The league is currently in the midst of spring practices, which are an excellent opportunity for backups or new players to gain additional experience with the team prior to training camp and the preseason. The Houston Texans are hoping to outperform their 2023 performance in the same way. This building has a lot of new players as well as some returning players who will now compete for a starting position on the depth chart. This team has been the subject of a lot of preseason hype, with many anticipating a run at the Lombardi trophy in February. But all of that begins with these OTAs, minicamps, and training camp drills right now.
In order to be able to rely on certain players on game days, Houston will need them to maintain their success for the remainder of the spring and summer, as rumors from OTAs indicate that a few of them have particularly strong practices. It’s not like these practices will decide who gets a job or not in two months, but it’s good to see where everyone fits in and who the team starts.
The Texans will have to rely on a few lesser-known players or players who haven’t had a chance to play on Sundays before in addition to the obvious stars on this roster. There will be competition at guard and a new right tackle for their offensive line this season. Now that minicamp has begun and OTAs have passed, let’s examine two players who must continue to be productive during this phase of the off-season.John Metchie III, a wide receiver
John Metchie III remains the same despite the Texans making significant additions to his wide receiver room. Since returning to the practice field in Houston, he has had a very successful spring for himself. Ryans told the Houston Chronicle, “You talk about a guy that’s improved a lot throughout these OTAs and minicamp, Metchie has showed up.”
Despite having only one year of game footage to support him, Metchie is entering his third season in the league. His career was derailed by some unlucky events, but as he continues to connect with CJ Stroud, he hopes to return to his Alabama days.
Metchie will have the opportunity to defeat Ben Skowronek, a recent addition, and Noah Brown in the competition for the team’s fourth wide receiver spot. Metchie has improved every time he takes the field as he works to gain his footing. Additionally, the coaching staff and the locker room support head coach Demeco Ryans’ remarks made to the media. It is unclear where he will be ranked on the depth chart in September, but if he maintains the rapid progress he has shown this spring, he will receive plenty of playing time each week.
Kenyon Green, an offensive lineman
When he first joined the league, Kenyon Green has been an interesting player to watch. He was selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, made 14 starts in his debut season, and had a shoulder injury that ended his sophomore campaign. Reports from OTA’s indicated that Green has impressed the team with both his growth on the field and his recuperation as he continues to get healthier.
That seemed to be Kenyon’s main accomplishment. We can now witness Kenyon’s potential as a football player when he overcomes that obstacle and is not hampered by injuries. Demeco Ryans stated via Click 2 Houston, “I’m excited about what’s ahead for Kenyon because he’s put in the work to give himself a really good chance this year.”
With the addition of rookie Blake Fisher this off-season, the Texans have made some adjustments to their offensive line. That will force Tytus Howard to be tackled inside, but not before Green puts up a fight. If Green is unable to defeat Howard, he will challenge Shaq Mason for the other guard spot and might even drive Mason out of the city.
He’ll be an interesting player to watch whether or not he CAN defeat either of them. As a starter, Houston selected him in the draft, and going into year three, I don’t think that has changed in the slightest. Throughout the season, he will find himself on the field in one capacity or another, even if he doesn’t start in Week 1.
Despite having a wealth of offensive line depth, the Texans will regrettably need to choose among their starting five offensive linemen from a difficult field. The coaching staff may be forced to start Green if he can maintain his strong start to the season. All he needs to do is keep his foot on the pedal and make Demeco Ryans start him; the front office is behind him.
Leave a Reply