Texans Wild Card Could Surprise in 2026 Season

The Houston Texans know who will star for the team in the 2026 season. At least, they know who perhaps 90% of their top performers will be this year.

Houston has plenty of stars, many of which re-signed big contracts with the team this offseason. Player retention has been the key to building the Texans’ defensive juggernaut.

The strong nucleus allows for others to come in and succeed. One Texans fringe contributor is being tabbed as an underrated get.

Texans draft pick Kamari Ramsey was floated as a possible surprise in the upcoming season. Gridiron Heroics’ Jackson Loschko commented on what people are writing on the Houston wild card for the upcoming season.

“In a Sports Illustrated article, Justin Melo identified five underrated fifth-round picks who could outperform expectations. He named Kamari Ramsey, noting that he possesses the positional versatility and frame the Texans covet in their defensive backs. He also pointed to the team’s coaching staff and scouting department, which have nailed multiple defensive back prospects, including Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre, suggesting that Ramsey could follow a similar trajectory.

‘Kamari Ramsey possesses the versatility and frame the Houston Texans covet in the defensive backfield. The same coaching and scouting staff that nailed recent picks like Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre have identified him as their next steal. Ramsey can play nickel or either safety spot. He’s tough, athletic, and versatile. Playing time will initially be tough to come by in this secondary, but he’ll provide depth and special teams ability,’ Melo said.”

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We don’t typically look to Lincoln Riley-developed college football players when it comes to impact defenders in the NFL. The USC head coach has developed quarterbacks and receivers as well as anybody, but his track record for developing NFL defenders is not what he is known for lately. Still, Ramsey poses the ability to lift the Houston depth at defensive back.

The Texans are not lacking at defensive back, but they certainly would not mind adding depth behind their stars. Ramsey could be the player that does it.

Fifth round draft picks are valuable, perhaps more than many would suggest. Several have come in and contributed as early as their first NFL season. It’s uncertain if Ramsey will get that shot this year, but look for him to make a strong push to make the 53-man roster and contribute in some way this season.