A sought-after running back reveals insights from his Houston Texans meeting, highlighting his fit with their offensive scheme and dedication to protecting C.J. Stroud.
The Houston Texans have been one of the better teams in the NFL over the last three seasons, but the front office is still looking for ways to improve as the franchise tries to reach its first AFC Championship Game. An accomplishment like that would be a big step in the right direction for the youngest franchise in the league, and the areas that need to be cleaned up on the roster are clear and obvious.
Houston needs to patch up the offensive line. Doing this would allow C.J. Stroud to feel more comfortable, while also elevating the running game. An improved offensive line can open up a ton on the offensive side of the ball, making life easier for all players involved. Adding talent on the offensive line or through free agency is a great idea, but Houston will also need to look into all options when it comes to the running back position.
The future is unknown for veteran running back Joe Mixon, and Woody Marks performed well during his rookie year in 2025. The Texans are expected to pursue a top running back in free agency or go after a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. If the franchise decides to go with the draft, Washington running back Jonah Coleman may just be a great, low-risk option. He spoke to the media about his meeting with Houston, "My meeting with the Texans was pretty much just everything about me. They really just wanted to know me as a person. I feel like not a lot of people know about me or my story. So just being able to share that with them was definitely something that was amazing to me. Obviously I've seen Woody Marks play this year, he did a really good job. I really like the way they run the offense. You know, it's a pro system, I've been in it for four years."
Coleman enjoyed his time meeting with the Texans, and he also has experience playing in the same type of offense that is run in Houston. That may make him a great candidate for the Texans by the time the draft comes around. He is expected to be a mid-round pick, and the Texans might find some value in the back by grabbing him in the third or fourth round. Coleman also made headlines with his comments on how important pass protection is to him, which means he will lay his body on the line to protect Stroud.