Tag: Texans tight end

Texans rookie TE Brevin Jordan says sitting helped him learn to read coverages

Houston Texans rookie tight end Brevin Jordan says that being inactive to start the season helped him in learning how to read coverages.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to rookie development in the NFL: play them to gain valuable experience, or sit them and allow them to observe the pace and nuances of the game.

For Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan, being inactive for the first seven games allowed him to take in how defenses were playing the offense.

“When you’re inactive, you’re just watching,” Jordan told reporters Monday. “You see a team, they run a couple stunts or whatever, they run a certain coverage, and you’re like, ‘Okay, I see that.’ From the sideline it’s different, but on the field when a team is disguising cover two, then they drop to cover one or whatever the situation is, it’s always a little bit faster.

“Getting that time to be inactive and really study and learn how to read coverages and how to read zones, and just everything. It’s helped a lot.”

Since the Texans inserted Jordan into the lineup, he has caught nine passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns in four games, two of which he has started.

The fifth-rounder from Miami used his practice time to demonstrate to coach David Culley and the staff that he was able to handle the responsibilities of playing tight end at the pro level, which includes a decent share of blocking, not just catching passes.

Said Jordan: “I’m a rookie, so just to be able to have that trust — we have, what, six more games left? I think my opportunities are just going to continue to get bigger. I’m excited. I’m happy that they trust me, especially on third down.”

The Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 at NRG Stadium. Jordan did not see the Colts when the two sides met in Week 6. If Jordan can stack another great week of practice, he should be able to have his number called against Indianapolis on Dec. 5.

WATCH: Texans rookie TE Brevin Jordan catches TD pass against the Jets

Houston Texans rookie tight end got his second career touchdown pass against the New York Jets.

Houston Texans rookie tight end Brevin Jordan caught his second career touchdown pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter of Week 12 at NRG Stadium.

Jordan caught a 13-yard touchdown pass on third-and-goal, and Houston took its first lead of the game 7-3 over the Jets.

Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly told reporters on Nov. 24 that he likes the progress the fifth-round pick from Miami has shown.

“He’s put together a few good weeks of practice,” said Kelly. “He shows the ability to separate, shows the ability to get open. It showed up a couple times on third downs, caught one of them, probably had two of them that he should’ve come down with, probably. I think he’d tell you the same thing.”

Texans TE Brevin Jordan says he almost threw up after scoring first NFL touchdown

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan says he almost threw up after he scored his first career touchdown in Week 8.

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan could barely contain himself.

The fifth-round rookie from Miami hauled in 9-yard touchdown catch as part of his three catches for 41 yards in the 38-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Although the Texans weren’t going to come away with the win at NRG Stadium, Jordan was emotional given his progress in his first season.

“When I scored, I almost threw up. It was crazy. I was so excited like I didn’t even know how to feel,” Jordan said. “It was one of those feelings where I kind of, I don’t know. Everything just got blurry. I just wanted to throw up. It was kind of a weird feeling.”

When the 21-year-old managed to get to the sideline, his teammates were congratulating him, which added to an aspect of the team that he likes, no matter their 1-7 record: the camaraderie, particularly among the rookie class.

“The rookie class that we have is very close because I feel like we all feel like we’re sleepers,” said Jordan. “Guys have their own opinions on the draft process and stuff. But we feel like we’re all sleepers. We’re trying to just help this team, grow and just continue to be guys that can help the team. That’s really it, but our rookie class is very close.”

Jordan’s touchdown catch came from the arm of third-round rookie Davis Mills, who has had trouble of his own as he has been the starting quarterback for six of the team’s past seven consecutive losses.

Jordan says he kept his jersey and touchdown ball after the game.

WATCH: Texans TE Brevin Jordan catches first career touchdown

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan caught his first career touchdown in the 38-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8.

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan saw his first career activation in Week 8.

Albeit the rookie fifth-rounder from Miami was part of a 38-22 beating at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, who led 38-0 to start the fourth quarter, Jordan made the most of his opportunity.

On a second-and-goal from the Rams’ 9-yard line, rookie quarterback Davis Mills dropped back and found Jordan over the middle, who hauled in the touchdown catch. Mills rushed for a two-point conversion to help Houston cut the deficit to 16.

Jordan finished with three catches for 41 yards and a touchdown, and was targeted four times in the game.

Texans rookie TE Brevin Jordan to make NFL debut against the Rams

Rookie tight end Brevin Jordan is set to make his Houston Texans debut against the Los Angeles Rams.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans rookie tight end Brevin Jordan will make his NFL debut Sunday against the 6-1 Los Angeles Rams at NRG Stadium. For the first time in his career, Jordan was added to the active roster with starting tight end Pharaoh Brown inactive due to a thigh injury.

According to veteran tight end Anthony Auclair, Jordan is a “great receiver” who is starting to become complete at his position. After the Texans drafted the 21-year-old tight end from Miami during the 2021 NFL Draft, Jordan has enhanced his blocking — which was a significant inadequacy when coming out of college.

“Whew, blocking is hard in the NFL,” Jordan said during training camp in August. “That’s probably the biggest adjustment that I’ve had to deal with. I’m blocking guys like Chuck (Charles Omenihu), and man, those dudes are so big. They’re so long. But I’m slowly getting into the groove of it. As I’m going through the process, I’m getting better at it.”

“My confidence is high. I got Jordan Akins and Pharaoh Brown, and Coach A.B. (Andy Bischoff)  — the belief that they’ve given in me to just go out there and play my best ball, my confidence is very high because of those guys.”

As a member of the Miami Hurricanes for three seasons, Jordan ended his collegiate career with 1,358 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 105 catches.

When will Texans rookie TE Brevin Jordan see the field?

Rookie tight end Brevin Jordan has yet to be activated for the Houston Texans. When will the fifth-rounder from Miami see the field?

HOUSTON — Five games into the regular season, the Houston Texans have gained great production from their rookies.

Davis Mills has done a substantial job filling in for the injured Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, while Roy Lopez has been a positive force on the defensive line. Garret Wallow has provided the Texans with some consistency on special teams. And before a shoulder injury that sidelined him for three straight weeks, Nico Collins was beginning to thrive as a suitable receiver in the passing game.

But the one rookie who has yet to make an impact amid his first season is Brevin Jordan.

The rookie tight end from Miami has been a healthy scratch all season, and according to coach David Culley, Jordan’s lack of playing time is the result of the productivity of the veterans at the position.

But if Culley and the coaching staff continue to base a bulk of their game-day rotations on the results of weekly practices, there is a possibility Jordan will see the field before the conclusion of the 2021 campaign.

“He’s getting better and better, and he’s getting more comfortable,” Culley said prior to their Week 4 loss to the Buffalo Bills in late September. “He’s still learning what we do, but for the most part, his time’s coming. That’s a good room there. The three guys that are in front of him, that’s a good room. He’s developing, he’s learning, he’s got good mentors there, and at some point when his time comes, I know he’ll be ready.”

Antony Auclair, who caught one of Mills’ three touchdown passes in a loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, says each week Jordan is progressing in learning the position on an NFL level.

As a veteran tight end who has taken the initiative to become a great leader to the rookie, Auclair has seen the enhancements Jordan has made to his blocking — which was his most significant flaw entering the 2021 NFL draft.

But Jordan’s attribute as a pass-catcher remains his top quality, something Auclair and Houston’s coaching staff have been most impressed by since the start of training camp.

As a three-year starter with the Miami Hurricanes, Jordan ended his collegiate career with 1,358 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 105 catches.

“I think Brevin is a great receiver,” Auclair said following practice Monday afternoon. “He’s becoming that complete guy, and I think he’s an explosive guy, as well. I think when the time comes, he’s going to be ready, and he’s going to be ready to be explosive, for sure.”

Ahead of his rookie season during training camp, Jordan said his most prominent goal was to continue to get better while stacking days. He believes his skill set is perfect for the Texans’ offense. But the only issue that is keeping Jordan from seeing the field is an opportunity amid a crowded tight-end core.

It’s an opportunity that will open up for Jordan following each thriving day at practice.

“I think the biggest adjustment for me will be working on my tendencies on the field, working on my technique,” Jordan said after the Texans selected him during the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. “The defensive ends and the linebackers in the NFL are a lot bigger and lot stronger.”

“I’m going in there adding some strength, adding some muscle to my mass, just going in there having to block guys is going to be the biggest adjustment, but I’m ready to take on the challenge.”

Texans TE Antony Auclair details what he learned from Rob Gronkowski

Houston Texans tight end Antony Auclair reveals what he learned from spending time with Rob Gronkowski last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Houston Texans tight end Antony Auclair is a Super Bowl champion. In 2020, the former 2017 undrafted free agent from Laval University in Quebec was on the roster and even appeared in eight games, starting in two.

Auclair was able to work with four-time All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski, who made his comeback to the NFL that season. Being around the 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year helped Auclair as he was in the last year of his rookie contract.

“I was with Gronk more as a tight end,” said Auclair. “I think that the preparation mentally, physically and doing all the little details outside of football to prepare himself for games and stuff, I think is off the charts for sure. I was trying to do that.”

Auclair signed with the Texans on April 14, and began to apply some of the same aspects of mental and physical preparation to his game.

“During this offseason, I applied some of these things to my game, and I think that’s showing right now,” Auclair said. “Because last year I had a bad injury, I pulled my calf. I was out half of the year, and then I never came back 100%. I think that was part of it, in my preparation and all that. So, I learned from these guys and I try to apply that for myself.”

Auclair caught his first career touchdown pass against the New England Patriots in the 25-22 loss at NRG Stadium. The 6-6, 256-pound tight end hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Davis Mills to put the Texans ahead 6-0 in the first quarter.

The 28-year-old spent the first two games on the Texans’ practice squad, but was part of the club’s two standard elevations for game day. Houston signed Auclair to the active roster on Sept. 21 when they placed quarterback Tyrod Taylor on injured reserve.

Texans tight end Jordan Akins continues to adjust to new blocking role

Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins says that he is still getting used to his new blocking role for the offense.

HOUSTON — Through the first three games of the 2021 season, the Houston Texans have utilized Jordan Akins differently.

Instead of using Akins as a reliable target in the passing game, the Texans are using the UCF prodigy for more protection as a blocker.

Although blocking has never been his strong suit throughout his career, Akins admitted that the new role has improved his ability to identify the opposing team’s defensive schemes.

“I think it’s helping me identify the defense,” Akins said following Friday’s walk-through practice at NRG Stadium. “Not just the coverage, but the fronts. And my strength, as well. I have a lot more strengths than I thought I did coming into the NFL.”

Akins believes his pass blocking can open up the passing game more for the Texans. To improve his craft, Akins has taken the additional time to learn various techniques in blocking — which he feels has helped him through the first three games.

“I’m adapting — whenever my jersey is called, I do what I can, whether it’s special teams, offense or whatever,” he said. “I’m more active in blocking this year, which is a big role for me, as well as the passing game. We’re starting to get a rhythm, so whenever we’re called, we make plays.”

However, the Texans should not exile Akins’ usage as a pass-catcher with in the offense.

During the first three games of the 2020 season, Akins was arguably the Texans’ most dependable target recording 122 yards on 11 catches and one touchdown. In comparison to the 49 yards on five receptions Akins has recorded thus far in 2021.

Akins says he has never blocked this much in his career but acknowledged that he likes the change — stating that it shows what he can do, which could open more doors for him in the future.

Where is Texans rookie tight end Brevin Jordan with his development?

Houston Texans TE Brevin Jordan was drafted in Round 5 to provide competition at the position, yet he hasn’t been activated for a game.

The Houston Texans drafted tight end Brevin Jordan to the competition.

The fifth-round pick from the 2021 NFL draft hasn’t seen the field during the regular season through three games. In fact, the Texans made Antony Auclair a standard elevation from the practice squad before signing Auclair to the active roster for Week 3 due to injuries across the roster.

Coach David Culley provided an update as to how the rookie progressing behind the scenes since his acclimation to the NFL is now coming from practices and not games.

“He’s getting better and better, and he’s getting more comfortable,” said Culley. “Being on our show team doing the other team’s offense and playing tight end, and doing the different things that the different teams that we play, what their tight ends do, is actually helping him develop into a better player.”

The Texans have Pharaoh Brown and Jordan Akins ahead of Jordan, who is still working his way through the nuances of offensive coordinator Tim Kelly’s system.

“He’s still learning what we do, but for the most part, his time’s coming,” Culley said. “That’s a good room there. The three guys that are in front of him, that’s a good room. He’s developing, he’s learning, he’s got good mentors there, and at some point when his time comes, I know he’ll be ready.”

Houston takes on the Buffalo Bills Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from Highmark Stadium.

Texans TE Antony Auclair out against the Browns with eye injury

Houston Texans tight end Antony Auclair is out for the remainder of the Week 2 contest with the Cleveland Browns due to an eye injury.

HOUSTON — The injuries continue to pile up for the Houston Texans. Following the loss of Danny Amendola and Tyrod Taylor, the Texans lost tight end, Antony Auclair. Auclair sustained an eye injury midway through the third quarter and has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Auclair was elevated to the Texans’ active roster on Saturday to give Houston additional help against the Browns front seven. The extra protection was helpful, as Houston held a 14-7 lead over the Browns before injuries began to derail the game.

Auclair signed with the Texans’ practice squad after he was left off Houston’s initial 53-man roster prior to the start of the season.