The Houston Texans are preparing for the 2025 NFL season with the goal of solidifying the progress made in 2024, where quarterback CJ Stroud led a promising offense that reached its limit by losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.
The Houston franchise has made strategic moves to strengthen its roster, including the addition of rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, who will aim to add depth to compensate for the departure of Stefon Diggs and the injury of Tank Dell.
Stroud will need a stronger supporting cast than last season if the Texans want to keep their hopes alive for a deep run in the 2025 NFL season. Houston aims to be a contender in the AFC South, relying on the development of its young core and the leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Who is the new potential key weapon for the Texans?
The new teammate who could become a key weapon for Stroud is none other than running back Woody Marks, who signed his first professional contract with the Houston Texans after being selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 116th overall pick.
C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
Marks brings with him an interesting stat, as heâs the eighth member of the Texansâ rookie class to sign his standard four-year rookie contract. So far this offseason, only second-round offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery remains unsigned among Houstonâs draft picks.
see also
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans delivers crucial injury update on two of C.J. Stroudâs key teammates
Marksâ college football career
Marks has had an active college football career. He played his final collegiate season at USC after transferring from Mississippi State, where he proved he can contribute both as a running back and a receiverâmaking him a potential key weapon for the future. In the 2024 season, he totaled 1,133 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, along with 321 receiving yards.
