As discussed with voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer on “The Texans Talk Podcast” on Thursday, the Texans have a big issue entering training camp — somewhat of an embarrassment of riches.
With the regular season just 55 days away, the Texans will face some tough decisions on offense. Starting with running back.
Running back
Both Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman are safe bets to make the roster barring any unforeseen disasters. Miller is coming off of a Pro Bowl season in which he wasn’t spectacular, but had his moments, including a 97-yard touchdown run. Foreman is returning from a horrendous Achilles injury in 2017 and appears to be back to full fitness.
However, with their usual third choice Alfred Blue now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, they need another option. And here is the issue. Bill O’Brien has said recently that he likes what he’s seen from Josh Ferguson, a former practice squad member.
“I think we have a candidate there in Josh Ferguson who’s had a good spring for us,” said O’Brien after the second day of minicamp back in June. “Hopefully that carries over to training camp for him. But really that position is very unique, that ‘sub-back’ is what we call it. That third-down back is a very unique position.”
Buddy Howell impressed on special teams last season, while veteran Taiwan Jones was brought in this offseason as another special teams addition.
Then there are the two undrafted rookies in Karan Higdon and Damarea Crockett. Both impressed at college in spells having each recorded singular 1,000-plus rushing yard seasons.
Speaking to The Texans Wire, Vandermeer voiced his support for the 5-11, 225-pound Crockett in particular.
“Crockett has a look about him,” said Vandermeer. “He looks like an NFL back, that could possibly do some damage.”
Another player to throw in the mix for some carries could be rookie seventh-round full back Cullen Gillaspia. The former Texas A&M 12th Man is as versatile as they come, a former linebacker turned special teams ace and full back.
According to Vandermeer, it was ultimately his surprising speed which drew the Texans’ attention.
“He was faster than they thought he would be,” said Vandermeer. “And that’s why he got drafted, he’s got some speed for his size.”
He also has experience at both rushing and receiving on offense. He was seen receiving passes at OTAs earlier this summer, and with his impressive size (6-2 235 pounds) and speed, not to mention his leadership and presence in the locker room, he could be one to look out for as a third choice back if necessary.
Also, keeping him as the third back as well as the only full back would free up a spot for our next position. And as Vandermeer said: “Whoever the third back is, better play special teams.”
Tight End
The Texans have two certainties to make the roster in the second year ends Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins. Last season, both showed signs of their respective talents, Thomas as a red zone threat and Akins as more of a receiving target.
However, with neither spectacular blockers and the Texans in need of as much protection as they can get for their questionable offensive line, they brought in veteran blocking tight end Darren Fells in free agency.
As discussed on the podcast, Fells could even be used as an emergency tackle if absolutely needed. With versatility being something O’Brien covets and given the inexperience in their offensive line, I would be surprised if Fells did not make the roster.
However, with third-round rookie Kahale Warring looking eye-catching in OTAs given his stature at 6-5 and 225 pounds, described by Vandermeer as “a compelling athlete,” barring injuries he too will make the roster.
Should Houston opt to use Gillaspia as a third back, this would free up a roster spot for the fourth tight end.
However, these aren’t the only positions scrambling for openings.
Wide Receiver
DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, and Keke Coutee will be in the 53-man roster, that’s a given. The trio has the potential to become one of the NFL’s most lethal offenses this season.
However, as evidenced in 2018, depth at the position is crucial, something they struggled with all season thanks to recurring injuries to the likes of Coutee and Fuller.
Vyncint Smith seems likely to make the roster as a backup. He scored a touchdown last season and has a rare turn of pace, which in the absence of Fuller is needed. Heading into his second year it can be expected that he will be thinking less during his routes and therefore should be able to execute them more cleanly and effectively.
Here is where it gets tricky. Steven Mitchell did a serviceable job last season and will remain in contention for a spot given his knowledge of the system. Isaac Whitney was on the practice squad in 2018 and looked good in OTAs, as did fellow former practice squad member Jester Weah, both of whom again have the advantage of experience in the system.
Then you have the undrafted rookies Floyd Allen, Stephen Louis, Johnnie Dixon, and Tyron Johnson. The most likely of these options to make the roster as it stands appears to be Dixon, a former Ohio State receiver.
At 5-10 he would be a good backup option to Coutee in the slot behind return specialist DeAndre Carter who did a good job on special teams in 2018. In five years as a Buckeye, he recorded 1,146 receiving yards, most of which were during his senior campaign. With 16 touchdowns to his name in his final two years, he has experience in a big program and looks good on tape. Despite his lack of height, he looks a dangerous deep threat, after recording an average of 17.1 yards per reception in college.
But at the end of the day, any one of these receivers could make the roster as they all have shown quality in OTAs. Ultimately, this decision will likely come down to their abilities on special teams, as once again, O’Brien requires versatility from all his players.
