DeMeco Ryans on Houston Texans rookie defensive lineman: ‘explosive and fast’

While the Houston Texans have made a concerted effort to surround star second-year quarterback CJ Stroud with offensive talent – ​​proven by the additions of Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon this offseason – the team selected seven defensive players during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Once again, seven of the nine defensive additions in the draft play defense. There is an overall reorganization on the part of the Texans that will allow the team to play stronger defense to support Stroud’s high-powered offense.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio also didn’t stop working when the draft ended. He brought even more talent to second-year head coach DeMeco Ryans – who led the team to a 10-7 record and a playoff victory in his first season at the wheel.

READ MORE: Texans get first lessons during first day of rookie minicamp

One of the team’s undrafted free agent signings was Virginia Tech defensive tackle Pheldarius Payne, who was among the most talented undrafted players.

“He’s an undersized defensive tackle, very explosive and fast,” Ryans said of Payne after the first day of rookie minicamp. “You saw him make a lot of plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage, using his explosiveness, his quickness.

“We’d like to see him translate that into our scheme and what we do. We have smaller defensive linemen on our team, and I think when guys play the style of ball that I want to play, guys attack and we can use his quickness – hopefully Payne can be a guy that can add to this group as well.

The Texans’ minicamp began Friday, giving Payne a chance to showcase his skills while Ryans and his staff analyzed his game and potential production. All the rookies who will soon wear Texans jerseys were finally able to gather for their first NFL practice.

There’s a lot to be excited about in this group, and the Texans go from being a playoff team to a potential contender. The acquired rookies will be able to contribute to this.

READ MORE: Texans add ‘physical and playmaking’ in trade for Ben Skowronek

Stay with TexansGameday for more coverage on the Houston Texans throughout the offseason.

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