Tight end Kahale Warring was one of the more dubious picks the Houston Texans made in the 2019 NFL draft, but the former San Diego State Aztec is impressing the parties that count through one week of organized team activities.
Warring has already demonstrated to coach Bill O’Brien that he is a “good learner” and comprehends the job aspect of playing pro football.
“He’s attacking it the right way,” O’Brien said. “He’s in early, he stays late. Will Lawing’s doing a really good job with all of those guys of meeting extra, getting them up to speed. I thought he got better today. It’s a small step, but from day one to day two it looks like he got a little bit better.”
Warring is part of a tight end group with a nice blend of youth and experience. The youth comes from 2018 draft picks Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas while the experience is brought by 33-year-old Darren Fells.
Through one week of OTAs, Warring has caught the eye of quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“He’s a guy that is very strong, has great route running skills,” Watson said. “When the ball is in his area, he’s going to go up and get it. We’re just bringing him a long, especially playing that tight end position, it’s a lot of information. You’re basically playing O-line and receiver, so you have to learn a lot about the running game and about the passing game. He’s doing a good job of taking all the info and going out there and executing.”
Even though Warring brings enthusiasm and athleticism, his relative lack of playing experience is still a liability the club has to account for when giving him more responsibility in the offense.
Said O’Brien: “Everything’s new to him. He hasn’t played a lot of football relative to some of the other guys out there. I’m not talking about the veterans, I’m talking about the young players. Didn’t start playing football until later on in his life relative to his career, so I think he learns every day.”
As long as Warring is applying what he learns every day, then it helps the Texans solidify a position that has been in flux since last offseason’s retirement of starter C.J. Fiedorowicz.
