Texans’ C.J. Stroud, Others Dubbed Most Important Players for 2025

These challenges were compounded by the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and offensive line coach Chris Strausser, who have been replaced by Nick Caley and Cole Popovich.

While there are still significant issues with the Texans' offensive line — with the departure of Laremy Tunsil who was on the list as a key player for the Washington Commanders — the development of WR Nico Collins provides a much-needed silver lining. With Collins on the field, Stroud’s numbers — 7.5 yards per attempt and a 93.5 passer rating — were significantly higher than his stats without him. This shows just how crucial Collins is to Stroud’s success and suggests that a healthy, more cohesive offense could help Stroud rebound in year three. The team also targeted OT Aireontae Ersery in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston sees him as a long-term piece to its offensive line.

On the defensive side, the Texans also made a key move by locking up Derek Stingley Jr., who after an All-Pro season, became the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.

When healthy, Stingley is one of the league's best, and his performance puts him on par with elite players. However, Stingley’s health has been an ongoing concern over the past two years, making his stability a key factor for the defense’s success moving forward.

With Stroud’s development and Collins' assistance in company of Stingley’s dominance, the Texans have the potential for both offensive and defensive growth that can push the team to the next level.