The Houston Texans are all about giving second chances, especially when it comes to players who vibe with their aggressive "SWARM defensive mindset. That's why this offseason, they snagged Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson on one-year deals.
Okudah, who was a big deal as the No. 3 pick back in 2020, and Henderson, not too shabby himself as the No. 9 pick, are now battling it out during OTAs for prime spots on the field alongside breakout corner Derek Stingley Jr. And let me tell you, these sessions aren't about flashy plays; Coach Ryans is all about spotting potential and refining what made these dudes shine in college.
"Watching these guys move, you can see why they were top picks," says Ryans after a recent practice. "They've got the size, speed, and skills to hang with anyone, but they've had their share of ups and downs too."
Okudah, the All-American from Ohio State, is coming off his strongest stint with the Falcons after a rocky ride with the Lions. Meanwhile, Henderson, who did time with the Jags before landing in Carolina, brings some versatility to the table. Dude's been holding it down in the nickel and on the boundary, racking up three interceptions and 16 pass deflections during his Panthers gig.
Now, Okudah and Henderson aren't the only ones gunning for those top spots. Keep an eye on Kamari Lassiter, their second-round pick from last month. Dude's got skills, and once he's up to speed with the defense, he'll be mixing it up on the outside. With his solid 6-foot frame, Lassiter might even kick off his pro journey as a nickel defender, just like he did back in Georgia where he helped score those back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
But let's not sleep on Okudah and Henderson. They've been showing up, putting in the work day in and day out since they joined the Texans. Coach Ryans is all about wiping the slate clean and focusing on what they can bring to the table now. And judging from their hustle, it looks like they're ready to make some noise in Houston.
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