The Texans have completed one week of Training Camp and it’s been a learning experience to say the least. Between the rookies showcasing their skills, the injuries, and the veteran additions
Stock Down: Texans PR Department
As much as I prefer to start on an upward trajectory, this has to be addressed.
The Texans constrained their media affiliates on what they can tweet and communicate regarding depth charts, player groupings, and roster configuration. Do they not realize there are eight practices open to the public and preseason
games? Fans will find out sooner or later what they’re hiding. My hunch, first-rounder Keylan Rutledge doesn’t look good and is not participating with the first or second string.
This is more illogical than embarrassing… and it’s fairly embarrassing. There are eight practices open to the public, who have no media affiliation nor restriction on posting on social media. Word is going to get out one way or another as to what’s happening at camp. If anything, trying to conceal it will only make fans search harder.
Stock Up: Justin Watson, WR
Watson in very short time and with even less production wedged himself onto this roster as an integral part of the system. His blocking and route running are highly valued assets by Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley. Plus, the injury to Jaylin Noel opened up more reps for the veteran. Depending on Noel’s timeline, Watson has the inside track to not only make the roster but start as the WR3.
Stock Down: Special Teams
Jaylin Noel, Jake Hansen, and M.J. Stewart all are hurt and likely out for quite a while. They were slated to be significant contributors on special teams this season and will miss time due to various injuries. Noel is Houston’s kick and punt returner, Hansen is a tackling menace, and Stewart is phenomenal on kickoff. Noel and Stewart should be back later this season, but this phrase has been negatively impacted and we aren’t three days into practice.
Stock Up: Marte Mapu and Wade Woodaz.
Thanks to injury attrition, MM and WW have gone from the fringes of the roster to the backup linebackers on defense. The foot injury to Jake Hansen and quad injury to E.J. Speed immediately zapped the depth of this group. Now both Mapu and Woodaz must step up to assume the role and reps of the two injured linebackers.
Stock Down: Jake Hummel
The special teams linebacker was in line to earn a roster spot due to all of the injuries and youth at the position. Unfortunately, he has been nowhere to be seen since the start of training camp. Not at practice, not at the facility, nothing. In the Rosterology 2.0, Hummel was a part of the “Last Four In” to make the team. Being a no-show through the first week won’t bode well for his stock.
Stock Up: Defensive depth
Texans signed DL Mario Edwards, LB Sione Takitaki, and DE Jadeveon Clowney this weekend in a trio of moves to bolster the front seven. Takitaki is the third former New England Patriots LB who found their way onto Houston’s roster. These moves add more talent to the already stacked defense and integrates veterans into the room. Couldn’t be more intrigued by what Clowney brings to the defense.
