The Houston Texans signed defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on March 15, hoping he'd make an immediate impact by clogging the trenches.
Rankins spent two years with the New York Jets after his five-year stint with the New Orleans Saints.
Rankins was a starter for a Gang Green defense that ranked fourth overall in yards allowed per game (311.1) in 2022. The former first-round draft pick recorded at least one stop in all 15 appearances last year.
Rankins explained during Monday's press conference why he joined the Texans.
"I know a lot of people who know (coach) DeMeco (Ryans) personally and vouch for the type of leader he is," Rankins said. "The decision to come here and be a part of something special was a no-brainer."
Rankins was listed as a starter on Houston's unofficial depth chart and will be paired alongside fellow defensive tackle Maliek Collins.
Rankins said that he knew Collins long before March 15.
"Me and Maliek were drafted in the same year," Rankins said. "We're built similarly, move similarly and rush similarly. We've always watched each other from afar and that was one of the first things I told him when I got down here."
Collins spent the last two years in Houston and was extended for another two on June 14. Collins may have a couple more seasons donning the deep steel blue, but he and Rankins are both new to Ryans' system. Rankins explained how the two of them are learning the system together.
"Obviously, being newer to the scheme, we're getting well-acquainted with some nuances that go into it, then bouncing ideas off of each other and it's been great so far," Rankins said. "The marriage of us two inside along with the rest of the guys I think could be special."
Rankins is still getting adjusted to Houston and said the rest of the defense is also adapting to Ryans' schemes.
"Sometimes it looks like guys are just running into brick walls, but there's a method to (Ryans') madness," Rankins said. "(Our goal) is to get to the ball no matter what."
Rankins said that he's been enjoying training camp both on and off the field.
"Just explaining certain nuances and getting guys to understand how people are going to attack this scheme has been fun to see," Rankins said. "We're a lot further along at this point than I feel I was with the Jets training camp, as far as guys understanding what's demanded of the scheme."
Rankins explained what the "scheme is capable of when it's done right" and looks forward to perfecting it throughout the season.
"It's gonna be fun to see it live and in full color, but we've still got some building to do," Rankins said. "I want to do everything I can to help this team and this city to get back to playing the brand and style of football we all know and love."
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