Texans TE Dalton Schultz praises Cade Stover's growth entering Year 2

Texans Tight End Room Heating Up: Stover Shines in Training Camp

Veteran Schultz Impressed by Second-Year Player's Transformation

The Houston Texans tight end room is buzzing with excitement as training camp progresses. Veteran Dalton Schultz, entering his third season with the team, acknowledges a change in the dynamic, praising the remarkable growth of Cade Stover.

“He’s grown a lot. Strength, speed, size, knowledge of the game, he looks way more comfortable," Schultz said Saturday. "It’s fun having him in the room because he’s a farm boy, backcountry loves to get down and dirty. But, at the same time, you can see that he’s really smart and he’s got knowledge for the game. Especially being on the defensive side of the ball for so long, he’s got that knowledge of the other side too.”

Stover's Rise in Second Season

Selected in the fourth round last year, Stover transitioned from linebacker to tight end at Ohio State, finding success alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud. This offseason, his development has been remarkable.

"He doesn’t talk about it a ton, but I think he’s smarter than he gives himself credit for," Schultz added. "That makes it really fun, being a guy going into year eight, I can have some conversations with him that some young guys in his position, I wouldn’t be able to.”

The second-year tight end has become a versatile weapon for the Texans. He's showcased his abilities as both a blocker and pass catcher, even earning reps alongside Schultz in 11-personnel sets.

GM Caserio Highlights Stover's Progress

Texans general manager Nick Caserio echoed these sentiments earlier this month, stating that Stover was the most improved player from the offseason. Stover's performance has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike:

"One player #Texans fans would LOVE to see break out this year is tight end Cade Stover, who looks healthy entering Year 2," tweeted Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) in May.

While Schultz faces the challenge of proving himself worthy of a new contract in 2026, Stover's rapid ascent has made the Texans tight end room one to watch as the season approaches.