In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL backfields, Jo’Quavious Marks has emerged as a promising addition to the Houston Texans. With his versatile skill set developed over years at Mississippi State and USC, Marks is poised to take on a critical role within the team's offense. His primary focus will likely be replacing Dare Ogunbowale as the Texans' third-down specialist and two-minute drill running back. However, for Marks to become truly fantasy-relevant, he must also carve out a significant role in early downs and potentially serve as Joe Mixon’s backup. This article explores Marks' journey, his projected role with the Texans, and the potential impact of his teammates on his success.

Jo’Quavious Marks entered the professional football scene after a decorated collegiate career that spanned both Mississippi State and USC. At Mississippi State, he established himself as a reliable player in the offensive rotation, gradually transitioning from a traditional receiving back to a more balanced rusher-receiver hybrid. His final season showcased an increased emphasis on rushing opportunities, which continued during his tenure at USC, where he further refined his skills. Despite some fluctuations in his per-route numbers, Marks demonstrated consistent improvement in key areas such as breaking long runs and reducing dropped passes. According to our draft guide, enhancing his decisiveness in open-field situations remains crucial for elevating his game to the next level.

The Texans' backfield structure in 2024 featured Joe Mixon as the early-down workhorse, Dameon Pierce as the backup, and Dare Ogunbowale handling third-down duties. Ogunbowale's advanced age (31) presents an opportunity for Marks to step into this specialized role. Moreover, given Ogunbowale’s limited target rate, Marks' talents could translate into a higher volume of touches. If Marks secures this position, he may surpass Mixon during critical two-minute drill snaps, thereby increasing his fantasy value. To achieve broader relevance in most leagues, however, Marks would need to surpass Pierce as the primary backup and occasionally contribute on early downs.

Newly appointed offensive coordinator Nick Caley brings uncertainty regarding how the Texans will manage their backfield rotations. While Caley has experience across various systems, including single-feature backs and committee-based approaches, the overall effectiveness of the Texans' offensive line looms large over any projections. Replacing standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil with Cam Robinson, whose run-blocking grades have been consistently subpar, raises concerns about the line's ability to create running lanes. Although this might lead to increased dump-off pass opportunities for Marks, his reliance on well-executed blocks for rushing success suggests this could hinder his ground game performance.

Beyond tactical considerations, Marks' adaptability and growth will ultimately determine his place in both the Texans' lineup and fantasy rosters. As a receiving back, he holds potential value in larger leagues but could unlock broader appeal by establishing himself as Mixon's primary backup. Balancing these roles effectively positions Marks not only as a contributor to the Texans' offense but also as a viable option for fantasy managers seeking depth and versatility.