The Houston Texans returned to training camp this past week, and local media has been raving about the performances of the Texans’ star players. Whether it is the video clips of second-year quarterback CJ Stroud throwing lasers to recently acquired star wide receiver Stefon Diggs or the explosiveness of reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., who has seemingly put on more muscle, the Texans look to be ready and organized at the start of camp to reach their high expectations this upcoming season.

Not only does training camp signify the return of star players, but is the first real test for players to compete within their position to end up on the Texans’ 53-man roster. Positional battles in many places for the Texans also mean that several of the rookies on the roster have much to fight for. Due to the Texans’ limited draft class and many positions already filled with veteran players, rookies have their work cut out for them to earn themselves a spot on the roster for this upcoming season.

The following three rookies have the most to prove this upcoming season to find their place on the Texans’ gameday roster and potentially earn a starting position.

Kamari Lassiter

Drafted by the Texans in the second round, cornerback Kamari Lassiter is a rookie to watch for during training camp. A key member of Kirby Smart’s vaunted defense at the University of Georgia, Lassiter is in strong contention to become the starting cornerback for the Texans, opposite of star defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. Known for his ball-hawking abilities, Lassiter held opposing quarterbacks to just a 48.7 passer rating, earning him All-SEC honors in 2023.

Lassiter impressed coaches and players during the Texans’ OTAs that were held in early May where he notably broke up two passes while defending Stefon Diggs during team drills. Competing for the second cornerback position against veterans and former first-round picks Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson, Lassiter will hope to continue excelling in team drills and locking up the Texans’ wide receivers in camp to cement his place as the starting cornerback this upcoming season.

This development is of even more importance for the Texans as they will be facing a vaunted lineup of quarterbacks this upcoming season. To achieve their pre-season expectations, the pass defense must be prepared and ready to defend against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Aaron Rodgers.

Blake Fisher

With All-Pro offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil sidelined over the past week as he recovers from his offseason knee injury, all attention has been directed to second-round offensive tackle Blake Fisher. The Notre Dame guard has received a plethora of reps during this week’s training camp to fill Tunsil’s void on the offensive line. Despite Ryans’ assurances that Tunsil will be ready for the start of the season, this training camp is paramount for Fisher who will hope that his high draft standing is worth it for Stroud and the Texans’ offense.

Lauded for his versatility, Fisher has been known to be able to be able to switch between playing right or left tackle. If Fisher can put up strong performances and continue developing throughout training camp, Fisher may see his name called upon early during the Texans’ season.

Jawhar Jordan 

Selected in the sixth round by the Texans, Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan is another player who must fight for his spot on the roster this upcoming season. Unlike Lassiter and Fisher, Jordan was a late Day 3 pick and must show his worth of being named to the 53-man roster. On the other hand, Lassiter and Fisher are heavily benefited by their high draft position, giving them the extra leeway for mistakes and room for growth. On the other hand, Jordan must fight for his position almost immediately. Furthermore, Jordan is stuck behind several seasoned veterans, clogging his way to being a member of being rostered this upcoming season.

The Texans bolstered their running back position this season after trading for former Pro Bowler Joe Mixon while Dameon Pierce is entering his third season following a disappointing sophomore campaign. Further, the Texans’ recent addition of former Rams and Vikings running back Cam Akers provides further hurdles for Jordan to fight for his way onto the Texans’ roster.

However, all hope is not lost for Jordan who has registered some strong performances entering training camp. This past week, Jordan has received praise from fellow running back Joe Mixon who labeled Jordan as “a good player. He’s been taking everything in the best he can”. Notable for his speed, Jordan can earn his way onto the roster by making a way onto the Texans’ special teams. With the change in NFL kickoff rules, the Texans could benefit from a speedy back who can return the ball, making Jordan an ideal fit for this position if he continues his strong performance in training camp.