"After middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans signed his new six-year contract that averages $8 million a year, he said he wanted to be an example for younger players who could learn that working hard and being patient could pay off.

The Texans are hoping the same thing.

"It (signing Ryans) speaks to the way we want to build our organization, and that's through the draft," general manager Rick Smith said. "You have to put in the work and give yourself a chance to have success on draft day. Once you do that, you have to lock those players up long term.

"That's something we're committed to. To me, it shows we're executing our plan."

Smith and agent Ben Dogra spent a lot of hours working on Ryans' new contract that's worth $48 million, including $21.75 guaranteed.

"The thing about DeMeco that's important is that he did everything the right way," Smith said.

Ryans was upset last year when he didn't agree on a long-term deal, but he knew what was at stake. He didn't threaten to hold out. He reported when he was supposed to and played the best season of his career.

The defense improved dramatically over the last 13 games. The Texans finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs on the last Sunday of the season."