DeMeco Ryans Reveals Which Texans Rookie Is Surpassing All Expectations—You Won’t Believe Who Made the Cut!

Ever wondered what it takes for rookies to shake off that “newbie” tag and start playing like seasoned pros? Well, the Houston Texans might just have cracked that code this season. After snatching a gritty comeback win against the Jaguars, backup QB Davis Mills stepped up big time — giving the Texans a real shot at salvaging their campaign. But here’s where it gets juicy: Head coach DeMeco Ryans is throwing major props at his rookie squad — Woody Marks, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Tae Ersery — insisting these guys aren’t rookies anymore. They’re clutch playmakers, the kind who show up when it counts the most. Could this be the spark that finally pushes Houston’s offense out of its slump? Stick around—this rookie class might just be the game-changer the Texans desperately need.

Jacksonville Jaguars v Houston Texans — (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans may have saved their season in Week 10 by pulling off a comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Backup quarterback Davis Mills’ gutsy fourth-quarter performance gave the Texans a chance to get back to .500 with a victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11.

Mills filled in admirably for C.J. Stroud, who is dealing with a concussion. In addition, head coach DeMeco Ryans had high praise for Texans rookies as well.

Ryans pointed out the importance of getting Woody Marks, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel and Tae Ersery more involved in the coming weeks.

“No more rookies. Woody, like, let’s go. We gotta continue to feed him more. Higgins, the guy’s catch radius is insane. You need a big play on fourth down, who shows up, it’s Jaylin Noel. These guys are not rookies. They’re making plays in the critical times. Tae is doing a good job there at left tackle. The rookie name plate is off,” Ryans said of the Texans’ rookies.

“No more rookies. Woody, like let’s go. We gotta continue to feed him more. Higgins, the guys catch radius is insane. You need a big play on 4th down, who shows up, it’s Jaylin Noel. Tae is doing a good job there at LT. The rookie name plate is off.”

-DeMeco Ryans pic.twitter.com/J10SAhoZlB

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) November 13, 2025

It’s a great way to look at a rookie class, as after nine games, it’s no longer about getting their feet wet. The players named by Ryans have shown what they are capable of on offense, and it’s his job to keep pushing them.

Houston hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far, mostly due to the offense failing to find its footing, with a lot of new pieces getting settled in. Marks, in particular, is starting to look like a legitimate weapon at running back.

He is gradually becoming the featured back, and if he can keep running like he has been lately, it could open up the passing game. Overall, Ryans is doing an impressive job considering how many rookies he is relying upon.

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