Martin takes professional approach to job at minicamp
Center Nick Martin, the second-round pick from Notre Dame, is trying to make a positive impression on Texans coaches during rookie minicamp.
Since Ben Jones left for Tennessee, there’s an opening at center. Martin and veteran Tony Bergstrom, who signed as a free agent from Oakland, are expected to compete for the starting job.
Like the other rookies, Martin’s head is spinning after three meetings, two walk-throughs and two practices.
“It’s been great,” said Martin, the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin. “It’s our first opportunity to play football again and show what we have.
“(There has been) a lot of work (and) a lot of meetings, but that’s football. That’s why we do it. That’s why we love it.”
After he was drafted by the Texans, Martin sought his older brother’s advice.
“We talked before this, (but) I honestly don’t have too much time to talk to him right now,” he said. “I’m working a lot. But, yeah, any questions that I have, I obviously talk to him about it.”
Martin’s versatility is one reason the coaches liked him in the draft. He’s a center who also can play guard.
“I played more center in the past, but whatever I can do to help the team, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said. “I study, meet with coach ( Mike Devlin) (and have) walk-throughs.
“There’s a lot of opportunities. At the end of the day, it’s a job, and it falls on you to study and keep up with that.”
O’Brien delivers team message
In their first two days of the three-day rookie minicamp, the Texans’ draft choices, undrafted free agents, practice-squad players and players on tryouts received a strong message from coach Bill O’Brien.
“The initial message is about putting the team first and thinking about what you can do for the team to create your own role,” O’Brien said. “We put them in a role, but how do they embrace that role? How do they create value for themselves on the team?
“After their college season, they’ve gone from getting ready for an individual deal like the combine and all the different pro days. Now they’ve got to become a part of a team.”
O’Brien is tough on his players, especially the younger ones, but he has seen some things he likes in the first two practices.
“(This) is a hardworking group,” he said. “They have no idea yet what it means to practice the way we practice, but we’re off to a good start as far as teaching them the way we do things. They’re getting acclimated to the way we do things.”
O’Brien saw improvement in the second practice.
“It was definitely a step forward,” he said. “It looks like they studied (Friday night), and they have a better understanding of where the practice field is, how to get there, the tempo that we want (in) practice.”
Ervin excels at workouts
Running back Tyler Ervin, the Texans’ fourthround pick from San Jose State, has shown in the first two practices he’s an excellent receiver as well as a runner.
Ervin has made catches all over the field, including deep passes from Chuckie Keeton behind safeties trying to cover him, during the second of three practices.
“I’m comfortable,” he said about catching passes. “Whatever the (coaches) ask me to do, whatever position, I’m just trying to play a role.
“It’s exciting to be out here again. I’m happy. I think we got a little better today. The coaches have high demands, so I think if we all keep working hard we’ll get used to it and get things rolling.”
Dillon to show ‘tools in my belt’
West Virginia safety K.J. Dillon, a fifth-round pick, played in the Big 12, so he came to the Texans with a lot of experience in pass coverage.
He’s trying to show the coaches he can cover as well as hit during the rookie minicamp.
“(Playing in the Big 12) did (help) because everybody throws the ball, and you’ve got a lot of guys with speed,” Dillon said after his second practice with his new teammates.
“I’ve got my tools in my belt, and it’s all about hard work, learning the playbook, being a good teammate and earning my spot on the team.”
John McClain