Three reasons why Davis Mills should start in 2022

There is no doubt that Davis Mills should be the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback in 2022.

As the offseason continues still coachless, it’s time to ask one of the most critical questions: Is Davis Mills the Houston Texans’ franchise quarterback? Unfortunately, Nick Caserio runs an extremely tight ship and does not allow much insight into his moves and thought processes.

So what will the Texans do for a Quarterback? There’s absolutely no way to know, especially given the last 12 months. However, the following reasons are why Mills should be QB1 in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

Davis Mills started 11 games in 2021 and had a passer rating of 90 or more seven times. This is significant because of all the other rookie quarterbacks, and only Mac Jones had more (11 in 17 starts). Coming in as a 3rd round choice with limited college experience, no one expected him to walk into a fire and out-perform four of the quarterbacks who went in the first round.

Davis Mills showed had flashes of a “draft gem” for the Houston Texans in 2021

Trevor Lawrence was third in terms of 90+ passer rating games, with four in his rookie season. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin fields finished the season with only two such games, while Zach Wilson could only muster one game.

Mills’ pocket presence improved significantly throughout the year. Looking at the tape, Mills became a lot more efficient, making adjustments at the line and making his reads after the snap. A big heap of the credit needs to go to the Texans’ quarterback coach, Pep Hamilton, but you have to give some to Mills as well.

There was also a noticeable improvement in his short pass game, which was very questionable coming into his rookie year. It’s comforting to notice positive changes in a young QB, especially with all the drama the Texans faced this year.

Mills had the highest red zone passer rating of all qualified rookie quarterbacks. There’s no better time to shine than inside the 20, and he excelled.

With the right offseason, Mills will be a viable piece to their success in the rebuild.