With 2025 NFL training camps just around the corner, it's time to get up to speed on all 32 NFL teams. Coral Smith has the lowdown on position battles, key players and notable subplots across the AFC South.
Catch up on the Houston Texans' offseason developments and 2025 outlook below.
Training Camp Dates/Information
- Players report: July 22 (rookies & veterans)
- Location: Houston Methodist Training Center | Houston (fan information)
Notable Roster Changes
| 2025 draft class | Selection |
|---|---|
| Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State | Round 2 (No. 34 overall) |
| Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota | Round 2 (No. 48) |
| Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State | Round 3 (No. 79) |
| Jaylin Smith, CB, USC | Round 3 (No. 97) |
| Woody Marks, RB, USC | Round 4 (No. 116) |
| Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State | Round 6 (No. 187) |
| Graham Mertz, QB, Florida | Round 6 (No. 197) |
| Kyonte Hamilton, DT, Rutgers | Round 7 (No. 224) |
| Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa | Round 7 (No. 255) |
Preseason Schedule
- Week 1: at Minnesota Vikings | 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 9
- Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers | 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 16
- Week 3: at Detroit Lions | 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 23
2025 Schedule Note
- In the final four weeks of this season, Houston has three home games against teams that missed the playoffs in the 2024 campaign.
-- NFL Research
What You Need To Know
1) After a sophomore slump for C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense, training camp will provide the first extended look at what the quarterback will look like in new offensive coordinator Nick Caley's scheme. Stroud was a revelation for Houston in his first season, winning Rookie of the Year honors, but then regressed in 2024. Stroud has already praised the way that Caley has allowed him to take more control of the offense, so we'll have to see whether the man who's coached the likes of Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford can bring the results back for Stroud this year, and just what kind of changes are in store. One thing that's not expected to be a story is Stroud's health, as, despite worries in organized team activities about "general soreness" in his shoulder, the QB seemed at full health by the time workouts broke for summer.
2) Not helping Stroud's struggles in 2024 was an inconsistent and leaky offensive line, which allowed 54 sacks last season -- third-most in the league -- and kept Stroud uncomfortable in the pocket. The Texans have put significant capital into revamping the unit this offseason, signing or trading for Trent Brown, Cam Robinson, Ed Ingram and Laken Tomlinson, and also adding second-round draft pick Aireontae Ersery. But they also lost perhaps their most consistent lineman by trading Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders. Almost all of the starting offensive line spots can be considered up for grabs between newcomers and returners hoping to hold onto their roles. Multiple OL position battles are on the menu in camp to determine who can best protect Stroud in Year 3.
3) Recently signed running back Nick Chubb will get his first action in pads since breaking his foot last December and just under two years since his second severe multi-ligament injury of his football career. Just what will the former Pro Bowler -- who is set to turn 30 this season -- look like when he gets back out on the field for camp, and how much will he push established starter Joe Mixon and backup Dameon Pierce for carries? Houston was solidly in the middle of the pack last season in the run game, and the Texans have to hope adding Chubb will help bolster that group. Camp should give an indication of just how much he figures in.
