Top five things to watch at Texans OTA practices

As the Houston Texans gear up for the 2026 season, fans are eagerly anticipating the end of OTAs (organized team activities) to gauge the progress and potential of their roster. With high hopes and expectations for the upcoming season, there are several key factors that fans will be looking for during these offseason workouts to feel confident in the team’s chances for success.

One of the most important aspects that fans will be keeping a close eye on is the development of the team’s young players. With a roster that has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the departures of key veterans and the influx of new talent, fans will be looking for signs that the team’s young players are stepping up and taking on larger roles. This includes players who have been drafted in recent years as well as undrafted free agents and other new additions to the roster.

In particular, fans will be eager to see how some of the team’s recent draft picks are performing during OTAs. This includes players like the team’s first-round pick, a promising young quarterback who is expected to compete for the starting job. Fans will be looking for signs that he is picking up the playbook quickly, developing chemistry with his new teammates, and showcasing the skills that made him a top prospect in the draft.

In addition to the team’s young players, fans will also be keeping a close eye on how the team’s returning veterans are performing during OTAs. This includes key players on both sides of the ball, such as the team’s star wide receiver and veteran leaders on defense. Fans will be looking for signs that these players are in top form, showing no signs of regression or decline as they continue to lead the team on and off the field.

Another key factor that fans will be looking for during OTAs is the team’s overall health and fitness. Injuries can have a major impact on a team’s success, so fans will be hoping to see that the team is staying healthy and avoiding any major setbacks during these offseason workouts. This includes players who may be returning from injuries suffered last season, as well as players who may be dealing with minor nagging injuries during OTAs.

Fans will also be looking for signs that the team’s coaching staff is making the most of their time during OTAs, using the workouts to install new schemes, develop young players, and fine-tune the team’s overall game plan. This includes both the team’s head coach and coordinators, who play a crucial role in preparing the team for the upcoming season. Fans will be looking for signs that the coaching staff is effectively utilizing OTAs to help the team improve and grow as a unit.

Overall, fans will be looking for a combination of factors during OTAs to feel confident in the team’s roster heading into the 2026 season. This includes the development of the team’s young players, the performance of key veterans, the team’s overall health and fitness, and the effectiveness of the coaching staff. By keeping a close eye on these key factors during OTAs, fans will be able to gauge the team’s potential and feel confident in their chances for success in the upcoming season.

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Source: USA Today