Stock Report from Houston Texans Training Camp

Whose stock is up and whose is down after one week of Houston Texans Training Camp

The Texans are one week into training camp and there are plenty of storylines already unfolding. Most notably, Joe Mixon’s absence completely derailed the running back position and created a full-fledged battle for the starting role. The offensive line has, as expected, weighed down the entire offense and been the worst unit at camp. Then there’s the lingering injury of linebacker Christian Harris, who has yet to practice or suit up at all.

Today, we are evaluating the top movers and shakers on the roster since the start of training camp. These are players whose stock has moved the most in the past week and are in significantly better or worse situations than when the week began. This can be due to extenuating circumstances such as other injuries or from their own impressive performance thus far.

Stock Up: Woody Marks, RB

The fourth-round running back’s unique skillset has been on full display. No other player’s stock has improved more than Marks due to a combination of other’s injuries and his own play. Radio hosts Landry Locker and John Harris cited Marks as an MVP from the first week on offense. While I initially predicted him to make the roster in the first edition of this year’s Rosterology, his role feels much more clear than a week ago.Marks can unlock parts of new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s playbook that will include “a lot of creativity”.

With Joe Mixon sidelined, Marks has moved up to the second or third string running back. Those added reps are critical to his development and inclusion in the offense. With our without Mixon, hopefully Marks can continue to carve a role for himself this training camp.

Stock Down: Derek Barnett, DE

Derek Barnett signed a one-year, $5M contract with the Texans this offseason, but has spent the entirety of training camp on the PUP List. In his stead, Dylan Horton and free agent signee Darrell Taylor have stepped up.

Barnett was a key rotational piece on the defensive line last season and racked up five sacks, the most he’s had since 2020. However, if he’s unhealthy and falling behind in the rotation, there may not be a chance to regain his role in 2025.

Stock Up: Jaylin Noel, WR

Noel has impressed on the field in a multitude of roles. Many slated Noel as “next year’s slot receiver” while Christian Kirk holds down the role, but the rookie has been pushing Kirk for the position right out of the gate. He also is returning punts on special teams, where he is most likely to have an immediate impact.

The first preseason game against the Vikings will provide insight into the Texans’ plan to utilize Noel. Similar to Marks, this rookie needs to create a role for himself in a crowded positional group.

Stock Down: Juice Scruggs, OG/OC

On day six of training camp, Scruggs was seen running with the third team. In 2024, the former second-rounder started at both guard and center, but has been relegated by the current coaching staff.

Third stringers do not make the team; not when they were a part of last year’s offensive line. Possibly, Scruggs is not a scheme fit anymore for the offense. If that is the case, he could be suiting up for another franchise in short order.

Stock Up: Myles Bryant, CB

It would be easy to assume Myles Bryant would be the odd-man0out considering all of the new faces added to the secondary. So far, this has been far from the case. Bryant is holding down the nickel cornerback role at camp. His placement here allows for several things; Jalen Pitre to play a more true safety/box LB role, Calen Bullock to play free safety, and the two starting CBs Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. to stay on the boundaries. His skill at nickel and on special teams rounds out an extremely deep secondary.

Stock Down: Christian Harris, LB

One week in and no signs of improvement from Harris. Nick Schwager wrote about Harris’ injury earlier this week. It’s thoroughly concerning the Texans’ best linebacker cannot get on the field. His lingering injury has cost him the starting role and potentially a safe spot on the roster for the second season in a row.

The addition of linebacker E.J. Speed only complicates things for Harris. Houston can roster five to six capable LBs without Harris: Speed, Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Jake Hansen, and Nick Niemann are all suitable options. Harris undoubtedly makes this group better, but this team can’t wait around for him to heal.

Stock Up: Brevin Jordan, TE

Jordan’s career has been a recurring cycle of injury, hype, performance and injury. Even so, Jordan’s ACL recovery appears to be going exceptionally well. The second tight end role is completely up for grabs, as detailed by VBallRetired this week.

Jordan has been a dynamic asset when he’s fully healthy and incorporated into the offense. We all remember his ‘breakout’ game against the Browns in the playoffs two years ago. Jordan still needs to fend off second-year Cade Stover, rookie Luke Lachey, and veteran Irv Smith Jr.

Honorable mentions, stock up:

• Aireontae Ersery, OT – the rookie is continually running with the first-stringers at primarily right tackle
• Jakob Johnson – FB1 and TE3 according to Landry Locker. Coaches love his utility
• Laken Robinson, LG – appears to have locked down the left guard spot

Honorable mentions, stock down:

• Jimmie Ward, S – not mentioned above because I’ve detailed him enough this offseason and in the Rosterology
• Blake Fisher, OT – struggling against Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Was benched mid-drive in practice due to false start. Not starting.
• Joe Mixon, RB – unexpectedly prolonged injury is devastating but didn’t want to highlight as it is well covered.