What to Watch at Texans OTAs: CJ Stroud’s Bounce Back, Jaylin Noel’s Role + Nico Got Paid! Now What?

The Houston Texans are back on the field as OTAs officially begin, and there is A LOT to watch heading into the 2026 season. CJ Stroud is healthy, confident and expected to be fully in command of this offense after last year’s OTA limitations due to shoulder soreness. No more mental reps. No more restrictions. What should Texans fans expect from a healthy QB1? In today’s episode of Locked On Texans, we break down everything we’re watching over the next week of Texans football, including: CJ Stroud taking control of the offense Major Texans roster battles to monitor Which second-year players are ready to make a jump Early signs that Nick Caley’s offense can unlock this team How David Montgomery changes Houston’s offense Why Jaylin Noel could have a bigger role than expected with no Christian Kirk and Tank Dell still sidelined Can Nico Collins play like a true top-5 WR after becoming the 5th-highest paid receiver in the NFL? Reed Blankenship’s fit next to Calen Bullock Can J-Roc become the Texans’ CB3 answer? Why Houston’s defense could take another step toward NFL dominance The Texans have Super Bowl expectations in 2026. OTAs may be voluntary, but the clues start now. Subscribe for daily Houston Texans coverage, film breakdowns, analysis, news, and insider conversations. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.