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Which Houston Texans player needs a bounce-back season in 2024?

Theo

The Houston Texans have a young foundation to make several runs in the AFC over the next decade.

Quarterback CJ Stroud is coming off one of the best seasons for a rookie passer in league history after throwing for over 4,100 yards.

Receiver Nico Collins notched his first 1,000-yard campaign and recently signed a new three-year extension to keep him at NRG Stadium through 2027.

Defensive end Will Anderson won Defensive Rookie of the Year and is on pace to build a 7.0 sack season. Meanwhile, Tank Dell could become a premier No. 2 receiver after breaking the franchise’s rookie touchdown record.

From Derek Stingley Jr. to Jalen Pitre and Kamari Lassiter in the secondary to Juice Scruggs on the offensive line, Houston has the pieces to be among the best in the NFL, but a thriving – and healthy – Kenyon Green could be the missing link to transform the franchise from a good roster to a legitimate threat to take down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Green, a two-time All-American offensive lineman, hasn’t lived up to the No. 15 overall pick since being drafted by Texas A&M in 2022. His playing style and physical drawbacks don’t are just one of many factors that work. against its entry in 2023.

Injuries have hampered his rep count. He missed three games as a rookie with a lower body injury. Last year, Green injured his shoulder in the preseason finale against New Orleans, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

Houston isn’t ready to end Green’s potential just yet. Nor should it, considering his potential as a run blocker while he was one of the best offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference.

General manager Nick Caserio offered a sign of optimism after mandatory minicamp last month, mentioning how Green worked at Oregon with former All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

“Sometimes, honestly, players just need a change of scenery. Just something different, and it worked for him,” Caserio said on SportsRadio 610’s Payne and Pendergast.

While he worked, Green must still work to earn a starting position on the offensive line. After two disappointing seasons, nothing is promised for the first round.

“If he plays well enough, he will play. If he doesn’t do it, it will be someone else,” Caserio said. “I don’t want things to be black and white, but that’s the reality of what’s happening in this league.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned earlier this month that he noticed a much more agile Green entering his third season. It’s minor, but given his body structure and slimmer figure, it’s obvious that changes have been made to Green’s diet and training regimen.

This is a small but promising step in a new career path for Green entering 2024.

“He worked really hard,” Caserio said. “It kind of changed something from his training, some things that worked for him, so he put himself in a good position to compete for a spot.”

The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.

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