Rookies in the NFL are always an important component for getting maximum efficiency from a team’s roster. With players under extreme cost control salary-wise for their first four seasons, the rookies in a class provide an infusion of cheap labor. Hitting on a few of them and watching them succeed is imperative in today’s NFL.
A few seasons ago, the Texans’ rookies were crucial, because they were probably among the bets players on a dilapidated roster. Now, with the roster very much rebuilt, rookies are key complementary components, filling in the small gaps here and there.
The Texans ended up without a first round pick due to a trade out fo the first round, so none of their rookies are coming in with C.J. Stroud-like expectations. However, they will need contributions from at least a few of them, if they are going to attain the “new heights” that DeMeco Ryans has repeatedly and openly discussed this offseason.
Here are my power rankings of the five most important rookies for the Houston Texans, as it pertains to solely the 2025 season:
5. JAYLIN SMITH, CB
Smith was a bit of a surprising pick at the back end of the third round, as many draft experts had him with a sixth or seventh round grade. Obviously, the Texans feel differently. The Texans have one of the best starting cornerback tandems in the NFL in Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter, but the depth falls off significantly after those two. Smith can provide a less precipitous drop off, if one of the top guys gets hurt, and he will be a key part of coverage units on special teams.
4. AIREONTAE ERSERY, OL
If this were a ranking of the importance beyond 2025, Ersery might top this list. In their heart of hearts, the Texans probably view Ersery as their starting left tackle of the future. However, in 2025, he is more likely destined for a backup role as a swing tackle. He will likely see the field in 2025, because injuries are always a thing, but for this season, it’s not crucial that Ersery contribute.
3. JAYDEN HIGGINS, WR
Higgins was the Texans’ top selection in this draft, 34th overall, and he is brimming with potential. Physically, he very much looks the part, like a clone of Nico Collins. With Collins’ injury history, Higgins needs to be ready to step up at any time. Among the skill players in this rookie class, though, I think there are two that are more crucial.
2. WOODY MARKS, RB
Joe Mixon was the workhorse for this team at running back in 2024. Unfortunately, he is already dealing with some level of injury this offseason, as he was reportedly in a walking boot, and definitely didn’t take part in OTA’s. Enter Marks, the fourth round pick out of USC, who is likely looking at more of a pass catching role out of the backfield, assuming Mixon is fully healthy. Whatever the case, there are reps available in trading camp at running back, and Marks has a real opportunity to contribute and solidify a role as a new weapon for Stroud.
1. JAYLIN NOEL, WR
Noel was actually selected a round later than his Iowa State teammate Higgins, but I think Noel’s development is the most crucial of all of these young players. First, Noel is age closest think to Tank Dell on this roster, and with Dell likely out for the season recovering from his gruesome knee injury from last season, we know Stroud will need someone like Dell who can get open quickly. That’s Noel. Additionally, Noel has explosive ability in the return game, and can swing field position a time or two each game, if given the opportunity.
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