The Texans wrapped up OTAs last week and will now hold a mandatory minicamp on June 13th & 14th. 

If you're a fan of the Texans, then this offseason has been encouraging. The team is full of young players with limitless potential and is buoyed by solid veterans on affordable contracts. 

After nine OTA practices, we have a sense of which players have impressed so far. Today, I want to identify the three biggest winners of the OTAs in Houston. 

Derek Stingley Jr., CB

Stingley has much to live up to after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. While the Jets’ Sauce Gardner received most of the attention in year one, don’t count Stingley out just yet. Now fully healthy, expect Stingley to show in 2023 why he was drafted so highly. Houston newcomer Jimmie Ward has seen his share of good corners, and he recently described Stingley as a “stud.” Coach Ryans also praised Stingley’s intensity this offseason, describing the corner as “playing with his hair on fire.” Expect big things from Stingley in 2023. 

Photo credit: © Troy Taormina | 2022 Oct 30

CJ Stroud, QB

It is not uncommon for rookie quarterbacks to look a little lost when first transitioning to the NFL game. However, by all reports, Stroud does not fall into that category. Ryans praised Stroud’s OTA performance, saying the rookie has “done an excellent job,” and safety Jalen Pitre said Stroud has come in as a “real professional.” Growing pains are almost assured for a rookie QB, but it seems like Stroud is as polished as they come. The receiver has so far had no problem hitting receivers and putting the ball right where it needs to be. With no game action, this is as good of a review as the rookie could get. 

Photo credit: © Thomas Shea | 2023 May 12

Tank Dell, WR

Dell is a player that has been impossible to ignore so far this summer. If OTAs are any indication, it seems that Dell will be Stroud’s favorite target in 2023. The speedy receiver had no problem getting open and running quick, efficient routes at practice. Reporters in attendance took notice of how smoothly Dell gets in and out of his breaks. Wide receiver was one of the key positions that needed to be addressed in Houston this offseason. It’s far too early to anoint Dell as the answer, but he’s done as good as one could do so far. 

Photo credit: © Kirby Lee | 2023 Mar 4

Featured image via © Kirby Lee | 2019 Nov 21