Senior Bowl Impressions: How These Prospects Could Impact the Texans’ Roster

Now that the Texans have hired Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator, they have a clearer direction, allowing us to project how his scheme might take shape. Caley’s background includes time with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels, followed by a stint with Sean McVay’s Rams. This diverse range of influences suggests a flexible, well-balanced offensive approach.

Given the Texans' current roster, reinforcements—particularly along the interior offensive line—will be a priority. Wide receiver remains a concern as well, with Tank Dell recovering from injury, uncertainty surrounding Stefon Diggs, and potential durability questions with Nico Collins.

With that in mind, here are three intriguing Senior Bowl prospects who could be strong fits for Houston.

Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

Jalen Royals is an intriguing wide receiver prospect, standing at 5’11” and 210 pounds, with the speed and acceleration to generate big plays in any offense. He’s a well-built receiver, capable of playing both inside and outside, drawing comparisons to Chris Godwin, who also thrived in a McVay-centric offense under Liam Coen. Royals possesses impressive explosiveness and can make acrobatic catches all over the field. One of the most intriguing aspects of his game is his yards-after-catch (YAC) ability—he can take a five-yard reception and turn it into a significant gain. All of these traits make him especially dangerous in a McVay-style offense that Caley might incorporate.

During Senior Bowl practices, he has consistently demonstrated multiple ways to win against man coverage—whether through technical footwork off the line or using his strength to outmuscle defenders. He would complement Nico Collins well, offering the ability to take jet sweeps, screens, and other short-yardage plays as he develops, similar to Jayden Reed. His combination of physicality and burst would also make him a strong fit alongside Tank Dell as Dell recovers from his serious knee injury.

Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

Grey Zabel, a former North Dakota State offensive tackle, has significantly boosted his draft stock at the Senior Bowl and could fill multiple needs for the Texans. Although he excelled at tackle in college, his sub-33-inch arm length suggests a move inside at the NFL level. Throughout the week, he has not only shown potential as a guard but has also taken snaps at center, looking comfortable and effective in the role.

At 6’5” and 315 pounds, Zabel has the frame of a tackle but the versatility to play center, providing an offensive coordinator with flexibility without concerns about being overmatched. In 2024, he earned an impressive 93.0 pass-blocking grade and an 86.0 overall run-blocking grade, per PFF. Depending on how Caley evaluates Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson, Zabel could step in and start at either guard or center, offering immediate stability in pass protection and contributing to improvements in the run game where the Texans struggled mightily.

C.J. Stroud took 52 sacks and faced one of the highest pressure rates in the NFL, while the run game, despite some improvement, still ranked among the worst in success rate and stuff rate. To be a successful offense, the Texans need to find more consistency up front, and a player like Zabel could be a foundational piece moving forward.

Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

A running back who could pair well with Joe Mixon and has impressed during Senior Bowl practices is Brashard Smith. Originally recruited as a wide receiver at Miami, Smith appeared in 35 games and proved to be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. He contributed as a receiver, runner, and returner before transitioning to running back at SMU, where he flourished. In 2024, Smith tallied 1,332 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 327 receiving yards.

At 5’10” and 195 pounds, Smith has great burst, elusiveness, and big-play ability, whether as a runner or pass catcher. If he can prove himself in pass protection, he could develop into a complete third-down back and provide a solid change of pace behind Mixon. He would add an electric element to the Texans' offense in passing situations—something they haven’t had since Duke Johnson. While Ogunbowale was effective in key moments as a third-down back for the Texans, adding another legitimate receiving weapon in the backfield and a YAC threat for Stroud would be invaluable to his development.

Final Thoughts

These three prospects could help address key weaknesses for a Texans team that struggled to find its offensive identity in 2024. Royals and Smith would provide additional playmaking ability in the passing game, giving Stroud easy completions and valuable yards after the catch. Zabel could bring much-needed stability to an offensive line that has been inconsistent for years, adding physicality at center or guard.

With Caley now in place as the offensive coordinator, these players could fit well in the anticipated shift toward a scheme influenced by the Rams' recent offensive approach. This could mean more gap-style runs while relying heavily on 11 personnel, requiring receivers to be physical in blocking assignments and difficult to bring down after the catch. If Caley implements these concepts, Royals, Zabel, and Smith could all be ideal additions to help ease the transition and elevate the Texans' offensive efficiency.