DeMeco Ryans is a believer in second chances, particularly for athletes that match his tough style of defense known as “SWARM.”
This summer, Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson inked one-year contracts with the Houston Texans in part because of that.
During OTAs this month, breakthrough corner Derek Stingley Jr. will have competition for first-team reps from Okudah, the previous No. 3 selection from 2020, and Henderson, the No. 9. neither appeared flawless during the press conference on Tuesday, but Ryans isn’t searching for a standout performance.
DeMeco Ryans on what he liked the most about #Texans FA acquisitions, CB’s Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson
“They have the movement skills. They’re big, fast, long corners that can run with anybody.” pic.twitter.com/5bhJaeKvGw
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) May 21, 2024
His attention is on identifying the positive and focusing on what made the two unique after graduation.
After a session, Ryans remarked of Okduah and Henderson, “You see elite movers.” You can see why these people were selected in the top ten. They are big, quick, long corners that can run with anyone, they have the movement skills, and their careers have seen ups and downs.
After three difficult seasons with the Lions, Ohio State All-American Okudah is returning from his greatest season with the Falcons. For Atlanta, he started 11 games and had three pass breakups.
He intercepted a ball meant for Robert Woods during team drills while assisting the first team defense. Earlier in the day, during 7-on-7 drills, Okudah also lost to John Metchie on a go-route.
Henderson, who was dealt to Carolina after spending one season with the Jaguars, may be more adaptable. Through his 22 starts in 2022–2023 he played both on the boundary and in the nickel.
Henderson has a total of 16 pass deflections and three interceptions in his more than two years with the Panthers. Ryans stated that since joining the squad, both players have demonstrated attention to detail at every practice and off-season session.
“I don’t care what happened in the past, as I have told those guys, even though this is their third team and short careers,” Ryans remarked. “It doesn’t really matter, you can wipe the slate clean, but how can you come out and help us?”
There will be competition amongst Okudah and Henderson for first-team reps. Once adjusted to the defense, second-round selection Kamari Lassiter will also perform drills outside.
Given his size, Lassiter, the team’s first pick in the draft last month, might start off as a nickel defender.
Given his size, Lassiter, the team’s first pick in the draft last month, might start off as a nickel defender. The 6-foot defender played two positions for Georgia throughout his tenure, helping the team win back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.