Houston Texans 2023 Training Camp Preview

Houston Texans 2023 Training Camp Preview

It’s a new era for the Houston Texans. They got a new head coach in DeMeco Ryans, their new QB in C.J. Stroud, and got some weapons in the draft to pair with a young but impressive defense. This Texans team might’ve finished 3-13-1 in 2022, but there is plenty of reason for optimism entering this season. The AFC South might run through Jacksonville right now, but no one should consider this team an easy win on their schedule. In this article, we will be giving you a full training camp preview for the Houston Texans entering the 2023 season. 

Three position battles to watch

No. 3 Receiver: John Metchie III vs. Xavier Hutchinson vs. Nathaniel “Tank” Dell

The addition of Robert Woods this off-season all but solidified the top two receivers on this team with Nico Collins taking the other spot. But this team has some options as to who they could have as their number three. John Metchie III is finally 100% after defeating Leukemia and recovering from a torn ACL. The Texans also added speed demon Nathaniel “Tank” Dell and big-bodied Xavier Hutchinson in the 2023 draft. Both Metchie and Dell can easily fill the slot role with their route-running skills and burning speed, but Hutchinson can run fairly well and is a better red-zone target than the other guys. Ryans could very well run all three guys in a rotation, but I’m curious to see who snatched the job in the Houston Texans 2023 training camp. 

EDGE Rusher opposite Will Anderson: Jonathan Greenard vs. Chase Winovich vs. Jerry Hughes

With the Houston Texans taking Will Anderson Jr. in the draft, the focus now shifts to who is his running mate at getting after the Quarterback. Jerry Hughes had a stellar year last year with nine sacks, the third most in his 12-year career and the most since 2014. They also have Jonathan Greenard, who they invested a third-round pick into in the 2020 draft. Greenard only played in seven games last year and finished with 1.5 sacks. Chase Winovich only played in six games in 2022 and only had one sack. If fully healthy, both guys could push Hughes for playing time, as Hughes will be turning 35 when the season begins. 

Starting Quarterback: C.J. Stroud vs. Davis Mills

I know what you’re thinking: obviously the starting job should go to Stroud. It makes sense, they did take Stroud second overall in the draft. But it isn’t a guarantee. DeMeco Ryans said that Stroud would have to “earn” the starting job. Davis Mills won’t go quietly into the night. While I do think that Stroud likely does win the job and is the day-one starter, I believe that both guys will get starter reps in the preseason. 

Ready To Breakout: Derek Stingley Jr. 

When the Houston Texans took Derek Stingley Jr. third overall in the 2022 draft, even after missing the entire college season before, many viewed him as someone who could make an immediate impact. Stingley would only play nine games last year before missing the reason of the season with a hamstring injury. Back at 100% and with the additions made on this defense, Stingley should be motivated beyond belief to go out on the field in 2023 and show people why he was taken third overall. 

Rookie To Watch: Nathaniel “Tank” Dell

C.J. Stroud wanted the Houston Texans to get his guy, and they did just that. Dell did not receive a ton of love from some of us here at Vendetta, but his route running and ability to create separation do draw some intrigue. If he does manage to win the job in camp, I could see a scenario where he could see 75+ targets in the slot and become a guy who is very dangerous in the open field. 

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Fantasy Sleeper: Dameon Pierce

I can’t believe how many people have fallen off the Dameon Pierce train. His current ADP in fantasy drafts is 51.1, which would make him RB19. What especially makes this curious is that he is in the same situation as Kenneth Walker in Seattle. Pierce’s stock has fallen because his team brought in another back to compete for snaps. Seattle did as well but drafting a back with a premium pick, yet Walker is RB14 and his ADP is 35.4 Pierce missed the last four games due to injury which for some reason is also hurting his stock. I will happily buy into Pierce at his current ADP. 

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