Two weeks after the draft, rookies will begin arriving for their first NFL workouts. The Texans will hold their three-day rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday with drafted, undrafted, and tryout players participating.
"Those guys will be coming in on Thursday and it's part evaluation and part installation," head coach Bill O'Brien said Monday. "There's a lot of work to be with these guys but we have about 45-plus guys coming in so some of it's evaluation. We've had a number of guys over the years since we've been here that have been on our 53 that were undrafted, tryout guys. Some of it is installation and how much of it we can get in with these guys. It's a fairly long weekend for them."
The Texans selected seven players in the 2017 NFL Draft, including quarterback Deshaun Watson. Coaches will get an early look at the draft class in their scheme, while rookies are acclimated to NFL workouts and practice. Rookie minicamp is also an opportunity for undrafted players to showcase their talents and jockey for a spot on the 90-man roster heading into training camp.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Deshaun, I'm looking forward to seeing all the guys that are here," O'Brien said. "I think the big thing is, yes we've watched them in college and they've had good careers in college but this is a big step. This is a big jump and there's a big difference between playing certain college programs, relative to now you're lining up against these guys every day, but we are excited to get going with them."