The Houston Texans' 2025 rookie class has been among the league's quieter additions as the franchise focuses on taking a step forward. The 2024 season ended in frustration with the team unable to take the leap expected after an incredible rookie season from C.J. Stroud. Now, the team must turn its attention to improving offensive depth and find out exactly what they have from this current rookie class.
One overlooked piece in this class is sixth-round selection quarterback Graham Mertz. Let's be clear, there is no world in which Mertz becomes a starting option. The rookie's ceiling is challenging Davis Mills for the backup role, or more likely, being locked into the third emergency quarterback role. However, this doesn't mean the signal caller can't have an important role within the organization moving forward.
Graham Mertz Will Be Given a Chance to Win a Long-Term Backup Role in Houston
Mertz has the ceiling of a capable game manager who doesn't shy away from physicality. This puts the quarterback in an interesting discussion moving into the season. If the QB is impressive throughout the summer, the Texans could find an interesting role for the college veteran. With the league refusing to ban the tush-push play, the Texans would be wise to use it far more often.
However, there is obviously no wish to put C.J. Stroud in harm's way. This is where Mertz could have value if he can master the play while developing as a long-term backup option behind C.J. Stroud. It would be a cheap investment, allowing the team to save money at the position and develop a surprise answer behind its franchise star.
Mertz has shown incredible growth throughout his time with Florida and would have been a day two selection if not for consistent college injuries. This allowed the quarterback to fall to Houston and become a possible answer behind Stroud.
No question, watching the rookie quarterback throughout camp and the preseason is one of the more interesting stories of the summer. Mertz developing into a game manager capable of running short-yardage plays would be the absolute best-case scenario, offering surprise value from the sixth-rounder.