The Houston Texans committed 2022 to Davis Mills, but they weren’t going to leave him alone to figure out how to play at a high level.
In addition to ensuring Mills had adequate blindside protection, a productive receiver, and reinforced such acquisitions in the draft, the Texans built a quarterback room replete with experience.
The Texans signed Kyle Allen, who has 17 career starts through four seasons. Allen’s most successful stretch was with the Carolina Panthers when he went 5-7 after starter Cam Newton was lost with an injury.
Houston also retained Jeff Driskel, who was with the club last season and has nine starts.
One of the more overlooked signings is that of Kevin Hogan. Although the former Kansas City Chiefs 2016 fifth-round pick has one career start, Hogan played at Stanford for David Shaw, whose offense is similar to offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s. Hogan is able to help Mills process the finer aspects of Hamilton’s offense.
Throughout the offseason program, Mills has appreciated what the veteran quarterbacks have been able to offer.
“They’ve all been in the league for multiple years, so, everyone kind of has some different coaching points that they’ve had in the past that they share with the room,” Mills told reporters June 14 after mandatory minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center. “We kind of like to bounce things off each other to make sure we’re all progressing at the same pace, and everything is moving in the same direction.”
Mills acknowledged that Hogan has specific details about the offense just from playing in the system at Stanford. Hogan also worked with Hamilton in 2016 with the Cleveland Browns when the latter was the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.
The Texans may not have provided adequate competition for Mills to beat out in the offseason, but they did surround him with a veteran presence to elevate his play in 2022.
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