Tag: Texans player profile

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: DE Jonathan Greenard

Jonathan Greenard is undergoing a position change after his rookie year as a 3-4 OLB. Can the Houston Texans’ 2020 third-round pick adapt?

Jonathan Greenard might have been the most exciting prospect the Houston Texans drafted during the 2020 NFL Draft. He was one of the most promising linebackers who came out during the draft, as Greenard finished his collegiate career capturing first-team All-SEC honors in 2019.

The Texans are going from a 3-4 to a Tampa 2 with a 4-3 look. Greenard is going from an outside linebacker standing up to a defensive end with a hand in the dirt, which he chalks up to just being “football.”

“I think it’s just getting terminologies down, but other than that, it’s football,” Greenard told reporters on June 9. “Like you said, I’ve done it in college the most times before. Really just more of the nitty gritty now. Just take less of the thinking out of it and just go. I’m excited to see where we go.”

After watching most of the previous season from afar, a position change and a new defensive coordinator could be the key to Greenard finding his niche in 2021 with the Texans.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: DT Brandon Dunn

The Houston Texans are transitioning to a Tampa 2 scheme with a 4-3 front. Where does that leave a traditional 3-4 nose tackle like Brandon Dunn?

After D.J. Reader departed for Cincinnati last spring, Brandon Dunn was next in line to take the role as the starting nose tackle for the Houston Texans. Although injuries cut his 2020 season short by three games, Dunn’s output as Houston’s starting nose tackle was a complete 180 from when Reader held the reins for four years.

Dunn had his season cut short with three games to go in 2020 as he sustained a pelvic fracture against the Chicago Bears. Dunn has spent all offseason rehabilitating from the injury, and is a full go for training camp.

Here is what Dunn must improve on in hopes of a bounce-back season in 2021.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: OT Charlie Heck

Charlie Heck was active for three games with one start his rookie season. Can the second-year tackle play more for the Houston Texans in 2021?

Charlie Heck appeared in three out of 16 games last season, and a congested offensive line core could cause the second-generation NFL pro to spend the 2021 season watching from the sideline.

The son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck saw his lone start of the season in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Heck proved to then-starting center Nick Martin that he belonged among the group.

“He popped his finger out,” Martin told reporters on Jan. 4, the day after the 41-38 loss. “He’s mid-game. They couldn’t get it back in. They wanted to go to the locker room, pop it back in and he stayed out here. He goes, ‘no, tape it up. I’m going to fight through it,’ with his finger turned sideways. Stuff like that you’re so proud of.”

As Heck enters his second year with the Texans, here’s what the former North Carolina product should consider in hopes of getting playing time in 2021.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: DT Ross Blacklock

Ross Blacklock had a rocky introduction to the NFL in 2020. Can the Houston Texans’ 2020 second-round defensive tackle impress in his second year?

The Houston Texans did not have one player from their 2020 draft class who made an impact on the team last season. Certainly, not having OTAs and rookie mini-camp played into the newbies’ lack of on-field production. But the rookies came into the season facing a difficult task to prove their worth in the NFL — given that the previous regime was not fond of playing first-year players.

Of the five players drafted by former head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien, Ross Blacklock is still the most promising prospect who should excel in 2021 as the Texans begin the prelude to their rebuild. 

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: DT Maliek Collins

Maliek Collins is on his third NFL team. Can he find a new home and be productive with the Houston Texans?

Maliek Collins was once establishing himself as one of the league’s rising defensive linemen during his four-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys. He totaled 40 quarterback hits and 14.5 sacks in Dallas before a below-par season with the Raiders in 2020 resulted in the Houston Texans acquiring Collins for well below the market value.

As he enters his first season with the Texans, here’s how Collins can have a positive impact on the Texans’ defense while restoring his value around the league. 

Houston Texans player profile: RT Marcus Cannon

Marcus Cannon is playing ball in his home state. Can the former New England Patriots right tackle mount the comeback with the Houston Texans?

Last year, Marcus Cannon was one of 67 players who opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When Cannon makes his return to the field, he will do so as a member of the Houston Texans following an offseason trade with the New England Patriots.

When healthy, Cannon has established himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the league. But health could prevent Cannon from living up to his potential as an All-Pro lineman (2016) with the Texans.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: G Max Scharping

Max Scharping had a sophomore slump in 2020. Can the former 2019 second-round pick find a place on the Houston Texans’ new look offensive line?

After a promising rookie year, the 2020 campaign was an example of the sophomore slump for Max Scharping. Despite battling COVID and its effects for half the season, Scharping on-field production took a decline across the board.

As he enters his third season with the Houston Texans, there is one part of Scharping’s game he must improve in hopes of bouncing back in 2021.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: G Lane Taylor

The Houston Texans’ new look interior offensive line will include a familiar James Campen player in Lane Taylor.

Lane Taylor defined all odds as an undrafted rookie when he landed with the Green Bay Packers in 2013. He became a vital piece in helping protect Aaron Rogers for seven consecutive seasons while making 50 career starts.

After missing out on all of the 2020 season, can Taylor define the odds again after sustaining a devastating knee injury?

According to an interview with center Justin Britt on May 20, Taylor brings leadership to the locker room along with former New England Patriots right tackle Marcus Cannon. What Taylor also has going for him is the current offensive line coach, James Campen, was also his position coach with the Packers from 2013-17. Campen was the position coach who helped Taylor develop into a quality starter.

In 2021, the question will be whether Taylor can flourish again under Campen’s direction.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: LT Laremy Tunsil

The Houston Texans’ best offensive player may be left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Can his excellence as a blindside protector catalyze the offense?

During his three-year stint with the Miami Dolphins, Laremy Tunsil established himself as one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen without playing beside a top-tier quarterback.

After protecting Deshaun Watson in his first two seasons with the Houston Texans, Tunsil’s third year may resemble his time in South Beach — an elite offensive lineman whose on-field production could go unnoticed due to the lack of talent under center.

Here’s a look at Tunsil, who is arguably the Texas best talent, ahead of the 2021 season.

Houston Texans 2021 player profile: WR Donte Moncrief

Donte Moncrief is on his seventh NFL team. Can the journeyman receiver make a big contribution to the Houston Texans?

When the Houston Texans begin their 2021 campaign inside NRG Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars in September, Donte Moncrief will be on his sixth team in three years. Despite becoming an NFL journeyman over the past few seasons, Houston could become Moncrief’s best destination to re-establish himself as a quality NFL receiver since his four-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts.

Moncrief spent a few weeks in November with the New England Patriots, no doubt familiarizing himself with then-director of player personnel, Nick Caserio, who is now the Texans’ general manager. Moncrief is another one of the sundry free agents on prove-it deals in Houston. The 27-year-old has a chance to show what he can bring to a Texans roster eager to build a winning culture.