Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans

As the sun rose over the Houston Texans’ training facility in late July, the air hummed with a different energy than in recent years. After a rebuild that saw the team secure top draft picks and revamp its coaching staff, this year’s training camp isn’t just about preparing for the season—it’s about fighting for spots on a roster that suddenly has more talent, more depth, and more stakes than it has in half a decade. Veterans and rookies alike arrived early to the practice fields, lacing up their cleats with a sense of urgency, knowing that every rep, every drill, and every play could mean the difference between making the team and watching from the sidelines. Coaches have emphasized that no position is safe, from the backup quarterback spot to special teams roles, and that intensity has already spilled over into scrimmages, where hard hits and sharp exchanges between offense and defense have become the norm. Even off the field, players are staying late to study film, work with position coaches, and build chemistry, all in an effort to stand out in a camp where “good enough” won’t cut it. This year, Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans isn’t just a headline—it’s a daily reality that’s shaping the team’s identity before the first preseason snap.

The quarterback room, often the focal point of any NFL team’s camp, has become one of the most heated battlefields for the Texans this summer. Incumbent starter Davis Mills, entering his third season, is fighting to hold onto his job after a mixed 2022 campaign that showed flashes of potential but also costly turnovers. Standing in his way is C.J. Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, whose poise in the pocket and ability to read defenses have turned heads since he stepped onto the practice field. Stroud hasn’t been handed anything, though; coaches have made him earn every rep, putting him in high-pressure situations against the first-team defense to test his mettle. The competition has also pushed Mills to elevate his game—he’s been more accurate with his throws and quicker to make decisions, a direct response to the threat of being overtaken. Even third-string quarterback Case Keenum, a veteran with starting experience, has gotten in on the action, making plays in scrimmages to keep both Mills and Stroud on their toes. Every practice, every meeting, and every film session feels like a audition, and that’s exactly how the coaching staff wants it. Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans is nowhere more evident than under center, where the future of the franchise could be decided in the next few weeks.

While quarterbacks grab headlines, the Texans’ offensive skill positions are also witnessing fierce competition, with running backs and wide receivers battling for touches and roster spots. At running back, veteran Dameon Pierce—who rushed for over 900 yards as a rookie last season—holds the top spot, but he’s being pushed by a trio of young backs looking to carve out roles. Rookie Devin Singletary, a free-agent signing, has impressed with his quickness in the open field and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, while third-year player Rex Burkhead brings reliability and special teams experience. Even undrafted rookie Mike Boone has turned heads with his physical running style, tallying several long gains in scrimmages to force coaches to take notice. The wide receiver room is even more crowded: veteran Brandin Cooks is the only lock to start, but behind him, players like Nico Collins, John Metchie III, and rookie Tank Dell are fighting for snaps. Collins, who showed promise last season before an injury, has been consistent in camp, while Metchie—returning from a battle with leukemia—has looked sharp in route-running. Dell, a third-round pick, has used his speed to beat defenders deep, making him a candidate for a slot receiver role. Every practice rep in the passing game feels critical, as players know touches will be limited once the season starts. Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans is just as fierce in the offensive skill positions, where depth and versatility are key to the team’s success.

Beyond the quarterback position, the Texans’ defense is seeing some of the most fierce competition in camp, with young players battling veterans for starting roles and rotational spots. The defensive line, in particular, has become a crowded unit, thanks to the addition of rookies like Will Anderson Jr.—the third overall pick—and Dylan Horton, who have wasted no time making an impact. Anderson, a pass-rushing specialist, has already tallied several sacks in scrimmages, using his speed and strength to get past offensive tackles, while Horton has shown versatility by playing both end and tackle. Veterans like Jonathan Greenard and Maliek Collins aren’t backing down, though; Greenard, who had 8.5 sacks last season, has been even more disruptive this camp, and Collins has been a force in the middle, clogging running lanes and pressuring quarterbacks from the interior. The competition here isn’t just about who starts—it’s about who can contribute consistently on every down, as the coaching staff looks to build a defensive line that can dominate both against the run and the pass. This battle for snaps on the defensive line is a perfect example of how Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans is driving every player to be better, regardless of their experience or draft status.

The Texans’ secondary is another area where competition is heating up, with the team looking to improve a pass defense that ranked near the bottom of the league last season. At cornerback, veteran Steven Nelson is fighting to retain his starting spot, but he’s facing tough competition from young players like Derek Stingley Jr.—a former first-round pick who’s looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued rookie year—and rookies like Shaquill Griffin. Stingley, in particular, has been a standout in camp, using his elite speed and ball skills to break up passes and intercept throws in scrimmages, showing the form that made him a top prospect. Griffin, meanwhile, has impressed coaches with his physicality and ability to cover both slot receivers and outside threats, making him a versatile option in the secondary. At safety, Jalen Pitre, who had a strong rookie season, is being pushed by veteran Kareem Jackson, who returned to the Texans this offseason after several years with the Denver Broncos. Jackson’s leadership and experience have been valuable, but Pitre’s playmaking ability—he led the team in interceptions last year—has kept him in the mix for a starting role. Every drill, from one-on-one coverage to team drills, is a chance for these players to prove they belong, and that intensity is exactly what the Texans need to fix their secondary. Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans is clear in the secondary, where every player is fighting to be part of a much-improved unit.

As camp winds down and the preseason approaches, the competition for the Texans has only gotten more intense, with players knowing that every practice could be their last chance to make an impression before roster cuts. The coaching staff has started to mix up lineups more, putting players in different roles to see how they adapt, and scrimmages have become more physical, with players leaving it all on the field. Even players who seemed like locks for the roster are feeling the pressure, as younger, hungrier players continue to make plays and force coaches to make tough decisions. Off the field, the mood in the locker room is a mix of focus and camaraderie—players are competing fiercely against each other during practice, but they’re also supporting one another, knowing that a strong team requires everyone to be at their best. For the Texans, this camp isn’t just about selecting a roster; it’s about building a culture of competition, resilience, and excellence that will carry them through the long NFL season. As preseason games get underway, fans will get their first look at how this competition has shaped the team, but for the players and coaches, the work is far from over. Camp Competition Intense for Houston Texans has laid the foundation for what they hope will be a turnaround season, and now it’s time to turn that foundation into results on the field.