The Texans concluded their offseason program Wednesday morning with their second and final minicamp. Because of thunderstorms, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and the squad practiced inside the Houston Methodist Training Center.
Below are a few key storylines, which you can read in less than 60 seconds, from Wednesday's minicamp.
Chubb speaks
Running back Nick Chubb signed a free agent deal with the Texans on Monday. He practiced at the first minicamp Tuesday. On Wednesday he practiced again and met with the media afterwards. The Pro Bowler explained why he chose Houston.
"I've always been a fan of Coach DeMeco and I know some guys on the team," Chubb said. "I know Joe Mixon, I know what he's about. I know the opportunity I had here with this team, being an up-and-coming team. The past two years, they've really turned it on. I had a chance to come here and win a lot of games surrounded by a great group of people."
It's been a whirlwind week for the veteran ball-carrier.
"It happened really fast," Chubb said. "I was at home Saturday. I got the call, and I was on a flight the next day. So, I haven't been able to process everything. I've talked to a couple guys, former teammates, but I haven't really had a time to really sit down and digest everything. But I'm happy to be here."
All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley thought it was "pretty cool" the Texans added a "legend" to the squad in Chubb, and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter is also bullish on the move as well.
"It means a lot," Hunter said. "I've watched him. He's a tough runner, hard runner. The ability that he's able to bring for his team, running through guys and making plays, that's a plus for the team. We could always use something like that."
Defense to dominate?
With multiple Pro Bowlers returning, there are high expectations for the Texans defense in 2025. Hunter, who registered 12 sacks a year ago, explained why he thinks that side of the ball can be even better this fall.
"We have a lot of guys coming back, guys know what they're doing and guys that want to keep getting better," Hunter said. "That's going to be a plus for the defense. Guys just want to make plays out there."
The newest Texan, Chubb, came to town holding the Texans defense in high regard.
"I know a bunch of those guys over there and played against them," Chubb said. "I'm excited about it. Big guys up front. Smart, fast, young DBs, and a great, great linebacker."
Watt's Impressed, too
Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt watched practice on Wednesday as well, and had some thoughts about a variety of topics.
Even though the Texans are three months away from the start of the regular season, Watt saw a competitive fire that can be uncommon this time of year.
"I was talking to some people on the sideline: those are the moments you miss the most, practicing with your guys," Watt said. "Make a play and everybody goes nuts. The whole sideline, the whole defense. There's just nothing better. Those are the best teams in the middle of June, the last day of minicamp, going crazy over a play. Just because you love the game, you love your brothers, you love to make plays. That's going to translate in the fall. This is a really good group."
The next time the Texans practice as a team together will be in late July for training camp.
