Texans rookie Kamari Ramsey delivers interception in NFL debut

Texans rookie safety Kamari Ramsey is known for his instincts, and he trusted them to deliver his first NFL interception.

The fifth-round draft pick from USC made up for dropping a potential interception earlier in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

He picked off quarterback Trey Lance and returned the errant throw 42 yards in the final minute of the first half.

"It felt good, man," Ramsey said. "It's a blessing to be out there. My first preseason game, first NFL game ever, I get a pick, so all glory to God."

Ramsey jumped the passing lane, reading Lance's eyes to guide him to the football and an impactful play.

"Really trying not to remember that first one, that's an easy one that I dropped," Ramsey said. "I should have caught that. On the second one, we was just reading the quarterback. So, really, just eyes on the quarterback, and he took me to the spot. I just picked it off.'

Signed to a four-year, $4.945 million rookie deal that includes a $575,620 signing bonus, Ramsey is a UCLA transfer who recorded 40 tackles, five pass deflections and one interception before transferring to USC. He had 27 tackles and two passes defended for USC.

For his career, he had two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two sacks.

Ramsey has run the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds with a 36-inch vertical leap, a 10-foot broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 16 times.

"First game, had big eyes out there," Ramsey said. "I was kind of nervous for sure, but really just settling down, getting used to the flow of the game. And just knowing that I belong out there.

"I have confidence in myself, but it's just being a human. You're like, 'Do I belong out here?' Even though I've been grinding with my teammates, making plays in practice, stuff like that. But still that first-game jitters. Our standards higher. I've got to do better. We've got to do better as a team."

Texans rookie Noah Whittington 'did a good job'

For rookie running back Noah Whittington, this was a pivotal moment.

The Texans needed him to start and carry their running game as they opted to rest veterans David Montgomery and Woody Marks and were playing without Jawhar Jordan, their usual third running back, due to a strained hip flexor and British Brooks because of a broken hand.

"It was a blessing," Whittington said. "I got a lot of gratitude for being able to play football at the highest level, especially for such a unique organization. It was a dream come true."

Whittington, an undrafted player from Oregon, delivered. In a 27-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Whittington led the Texans with 13 runs for 40 yards. And he returned two kickoffs for 47 yards.

"Noah Whittington did a good job of running the football," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans.

Whittington was signed to a three-year, $3.12 million deal after going undrafted. That includes $267,500 total guaranteed with a $20,000 signing bonus and $247,500 of his base salary guaranteed.

Whittington has displayed vision, explosiveness and power since joining the Texans.

"I could have had a little bit more pace," Whittington said. "I feel like I could have created a little bit more than what I did, but I did take care of the football. I was just trying to stay neutral, don't get too high, don't get too low and just be consistent."

A former honorable-mention All-Big Ten Conference selection, Whittington was chided by running backs coach Danny Barrett for a missed pass protection.

"Coach was getting on me because I did have a bad play," Whittington said. "It was a pass protection and I got run over. I was literally telling myself before the game, 'I'm not going to do that.' Just getting better at that piece, for sure. I'm trying to earn a spot on this team."

The Western Kentucky transfer rushed for 829 yards last season and six touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per play. He finished his college career with 2,950 rushing yards and 21 touchdown runs.

Whittington has a prime opportunity with running backs Jawhar Jordan and British Brooks sidelined with injuries.

"Noah seems to make a play every day," Ryans said. "He has a really good feel for pressing blocks and his vision. Just knowing when to cut, when to take the ball outside, when to make a cut back up inside.

"I see a guy who plays with really great vision, great feel at the running back spot. When you see guys that are lower on the depth chart in these preseason games, some of those running backs are going to shine."

Whittington is doing his best to make the Texans decision on his roster status a difficult one.

"I try to treat every day like it's my last, because you never know when it will be," Whittington said. "Just be consistent. Try to show up and be the same player every day, and hopefully I get the results I want."

Whittington has learned a ton from Montgomery and Marks.

Mentoring matters.

"It's been amazing," Whittington said. "Honestly, one thing I learned from D-Mo is he was getting on the meeting about what I just talked about, about me trying to be perfect and messing up and not being able to flip the page. I'm still working on that. Woody is just a great leader in the room. He's welcoming. He talks to us. He makes us feel like we're a part of the room."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL insider for KPRC 2 and Sports Talk 790. His YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWilsonSport

Chris Gordy