The Houston Texans have a 14-man rookie class coming into training camp. Each player will have their own challenges when it comes to making an impression on the coaching staff, whether that goes toward playing time or even making the roster.
Here is a look at each rookie relative to their importance to the Texans.
1. DL Ross Blacklock
The Texans lost defensive tackle D.J. Reader in free agency to the Cincinnati Bengals. Even though Blacklock won’t be able to match Reader’s production in his rookie season, the former TCU Horned Frog will still need to be a valuable contributor to the defensive line in first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s system.
2. OLB Jonathan Greenard
The former Louisville Cardinal and Florida Gator has the versatility the Texans are looking for from an edge defender. Greenard can rush off the edge and also drop back into coverage. While third-year outside linebacker Jacob Martin will probably own the spot opposite of Whitney Mercilus in Anthony Weaver’s 3-4, the Texans still need Greenard to step up and provide another credible edge threat. The third-rounder has been keeping himself in shape, studying the playbook, and latching onto veterans so he can hit the ground running in training camp.
3. CB John Reid
Houston appears to have a crowded cornerback group as it is, but Reid has the ability to play inside and outside, which could provide necessary support as the Texans assemble optimal coverage packages. The Penn State alumnus also is devoted to the cerebral side of the game, which could give him a leg up to impress secondary coach D’Anton Lynn.
4. OLB Jamir Jones
The Texans could use edge help, and it would be a boon if the former Notre Dame product became a part of Houston’s edge rotation. Though Duke Ejiofor is recovering from an Achilles injury, the Texans need another option in case Ejiofor’s potential doesn’t manifest.
5. WR Isaiah Coulter
Houston took Coulter in the fifth round to complete their 2020 NFL Draft class. Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, Will Fuller, and Kenny Stills already have the first four spots taken atop the depth chart. Coulter’s main competition for a roster spot are Keke Coutee, Steven Mitchell, DeAndre Carter, Chad Hansen, and undrafted free agent Tyler Simmons. However, the first four receivers could sustain injuries, and some of Coulter’s competition aren’t exactly pictures of perfect availability either. If Coulter can instantly get up to speed, it should keep the Texans’ receiving corps from dropping off dramatically in production due to injuries.
6. WR Tyler Simmons
The former Georgia Bulldog is in a similar battle for a roster spot with Isaiah Coulter. Simmons will have to find a way to contribute on special teams in addition to developing cohesion with the Texans’ quarterbacks.
7. NT Auzoyah Alufohai
The former West Georgia product has Brandon Dunn, Eddie Vanderdoes, Ross Blacklock, and Ira Savage-Lewis would presumably be ahead of Alufohai on the depth chart. Still, the Texans are looking for an effective interior defensive line combination after the loss of D.J. Reader in free agency.
8. RB Scottie Phillips
The Texans already have their ideal running back tandem in David Johnson and Duke Johnson, and Buddy Howell is an effective special teamer. Phillips would be in battle with former 2019 undrafted free agent Karan Higdon for a roster spot. The transition phase of the game might be where Phillips makes an impression on the coaching staff.
9. ILB Jan Johnson
The Texans are pretty set at inside linebacker with Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, and even Dylan Cole, who made special teams captain last season. However, if Johnson can provide some confidence among the coaching staff, it might give “Trader Bill” another opportunity to wheel and deal McKinney and not have it affect the linebacking corps.
10. OT Charlie Heck
The son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck knows what the expectations are at the pro level. Heck still has to battle for a roster spot, and gain the trust of offensive line coach Mike Devlin. However, the former North Carolina Tar Heel is going against Roderick Johnson, Kyle Murphy, and Brent Qvale for the swing tackle job. It will be a case of Heck’s youth versus their experience, and 2020 isn’t the optimal offseason for a rookie to be in that type of battle.
11. C Exel Woodworth
Woodworth could be a Greg Mancz starter kit for the Texans. If the former North Texas product could gain the confidence of the coaching staff to fill in at center or guard, then it could help the Texans get younger and also cheaper. However, Woodworth is an undrafted free agent battling veterans with no preseason games. The chances are slim to make the team.
12. TE Dylan Stapleton
Houston already has Jordan Akins and Darren Fells in assigned roles as starting tight end and red zone threat. Jordan Thomas and Kahale Warring will be going after each other and the incumbents for playing time, let alone a spot on the roster. Stapleton would be lucky if the Texans carried four tight ends, and if they did, that might give him a shot to make the roster.
13. G Cordel Iwuagwu
The former TCU product could find a spot on the team if he can provide position flex at the interior offensive line positions. It may be difficult for Iwuagwu to out-compete the veteran talent to make his case. However, he could be a candidate for the practice squad.
14. QB Nick Tiano
The 2020 training camp and preseason is especially inequitable for undrafted quarterbacks such as Tiano. The former Chattanooga product won’t get a chance in games to lead drives or mount comebacks. He won’t even get the opportunity to go against another squad in a joint practice. Tiano is the fourth quarterback on the roster behind Deshaun Watson, A.J. McCarron, and Alex McGough. “Camp arm” is an understatement, but maybe Tiano can make a case of his own to give him a shot when constructing the practice squad at the end of training camp.
