Texans' 2025 Rookie Class Receives Underwhelming Grade from NFL.com

Houston's draft class faces criticism despite several players making an impact in their first season.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Houston Texans' 2025 rookie class received a disappointing "B-" grade from NFL.com, despite four players playing substantial roles in the team's 12-5 campaign. While running back Woody Marks and offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery were praised, the overall outlook of limited success on the ground and in the passing attack negated more positive traction.

Why it matters

The Texans invested heavily in their 2025 draft class, spending four of their first five picks on offensive playmakers and protection for young quarterback C.J. Stroud. The underwhelming national perception of the rookie class' impact raises questions about the team's ability to properly support Stroud's development and build a contending roster around him.

The details

NFL.com's Gennaro Filice ranked the Texans' rookie class 22nd in the league, citing mixed results from the team's top picks. Jayden Higgins was the "biggest hit," building chemistry with Stroud, while Marks led the team in rushing yards but is seen as more of a "committee piece." Ersery started 18 games at left tackle but had uneven play, and Jaylin Noel had "explosive moments" but struggled for consistent playing time.

  • The Texans traded a future third-round pick to acquire Woody Marks' draft rights.

The players

Woody Marks

A running back drafted by the Texans in 2025 who led the team in rushing yards and receiving touchdowns as a rookie.

Aireontae Ersery

An offensive tackle drafted by the Texans in 2025 who earned the starting left tackle job midway through training camp and made 18 total starts, including the playoffs, as a rookie.

Jayden Higgins

A wide receiver drafted by the Texans in 2025 who built strong chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud in the second half of the season.

Jaylin Noel

A wide receiver drafted by the Texans in 2025 who had "explosive moments" as a receiver and returner but struggled for consistent playing time.

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' young quarterback who experienced a "sophomore slump" in 2024 after being named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“After 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud experienced a sophomore slump in 2024, Houston clearly entered the 2025 draft with the young quarterback top of mind.”

— Gennaro Filice, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

“Ersery was a polarizing prospect, and fittingly, judgments of his rookie campaign fall in the eye of the beholder. The hulking tackle primarily manned the blind side in Year 1, making 18 total starts, including the playoffs -- that's nothing to sneeze at for a second-round pick. But Ersery's actual play was uneven”

— Gennaro Filice, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

What’s next

Christian Kirk is set to enter free agency, so Jaylin Noel should have a larger role in the slot next season. Aireontae Ersery should be better suited to protect C.J. Stroud with an entire offseason workout regimen, while Woody Marks is expected to have a stable running mate joining the crew via free agency or the draft.

The takeaway

The Texans' 2025 rookie class faced high expectations after the team invested heavily in supporting young quarterback C.J. Stroud, but the group's overall impact was viewed as underwhelming by national analysts. However, there is room for growth in Year 2, and the Texans will look to build on this class to help Stroud and the offense take the next step.