While questions remain about the Houston Texans' offense, there's little to doubt about their defense.
As the Texans use training camp to solve their offensive line woes from a season ago while also managing first-string running back Joe Mixon's absence, the defense has turned heads.
During this week's session, second-year safety Calen Bullock, a 2024 third-round pick (No. 78 overall), has looked poised to follow up a sensational rookie season with an even better 2025.
ESPN's Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime observed Bullock coming up with a near-interception during Wednesday's practice, one day after picking off starting quarterback C.J. Stroud.
S Calen Bullock had another almost interception. This guy is #good.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) July 30, 2025
Calen Bullock Making Plays for Imposing Texans Secondary
Bullock was one of the best finds of the 2024 NFL Draft, leading all rookies with five interceptions.
He appeared in all 17 games, including 13 starts, while playing 89 percent of the Texans defensive snaps. Bullock added 54 tackles, 11 passes defended, and a fumble recovery. In coverage, he allowed 15 receptions on 35 targets (42.9 percent) for 168 yards and two touchdowns, with quarterbacks posting an awful 37.3 passer rating.
His strong camp is an excellent sign for the Texans and could position their secondary to be one of the league's most dominant.
As Bien-Aime wrote on Friday, "the starting secondary is putting on a show."
"Bullock thinks this secondary can be 'the best' and they're showing it," Bien-Aime added.
One takeaway from practice. The starting secondary is putting on a show.
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) August 1, 2025
A lot of ball patting from CJ Stroud and holding onto the ball.
S Calen Bullock thinks this secondary can be “the best” and they’re showing it.
Last season, the Texans ranked No. 6 against the pass, allowing 201 yards per game, but gave up 31 passing touchdowns, third-most in the NFL.
In addition to Bullock, the Texans boast corner Derek Stingley Jr., who has emerged as one of the league's premier lockdown corners. The No. 3 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft was named first-team All-Pro for the first time last season. During his first three seasons, Stingley has 11 interceptions and 36 passes defended.
This offseason, the Texans acquired strong safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2024, the mercurial talent tied a career-high with six interceptions.
Bullock's impressive 2025 camp suggests he's ready to level up after his promising rookie season, which could help keep the Texans atop the AFC South, which they have won the past two seasons.
Houston has some significant concerns on offense, particularly along the offensive line and at running back.
Stroud was sacked 52 times last season, 14 more than he took in 2023 en route to being named Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Texans overhauled their protection during the offseason, including parting with their best lineman, five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
On Saturday, reports surfaced that Mixon will miss most, if not all, of the preseason with a foot injury, raising concerns about his health entering Week 1.
Houston might need to lean on its defense as the offense takes shape under first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley. With Bullock's monstrous start to training camp, the secondary looks more than capable of shouldering the load.