The Houston Texans will enter training camp in July with seven tight ends on their roster. Jordan Akins will likely reprise his role as Houston’s starter, but 2021 could be his farewell season to the Texans. Akins will be playing on the final year of his contract, a $3.3 million deal he originally signed after the Texans drafted the Central Florida prodigy during the 2018 NFL Draft.
After Akins, the depth chart is fairly open with several players who can take the role as Houston’s preferred tight end, starting with the second unit. It’s a condition tight end coach Andy Bischoff describes as a “competitive situation” that will occur during training camp.
“What I can tell you about the seven guys is they’re coming to work every day with a smile, an appreciation for teaching, and an energy of wanting to get better,” Bischoff said. “Each guy has individual talents that I think we’re going to see more and more over time. Specifically Jordan, he’s a veteran guy. He acknowledges his strengths and he acknowledges his weaknesses and he wants to get better. He’s been nothing but a real pro and a welcome student to what I’m trying to get done.”
One player with an opportunity to lead the Texans’ second unit at tight end is rookie Brevin Jordan. The three-year starter from Miami was considered by many as the second-best player at his position entering the 2021 NFL Draft but fell to the Texans at the No. 147th pick of the fifth round. And according to Bischoff, the Texans were “elated” to get Jordan where they got him.
“What I can tell you about Brevin is he comes in every day with a smile on his face, he’s smart, he’s a competitive guy, he wants to improve each day,” he said. “He’s a welcome addition, and he certainly adds to the competitiveness of the room.”
Jordan is an athletic tight end who would make an exceptional addition to the Texans’ pass-catching game next season. During his three-year college career at Miami, Jordan caught 105 passes for 1,358 yards and 13 touchdowns.