(SportsRadio 610) - Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans understands there is a tremendous opportunity in front of him.
The NFL franchise that once drafted him is in need of a boost after three consecutive losing seasons. Ryans is now the fourth head coach in as many seasons for Houston, and fifth if you count interim Romeo Crennel after Bill O'Brien was fired in 2020.
With Ryans, one of the most popular and sought after young coaches in football, and the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, the Texans can truly start thinking about turning a corner. They made some solid moves in free agency - for the first time in years - and now have 12 picks in this draft, including picks No. 12 and 33.
When the first-year head coach met with media members Tuesday at NRG Stadium, he acknowledged the excitement picking No. 2 overall. But he was also quick to downplay any pressure that might come with the pick.
See, there's anticipation Houston could draft a quarterback, presumably with either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud available at No. 2. Ryans, of course, would not tip his hand and pushed back on the idea of this player immediately becoming the face of the franchise.
"It's exciting for us to have the No. 2 pick, but also at the same time, there is no pressure where a young man is picked," Ryans said. "I think it's unfair to ask a guy just because you're picked No. 2 overall, you have to come in and you're the face of our franchise and you’re the leader. That's unfair to the guy. I'm not going to put that type of weight on the shoulders of whoever that is that we pick. That's not what we're anticipating. That’s not what we’re expecting them to do.
"We're expecting them to come in, be a great teammate, work hard, be deliberate in what you're doing and have a mindset to get better each and every day. That's the mindset no matter if it's pick two or the last pick of the draft. Really doesn't matter when you get picked. Leaders, those guys will grow based on our team. Each team is different. We have leaders in our locker room already, so I'm not asking a guy to come in and be this savior for our team. We're asking him to come in and put his head down and just work."
Ryans is right to take this position. He's the coach and this is a mindset to protect the player, who undoubtedly will be under enormous pressure and scrutiny.
The important thing is whether Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio believe that player is a quarterback, and if the one they want will be available to them. It is possible the Texans consider drafting edge rusher Will Anderson, or trade back for more picks.
Ryans himself is not feeling the pressure of saving the franchise for which he starred as a player.
As a former All-Pro player and now a coach since 2017, Ryans understands as well as anyone the importance of the quarterback position. Drafting one at No. 2 overall would inherently come with expectations of leadership and high levels of visibility.
“No pressure for me at all. This is an outstanding organization, an outstanding job. I love the excitement being around the city, just everybody stopping. Fans are excited, they want to take pictures, autographs. It's an exciting time. I don't feel any pressure because I know I'm surrounding myself with the right people and I know we can get the job done. I know Houston is hungry for a winner.
"Trust me, I'm just as hungry to create a winner for this organization, for this city. It means a lot to me, and I want to be able to bring that to Houston. So, it's no pressure. It just reminds me just continue to put your head down and go to work with the right purpose and to be detailed and just make sure we're adding really great players to our team so when we line up on that field on Sundays, I want to just put a team out there that our city is proud of."
The Texans met with Stroud last week and meet with Young this week, Ryans said. The NFL Draft is April 27-29.
Brandon Scott is the editor for SportsRadio610.com. Follow him on Twitter @brandonkscott. Reach him directly via email: brandon.scott@audacy.com.
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