Entering Year 3 of the DeMeco Ryans’ era, the Houston Texans are poised for a season to remember. Quarterback C.J. Stroud should feel more comfortable in Nick Caley’s offense, while Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins is in line for his first All-Pro campaign.

But what’s the biggest reason for optimism? What’s the top sign to think the Texans are set for a surge this fall as a legit threat in the AFC and not just a divisional favorite? Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman recently examined every NFL team’s biggest reason for optimism heading into the 2025 season.

For Texans, it remains Ryans’ defense, but more importantly, the impactful names at premier positions. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is set up for a breakout season. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is coming off an All-Pro year. Meanwhile, names like defensive end Danielle Hunter, cornerback Kamari Lassiter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair are all prominent names who could be top-half at their respective positions.

“Led by superstar cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and the dynamic pass-rush duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., the Texans’ pass defense is one of the best units in the NFL,” Wasserman wrote. “The unit also added safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in a trade with Philadelphia after he posted a career-best 85.7 PFF coverage grade for the Super Bowl champions last season. Opponents are going to have a difficult time succeeding against Houston in obvious passing situations.”

Houston’s secondary might eventually become the league’s most feared unit with the arrival of Gardner-Johnson. In his two seasons with the Eagles, the do-it-all defensive back ranked top five in interceptions and top 10 in pass deflections. He was also a no-nonsense tackler, often catching himself on the highlight reel for his massive hits.

While Gardner-Johnson is the newcomer, Houston’s returning talent could be what sets itself over the top. Jalen Pitre, who inked a three-year extension this offseason, looked more comfortable in the nickel position last year and regained his confidence. While there were several mishaps during his rookie season, Calen Bullock improved as a tackler and finished with five interceptions as the running mate for Eric Murray.

Since arriving in 2023, the Texans’ identity under Ryans has been defense-first. After two promising seasons that ended with 10 wins and a division title, Houston has put the pieces in place to make a splash as a legit threat to compete with Kansas City should the offensive line hold.