HOUSTON — As quarterback Davis Mills approached the podium for his press conference, his stoic demeanor and facial expression were one of a person who has seen all the signs of the Houston Texans moving in a different direction as far as the quarterback position but is not willing to give up his spot without a fight.
The Texans selected Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Stroud is projected to be the franchise quarterback, but for now, he is a rookie learning how to call plays in an NFL huddle.
Mills, 24, took first-team snaps during organized team activities on Tuesday as Stroud waited his turn to get reps with the second team, which included rookie wide receivers, Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson.
“I’m competing for that starting job,” Mills said. “Since I’ve been drafted in the NFL, I’ve been in a competition. I don’t think anything is going to change. It’s been great getting to know C.J. so far. He’s an extremely hard worker, and it will be good to see how we go out there every day and make each other better.
“Every year in this league, you feel more and more comfortable. Obviously, the hunger and the drive to become better is still there. It’s definitely a different feeling from when I was stepping in here as a rookie, not knowing anything to where I am now, having all that built-up experience from my starts over these past two years. I mean, it’s exciting. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to come in here and compete for another job. I’m ready for the year.”
“I’m competing for that starting job,” said Houston Texans third-year quarterback Davis Mills. “Since I’ve been drafted in the NFL, I’ve been in a competition.” #Texans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/WMsIRUSM1M
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) May 23, 2023
Mills finished the 2022 campaign completing 61% of his passes for 3,118 yards. Still, his 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions caused some concerns for general manager Nick Caserio who chose to select Stroud. Things got so bad last season at the quarterback position that by the end of the season, Mills found himself splitting time with backup Jeff Driskel.
The former Stanford quarterback knew that he had to change some things up in the offseason if he wanted to retain his starting position this season with Stroud on his heels.
“The big thing is trying to focus on myself,” said Mills about part of his offseason regiment. “Trying to get better every day. Trying to put a lot of work in. Some of my weaknesses from previous years, trying to make those my strengths now. The biggest thing is kind of putting my head down and getting better each day.”
