NICK CASERIO: Morning, welcome to training camp. Good to be here. Couple nonfootball related items before we get started. Certainly be remiss if I didn't acknowledge what went on with the flooding there in the middle of the state a few weeks ago. I'm sure a number of people have been affected, a number of people we all know, you all know, probably been affected in some capacity.
It's devastating. To see the support that people have received from not only the Texans but throughout the state of Texas, it's heartwarming. Puts everything in perspective.
In addition, certainly thoughts and prayers to the Braman family over his passing. Even though I wasn't around Brian, definitely remember his career, the impact that he had on the Texans.
I know he was a player that we had a kicking game, but there is a great example of a player that wasn't drafted and made the most of his opportunities. Lasted seven, eight years, whatever it was. And then to be lost at 38 years old, honestly puts everything in perspective. What we're doing here it important, but in the end it's really not that important. Doesn't really mattered. Football is football.
Life takes on I would say more significance and is a lot bigger than any of us in this room and anybody within this organization, anything we do on the field. Certainly ne remiss if I didn't share a few thoughts there.
On a lighter note, congratulations to the Austin girls team there, the Houston Texans flag championship. So I think at some point we'll probably see them around here at some point. Just goes to show you the growth of not only our sport but the interest in flag football, all levels, all ages of kids, boys, girls. It's cool to see. So definitely significant growth.
Don't ask me about the Olympics, what's going to happen in 2028. Leave that alone for now.
But just kind of on a personal level, fortunate to be going into year 25. Very grateful for the opportunity that I have on a day-to-day basis to be a part of this organization, part of the NFL, to be able to contribute in some small capacity means a lot. Don't take it lightly.
So we're excited to get started. It's a good opportunity for our team. We have a lot of work in front of us: 20 practices, three preseason games, and then we open up against one the best teams in the league in the Rams. A lot of the work to do. We had a good spring. Team is in a good spot. I think we have a pretty good football team.
In the end it's going to come down to how well we execute in games.
So with that, certainly take some questions and go from there.
Q. What's the situation with Jimmy Ward?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, working through that. Kind of let the legal process take care of itself. We have been in contact with the league. We will work with the league. We will be compliant on our end, do the best we can.
So I think it's day-to-day, but kind of let this process take care of itself. Whatever the outcome is we'll handle it accordingly.
Q. (Regarding the thought process in signing Damon.)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, sure. A lot of thought goes into it. You take all the information into consideration. You go through a pretty extensive vetting process, which we did. I think where Damon is now relative to where he was earlier in his career is a different point.
You know, you're just honest about those conversations. I think he's trying to do the right things. Try to put himself in a position to take advantage of his opportunities. You know, we're inclined if we feel it's appropriate to give somebody a second chance. See how it goes. Damon's got to earn his opportunity, but he's been good to work with. Good attitude. Good approach.
So we have always taken the approach regardless of what's happened in the past, regardless of how grave or the gravity of the situation. Understand what it is and then when the player walks in our building, they kind of have a clean slate and they're starting from scratch.
I think it's important to just be honest. Had conversations with the McNairs about his situation. Not trying to hide anything. Take it case by case and try to do the best we can with the opportunities and information in front of us.
Q. (In regards to Jimmy.)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, Jimmy is here. He reported for training camp. He's around. Physically wasn't going to be able to do much anyway, day by day, and see the outcome.
Q. What's the approach with Joe Mixon? (Indiscernible)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, I would say a lot of players, I mean, it's really every player is a little bit different, so whatever their situation is, wherever they are medically, take it one day at a time.
Not going to put any timetables on anything. We'll deal with it. We have 90 players here. Some are able to practice and some aren't. At some point they will be able to practice.
So as far as what it looks like once the regular season starts, probably a long way away from that. So I think there is important for everybody to go out and establish their level of play, their performance, take advantage of their opportunities. This camp is going to be about competition. That's what it's going to be about.
The roster will sort itself out. Like I mentioned earlier, 20 practices, three preseason games, evaluate the players we need to evaluate, and then put ourselves in the position -- again, the Rams are one of the best football teams in the league. It's going to be a big challenge in front of us. We understand what that is. There is a balance of got get the team ready, but also kind of have our sights set in front of us with the first opponent, which will be a significant challenge for sure.
Q. Where do you stand with the offense?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, we have a number of players here with varying levels of experience. We've talked about that. Training camp will be a good opportunity for to us evaluate, a lot of competition. Games are won and lost on the fronts. You build your mental and physical toughness, physical play in training camp. Once the pads come on we'll have a better idea what that looks like.
But it's been a good group to work with. They're coachable. They work hard. Varying levels of experience. Cole has done a great job with that group. We'll put the five best out there and we'll have eight at the game each week. How many we carry on a roster, we will always do what we think is best for the team.
Q. DeMeco talked about wanting to change the culture in that room in the offseason. Do you feel like did you that?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, we'll see. I mean, in the end, offensive line play is about attitude and physical toughness, and being able to do a certain number of things to I would say a competitive enough level. So we'll find out.
Again, we have young players. We have veteran players. I think they have the right mindset. So it starts with Cole and trickles down. In the end it's about the players and them relying on one another, pushing one another, and being able to go out there and perform.
The offensive line is about five players playing as a unit. There is a lot of things involved. There is communication on every play. Where is the mike identification, who are we pushing to, where are the problems, does everybody see the picture the same way. So everything goes inside out so relative to the communication, so we'll see what that looks like.
Understand each week will be a different challenge from the defense, who we see, what our defense does is going to be different than the Rams. So understanding where the problems are, get the information communicated appropriately, and making sure we are getting the blocks distributed appropriately. There will be times where the defense wins and there will be times where we win.
So hopefully we're on the positive side of the ledger more often than not. See how it goes in training camp. Excited for that group. Good group. Let the competition sort itself out.
Q. In your new offensive system, when they hired Bobby it was a learning experience for you. How did you familiarity (indiscernible) change the way maybe you are as...
NICK CASERIO: Not necessarily. I try to stay out of the way. Just have an understanding of what we're trying to accomplish. Offensive football in the end is about moving the ball, scoring points, and about taking care the football. So you can put whatever system you want to put on the field. That's what offensive football is about.
If you win three to two, like that's a good outcome. If I win 50 to 49, that's a good outcome. If you run the ball 40 times in the game and win, that's a good outcome. If you have to throw it 50 times...
The big thing is what do we have to do each week relative to the opponent. That's what offensive football comes down to. My experience doesn't necessarily have any relevance it where we are now. We're about the 2025 Texans offense, what that looks like. We'll find out in training camp. Get more information.
In the end it's about going out there and being able to move the ball and score points.
Q. What do you like about that combination of Kurt and Higgins?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, Kurt has a lot of experience. Has been a productive player with his opportunities, you know, when he's been healthy and available. So very professional. Very smart. He's not just an inside the formation player. He has some position flexibility.
Higgins, I mean, a young player. We think he has some traits and attributes that we like, which is why we drafted him. A lot of work in front of him. He is going to face challenges like most players do.
I would say overall collectively that group, really good attitude. Really they're emblematic of the team. I think we have a number of players on this team that are focused on work and let their actions do the talking. In the end, like everybody can talk and say what's going to happen, we want that to happen. In the end it's going to come down to the work, their actions on the field, and execution.
So feel pretty good about that group. I think we have pretty good depth. Let the competition sort itself out.
Q. (Regarding CJ Stroud.)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, CJ had a good offseason. Our expectations for him are no different than any other player. Be the best he can be each day. Go out there and try to do the job to the best of your ability. If everybody does that as a team, we're going to be in a pretty good spot. So, again, this program -- and DeMeco said it, I've said it -- it's not about one player, one individual, it's not about one position.
We're going to need everybody at some point to do their job. The better they can do to prepare themselves for the rigors of the season the better off we'll all be.
Q. (Regarding free agent acquisitions.)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, not really sure what the next step. We have a good football team so we been one the best eight teams in the league the last two years. What's going to happen beyond that, I mean, nobody has any idea. I don't have any idea. Nobody else has any idea. Anybody that says they do is probably like wrong.
So can we put ourselves a position each week to give ourselves an opportunity to win, what the end result is, I mean, we're focused on the work, the process, and that's not going to change.
So you have to put a significant amount of time and energy and effort into developing your foundation, building your football team up. In the end it's about what happens on Sunday. So the focus is going to be on the Rams. Anything beyond that, I mean, is a big waste of time. I don't spend much time on it. DeMeco doesn't spend much time on it. That's for you all to talk about outside the building.
Q. Can you talk about you signing an extension?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, I don't think there is anything new to report on my end. Again, I've never talked about anything that I've done privately, so...
I love being here. I've got a great opportunity, great support from ownership, phenomenal head coach, great working relationship with him. Just thankful for the opportunity that I have. Nothing is new. I don't have anything to report on my end.
I'm just here to take it one day at a time and try to do the best I can for the organization, ownership, for the players, and for the coaches. As long as they have me here I'll stay. When they want to kick me to the curb I will go find and do something else. Love being here and grateful for the opportunity I have each day.
Q. Is there one thing about this team that excites you the most?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, I want to say the attitude and the approach to work. We have a lot of guys that are very diligent, and it's about the work and not really worry about a bunch of superfluous things or things on the periphery that don't have any relevance to winning.
I might have mentioned this to Sean and Seth earlier in the spring, but just anecdotally it was a little bit later in the spring, I want to say sometime in June, where DeMeco and I's our offices are situated, the weight room is behind us and you have the window.
Hear so just some random noise and I peek my head over my shoulder, and Higgins and Noel are in there with their helmets on catching off the jugs in the afternoon when nobody was around. I would say that's a microcosm of the team and the players that we have. That's where we want to keep the focus.
I think our players are motivated more about just putting a good product out there and putting the work in and not necessarily worry about other things outside of their control.
Q. What are some improvements and development of Cade Stover?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, you would be hard press to do find a player that's improved as much as Cade in the offseason. Really took advantage of his opportunities. Always has the right mentality and the right approach and mindset. I think most young players going from year one to two have an opportunity for growth and development really more physically because they have a full year in the program, so as soon as the season is over what, are you doing in February, March, April, May to get yourself ready for the off season program. Cade, along with a number of other players certainly took advantage of his opportunities.
We're glad he's here, and looking forward to potentially what he can bring to our football team.
Q. (Regarding contracts). What was your mindset on that and do I think it's overblown that...
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, I would say it's really much ado about nothing. It was kind of fabricated story. Let's take a step back. Again, when you're reading about this in the Wall Street Journal you know everybody has too much time on their hands.
But just philosophically, when you look at, say, contracts in the second round specifically, so when you look at the top of the second round last year, I want to say like those contracts were 92, 93 percent fully guaranteed.
Let's just fast forward, adjust for inflation, probably going to be some marginal increase. Let's say the number is 3 to 5 percent, right? So that small margin that's left, it's a difference of -- it's not that much. You're all smart. You can do the math.
Again, we're trying to get ahead and stay ahead on trends. Eventually probably going to get there anyway, so we just felt like that was the right thing for us to do.
I think what happens after that honestly, was a non-story that was made into a story, but everything kind of worked itself out. I think all of us in the league, myself included, have anticipated at some point, probably the first four, five you're going to end up at that spot anyway, so why wait around. Why bicker back and forth? Get to a resolution.
I think people that know me and negotiate with me I'm a bottom line guy. Let's get to the bottom line. Let's not hem and haw. If we think we're all comfortable, we'll move forward.
Didn't really impact Ersery, which is was part of the second round. That was more some other factors that led to the stall there.
So always going to handle business however we see fit. Try to do it logically, be pragmatic, and do it in a responsible way. Again, the offseason, not a lot of people -- there is not a lot of things to talk about. When I start reading about it in the Wall Street Journal, this is -- it is a nothing deal.
Q. Didn't change the game or anything?
NICK CASERIO: I'm not that smart, believe me. I didn't hear anything from anybody.
Q. You mentioned the attitude and desire to work. How have you seen that engrain itself over the last couple years?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, football ultimately is about the players. If you have players that walk in the building with that mentality and mindset, I would say we're very purposeful with the type of people that we bring in the building. In the end, like they're the ones that are going to go out there and play.
You win with toughness. You win with physicality. You win with selflessness in this league. So who are the players that have those qualities. We certainly prioritize that. You have to be able to play football. I'm not going to put my head in the sand and be naive to the fact that you have to be able to go out there and execute your job and play football.
You can find players who are good at football and have the other traits that we prioritize and covet, so we make a commitment to that. At times if you feel like you're going to step outside of that, that's okay. Just want to make sure you have a reason for doing that.
As long as you have the foundation in place. Again when people walk in the building and see Will Anderson, Jalen Pitre, the approach those players have, if you walk in and aren't doing the right things, like everybody is going to know.
So that's part of our responsibility. It's something that we emphasize to our scouting staff. You know, we have one of the best scouting staffs in the league. Fortunate to work with that group on a day to day basis. They understand what's important, what we think wins in this league.
So we're going to prioritize that and that's our commitment to doing the right thing. In the end it's about doing the right thing for the players.
Q. (Regarding Tank Dell.)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, making progress. One day at a time, but Tank's had a good attitude. Been in the building essentially every day. He is working really hard. We're not going to put any timetables on anything. If he's ready to play, great. If he's not, he's not. We'll take it as it comes.
Q. As someone who has been in the league for a while, what have you seen in terms of like technology and specifically as it relates to (indiscernible)?
NICK CASERIO: Great, that's a great question. You really can incorporate it in a lot of the different areas. How you watch tape, how you curate information, aggregate information, how much data you collect on the players, really, with the idea providing them information. So we can evaluate and look at trends and areas that we can improve.
I mean, I joke with my girls about this because they think their father they think is all about efficiency, but technology is all about efficiency. So it helps streamline some things, so there is a timing element. When I was scouting assistant you were coding beta tapes. If you were doing four players, you essentially would have to go through and mark the four or five different players and go back and create the tape. Took a long time.
Now with technology, if you want to go to a player's targets, watch certain rushes or pressures, you can click a button and go to that. We've seen technology integrating into football. We're starting to keep pace a little bit with other sports. Baseball is probably the furthest ahead. Baseball and basketball are a little bit more static relative to what goes on in a fixed element. On a field there is a lot more variables. Some things off the field you can incorporate it: Scouting, operations, sports science. So we always going to look at opportunities. We're not just going to use technology just to do it. Is there an application? Great. If there is and if we can incorporate it, we'll investigate it. If not, we'll look at something else. Definitely has a place really in all of our lives, but in football it's no exception.
Q. (Indiscernible) what are you hoping to see from him?
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, I mean, same thing, expectation for him: Come out here, work hard, be the best version of yourself each day. Don't put any time tables on it. Christian has played a lot of good snaps for us here. Whenever he's ready to play and help the team, that's the focus.
Q. Where have you seen the team grow the most from when you first got here to now?
NICK CASERIO: I mean, I think we've improved hopefully the personnel, and I think we've created a team where we feel like we've given ourselves an opportunity to go out there and win each week. Margins are very small in this league. 70 percent of the games were one-score games in the fourth quarter last year.
So that's all you're trying to do, is create a team on a week to week basis you feel provides an opportunity for you to win. Doesn't mean you're going to win, but I think we have over time we been able to, in all areas, just bring in people that are selfless, have the right mindset, want to work hard, put the team first and are about winning.
In the end this league is about winning and when you win makes everybody happen.
Q. (Regarding John.)
NICK CASERIO: Yeah, you know, hopefully John's number will be in the rafters here when he retires from football. Meant a lot to this organization. Made a significant impact in the community. John was a free agent so went through that process. He made a decision that he felt was in his best interest to sign with San Francisco, so wish him nothing but the best. Hold him in the highest regard. He meant a lot to me personally in the time we were together. Wishing him and his family nothing but success.
Always going to be a part of the Texans organization. I think that's a good example of only thing that's consistent in this league is change. John will do a good job for the 49ers. See him later in the year when we play them.
Wish him and his family well and embrace him with open arms when he comes back to the Texans.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports