The Houston Texans had a nine-player draft class this past April, which helped improve the roster on both sides of the ball.
The Texans already have their franchise QB in C.J. Stroud but that doesn't mean the Texans don't need other options at the position. In the sixth round, the Texans took Florida QB Graham Mertz.
Houston holds rookie minicamp from May 9 to May 10. That is where these guys will get their first chance to impress the coaching staff and fellow teammates. Mertz didn't want to wait until then to get some work in. He posted on his Instagram story of himself on the field with third-round Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel and undrafted WR Daniel Jackson.
These guys wanted to get some extra work in before minicamp gets going, but as a quarterback, Mertz is looking to get as many reps as possible.
Graham Mertz Gets on Field With Teammates Before Rookie Minicamp
While Stroud and Davis Mills are firmly placed ahead of Mertz on the depth chart, there's a pathway for him to stick on the roster as QB3. He'll have to beat out Kedon Slovis, who signed a future/reserve deal with the team in January.
In his college career at Wisconsin and Florida, Mertz completed 64.7% of his throws for 9,099 passing yards and 64 passing touchdowns.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler highlighted in his draft guide that Mertz is solid on play action with enough athleticism to create extra time with his legs. Health was one of his biggest problems in college but if he can stay on the field, he'll have a legit shot to make the team.
Getting some practice in with other rookies also gives a great sign. Mertz is locked in and wants to hit the ground running.