a leader within the room and seemingly has a presence about him that teammates gravitate toward.

Offensive coordinator Nick Caley has spoke highly of Montgomery, praising both his game and what he brings to the offense. Montgomery's combination of toughness, leadership, and consistency should make him a central figure in Houston's offensive identity.

Reports also indicate Woody Marks has looked slimmer and in excellent shape throughout the spring. The rookie is expected to bring a different element to the offense as a receiving threat and versatile weapon out of the backfield.

Jawhar Jordan has reportedly looked as explosive as ever as well. His speed and slashing running style provide a different skill set from Montgomery and Marks, potentially giving Houston another change-of-pace option as the battle for backfield snaps continues.

Meanwhile, British Brooks continues to carve out a unique role. The Texans have viewed him as somewhat of a hybrid fullback-running back option, giving the offense additional flexibility in certain personnel packages.

General manager Nick Caserio also sounded pleased with the overall state of the running back room during a recent appearance on SportsRadio 610. Between Montgomery's leadership, Marks' versatility, Jordan's explosiveness, and Brooks' flexibility, Houston appears to have assembled a diverse group of backs capable of complementing one another well.

Looking Ahead to Minicamp 

It's dangerous to overreact to non-padded practices in June, but the early signs are encouraging.

Tank Dell is progressing. C.J. Stroud appears comfortable operating in Year 2 of Nick Caley's system. Will Anderson Jr. continues to set the tone. Veterans like Foster Moreau, Wyatt Teller, and Reed Blankenship are already emerging as leaders. And several rookies have generated positive reviews early in the process.

Now the focus shifts to mandatory minicamp before the Texans break for the summer and prepare for training camp.

The real evaluations begin once the pads come on, but Houston appears to be heading into that phase with plenty of momentum.