Clowney listed as outside linebacker
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — In advance of their first preseason game at Carolina on Wednesday, the Texans issued their first unofficial depth chart.
Jadeveon Clowney was listed at outside linebacker opposite Whitney Mercilus and not at right end, where he excelled last season and was voted AllPro and to the Pro Bowl.
Christian Covington was listed first team at right end next to nose tackle D.J. Reader.
“That’s an early preseason depth chart I guess we have to release,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “There are a lot of spots up for grabs.
“I’ll say this: Covington’s doing a good job. He’s a tough kid, plays hard, but we have a lot of guys that we play up front, and it’s definitely a position battle.”
Covington, a three-year veteran, can play anywhere on the line.
Clowney participates in drills with the linemen and linebackers during practice. He’ll play both positions in games.
Crennel, Vrabel get high praise
For the last three seasons, Romeo Crennel was the Texans’ defensive coordinator. Now he’s in his first season as Bill O’Brien’s assistant head coach.
Mike Vrabel coached linebackers the last three years under Crennel, and now he’s in his first season as defensive coordinator.
One difference? Vrabel is a lot louder than Crennel.
Both played significant roles in helping the Texans finish first in the league in defense last season.
“Romeo’s been around this game for so long, around the NFL a long time,” O’Brien said. “He’s been an NFL head coach (Cleveland and Kansas City).
“He brings a wealth of knowledge. He’s got a great demeanor, easy to talk to. He’s really a very important part of this staff, and he’s helped me a great deal.”
Crennel roams from group to group during practice. Vrabel, of course, stays with the defense.
O’Brien was asked about the defense under Vrabel.
“I think he’s doing a good job,” he said. “He’s very organized, detailed, works very hard. He’s got a great way with the players.”
O’Brien likes what he sees of the defense under Vrabel.
“They’re competitive,” he said. “They’re doing a good job over there mixing it up. So far, so good.”
Team plays host to youth league
At practice on Friday, the Texans hosted kids from the West Virginia Cardinal Youth Football League.
The players signed autographs, posed for pictures and presented the kids with new shoulder pads.
“That’s awesome,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “It’s a great team sport. There are so many life lessons that you can learn in football. It was just great to have the West Virginia Cardinal Youth League here to meet our players, watch practice, watch how we coach things.”
Quarterback Tom Savage took snaps from the players and threw passes to them.
Inside linebacker Brian Peters covered them but made sure not to catch them.
The kids were in awe of J.J. Watt when he talked to them and signed items for them.
“I thought it was a very good day, and our players did a good job going over there and hanging out with them,” O’Brien said. “That was fun.”
Watt owes a few debts of gratitude
Defensive end J.J. Watt got another day off Friday, but he was right there with his teammates during practice. Earlier this week, Watt talked about helping young players who ask him for advice.
Watt was asked about who he leaned on early in his career and now that his career has progressed.
“I’ve had a bunch of great people over my career,” he said. “(Former defensive tackle) Antonio Smith was one. He taught me the ways of the Ninja Assassin — some wild, some really good, but he was a great guy for me early on in my career.
“I had (former defensive line) coach (Bill) Kollar. He was a great coach for me early on. Now, I have a phenomenal D-line coach in coach in( Anthony) Weaver as well.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of good people around me. (Former defensive coordinator) Wade Phillips and RAC (Romeo Crennel) and now Weave and (Mike) Vrabel. I’ve been very, very fortunate.”