Texans' Midseason Rookie Grades Reflect Team's Resilience

The Houston Texans have turned their season around dramatically, going from an 0-3 start to a 6-2 record, highlighted by a thrilling last-second victory over the Buffalo Bills on November 20, 2025. This resurgence is largely attributed to the contributions of several rookies from their 2025 draft class. According to Battle Red Blog, the Texans' first pick, wide receiver Jayden Higgins, has shown a significant improvement in his performance after a slow start. Higgins recorded 27 receptions for 294 yards and four touchdowns over 11 games. His role expanded significantly after a breakout game against the Ravens, where he caught four passes for 32 yards. Since then, he has become a key target, particularly after quarterback C.J. Stroud's concussion. Higgins has developed into a reliable second option behind Nico Collins, showcasing his route-running and blocking skills.

The Texans' second pick, tackle Aireontae Ersery, has impressed as a day-one starter. He has logged 748 snaps, with a pass-blocking grade of 62.6 and a run-blocking grade of 47.0. Despite facing challenges against strong defenders, Ersery has shown steady improvement and has become crucial in filling the gap left by Laremy Tunsil's trade to the Washington Commanders. His development has been pivotal for the Texans' offensive line, which faced significant upheaval this season.

Receiver Jaylin Noel, drafted in the third round, has had limited opportunities but is praised for his speed and potential. He has caught 20 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown, but remains behind Christian Kirk on the depth chart. On defense, cornerback Jaylin Smith has struggled with injuries, limiting his impact to just four games this season. Running back Woody Marks has emerged as a key player, stepping up after Joe Mixon's injury. Marks has 422 rushing yards and two touchdowns, proving his worth in the Texans' offense. Safety Jaylen Reed, who recently saw more defensive snaps, has had a mixed performance, contributing 12 tackles and one fumble recovery in limited action.

While some rookies have seen limited playing time or struggled with injuries, the overall performance of the draft class has been encouraging. With a midseason grade of B+, the Texans' 2025 draft class shows promise as they aim to secure a playoff spot. General Manager Nick Caserio's decision to focus on offense appears to be paying off, with key contributors helping the team rebound from a rocky start. As the Texans continue their push towards the postseason, the development of these young players will be critical in determining the team's success this year.