Houston Texans 2018 Training Camp Preview

The Houston Texans found new life when they drafted Deshaun Watson a year ago. He changed the face of their franchise overnight. The days of TJ Yates, Brandon Weeden, and Tom Savage are finally over. Well, that is if Watson can stay healthy (Shhh). Pro Football Focus ranked this roster as the 2nd worst overall team in football but we’ve already established that that’s hogwash. If Watson’s good to go, Houston is a viable threat to win the AFC South. What should we be watching when the Houston Texans take the field for training camp this season?

3 Position Battles To Watch:

1. ENTIRE OFFENSIVE LINE!

This is the worst offensive line in the league and it’s not close. No team gave up more pressures than the Texans a year ago. This offensive line is so bad that their left tackle has two left feet! No, I’m not kidding. Check out Julie’n Davenport’s combine footage. Every job should be up for grabs because this entire unit is pathetic.

2. Tight End: Stephen Anderson, Jordan Akins

The Texans virtually had no tight end last year. I mean… no one. Stephen Anderson came out of the woods mid-way through the season a year ago but he didn’t put up great numbers. Akins comes over as a third-round pick from UCF to help change that narrative. Akins did put on a show during the Senior Bowl that has made him a prospect worth keeping an eye on with an ability to be a top end receiving threat.

3. Strong Safety: Andre Hal, Justin Reid

Signing Tyrann Mathieu is going to be a huge boost for this team. Andre Hal is slated to start at the other safety spot and is a pretty good player in his own right. Hal recorded 3 picks in 2017 and graded out as the 44th best overall safety in the league. Reid is the rookie trying to steal his job. Justin Reid is the brother of Eric Reid who has already proved to be a really good player. It will be a fun camp battle to watch. Maybe it’s all for not considering Mathieu will likely get some nickel work in.

Ready To Breakout: Will Fuller

Will Fuller might be the best home run threat in the league. Fuller started just 10 games and scored 7 touchdowns. Fuller’s production when Deshaun Watson was the starter was flat out unattainable. Fuller averaged over 15 yards per catch and tore the hearts out of safeties trying to cover him over the top. Fuller is a must-start in fantasy and should be in for an even bigger year heading into year-3. Keep in mind, Fuller also can’t be doubled because too much attention already goes towards DeAndre Hopkins.

Rookie To Watch: Duke Ejiofor

It’s tough to pick a candidate here because Houston didn’t have a first or second-round pick. The one I’m going to go with here isn’t an obvious choice but Duke Ejiofor could have an interesting role on this team. Ejiofor will serve as a third-down pass rusher for a defense that is already LOADED. Maybe he gets a game-winning sack one week and no one even knows who he is. Well, you heard it here first.

Fantasy Sleeper: D’Onta Foreman

I’m not sure how many years Lamar Miller has left. Regardless, Foreman is a guy to keep on the radar because he’s a big back that can scoop up touchdowns. Foreman will be coming off an injury but he did show flashes towards the end of last year.