When the Houston Texans began training camp last week, it kicked off an exciting time for football fans. Those who have been thirsty for some action finally got it when the Texans put on their pads on Monday, and several new faces are making their unofficial debut that hope to help Houston win its third straight division title and perhaps advance to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.
While new players are looking to make a first impression, there are others simply trying to make a new one. One member of the 2024 draft class has shown up to organized team activities (OTAs) on a mission and hopes to not only make the roster but make a bigger impact than he did in his rookie season.
Texans DL Solomon Byrd Already Standing Out During Training Camp
Solomon Byrd is one player who has become a surprising standout during camp after a rookie season where he was largely invisible. A seventh-round pick out of USC, Byrd spent most of the season on the practice squad before appearing in his lone game in the Week 18 season finale against the Tennessee Titans.
Although it was largely against backups and a team that was planning for offseason vacations, Byrd stood out with two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and a quarterback pressure on nine pass-rushing snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The performance also stood out to Texans media personality Landry Locker, who stated that Byrd was “having a helluva camp/offseason.”
DeMeco Ryans said things slow down in year two for players. Said Byrd has steadily built from his sack in the game against Tennessee last year.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) July 24, 2025
Byrd has had a sack in almost every practice (OTA/Minicamp/Training Camp) this year. https://t.co/60JNovnbIq
Locker’s co-host Cody Stoots also weighed in, saying head coach DeMeco Ryans noted that things slow down in Year 2 for players, and his confidence has grown since the game against the Titans.
Sometimes these reports can be taken with a grain of salt – especially considering the state of the Texans’ offensive line. But if Byrd can show something in Year 2, it could be an excellent development for the Houston defense.
Byrd’s collegiate career spanned six seasons, playing three years at Wyoming and two more at USC. He put himself on the map with 6.5 sacks during the 2019 season and added 10 more sacks between his two seasons with the Trojans in 2022 and 2023. The 25-year-old also showed a knack for creating chaos with seven forced fumbles, including a Pac-12 leading four fumbles during the 2023 season.
The Texans are covered at the starting edge spots as Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. have become one of the NFL’s best pass-rushing duos. But Byrd’s emergence could give the Texans some depth in the trenches and make Houston’s defense even better next season.