Tight ends could be big asset
Four set to battle for opportunities in Kelly’s offense
In his first season calling plays for the Texans, offensive coordinator Tim Kelly can feature wide receivers with dazzling speed and running backs who are terrific at catching the ball.
Kelly can put four receivers — Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb — on the field together. He also can utilize running backs David Johnson and Duke Johnson in the same formation to capitalize on their exceptional receiving ability.
With so many options for quarterback Deshaun Watson, it might be easy to overlook the tight end. But if opponents make that mistake, it could be hazardous.
When the Texans’ full squad reports to training camp July 25 and starts practicing a day later, tight end is going to be one of the most competitive positions on the team.
Injuries could determine the odd man out among the top four — Darren Fells, Jordan Akins, Jordan Thomas and Kahale Warring — but if all are healthy when the roster is reduced to 53, it’s destined to be a tough cut.
“This is the most competitive group I’ve been a part of,” said Fells, the senior member of the group, who is playing in his seventh season. “The competition keeps you on your toes. You have to bring your ‘A’ game every day, and that’s a positive thing.
“Everybody is our group is very talented, and I believe they can play in this league at a high level.”
Since he became the Texans’ coach in 2014, Bill O’Brien has never developed a great tight end. The most production the Texans have received from their top two tight ends was in 2016, when C.J.
Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin combined for 104 catches, 1,001 yards and six touchdowns.
Last season, Fells and Akins became the secondmost productive twosome in team history, combining for 70 receptions, 759 yards and nine touchdowns. In his first season with the Texans, Fells caught seven touchdown passes, a team record for his position. He became Watson’s go-to receiver in the red zone.
“Coming here last year, I had no clue what my role was going to be,” Fells said. “I expected to mainly be a run blocker, and my role became completely different.”
At 6-7, 270, Fells was an inviting target for Watson, especially close to the end zone.
“Trust is the biggest thing,” Fells said. “He’s a great quarterback, and he has confidence in me. He knows where I’m going to be, and I know where he’s going to put the ball. He knows I’m going to catch it if he throws it my way.”
DeAndre Hopkins, a perennial All-Pro selection, was Watson’s favorite target. Hopkins’ trade to Arizona provides more opportunities for the other receivers, including the tight ends.
“I always have high expectations for our group,” Fells said. “I think we can make a difference in the game. Everybody can do a little of everything — catch the ball, pass block and run block.”
Despite having so many weapons — assuming the receivers stay relatively healthy — Kelly won’t short-change the tight ends. He used to coach tight ends, a job Will Lawing took over last season. Lawing did a splendid job incorporating Fells into the system and helping Akins improve in his second season.
Asked what he expects from Kelly as the play caller, Fells laughed and said, “Four-tight-end sets every single play.
“I think he’s a brilliant coach. He’s very knowledgeable and (communicates) well. During our virtual meetings, he made the playbook player-friendly. He’s trying to make the playbook relatable to everybody so everybody knows why we’re doing certain things at certain times. It’s one of those things players love to do.”
As the tight end with seniority, Fells was asked to evaluate the other players at this position, beginning with Akins, who had 36 catches for 418 yards and two touchdowns in his second season.
“The longer you play in this league, the more your confidence grows,” Fells said. “He’s a smart guy and a talented player. I think at times last season he was hesitant doing certain things, and I keep telling him he just needs to trust himself.”
The coaches and players are excited to see what Warring does in his second season. After flashing in training camp the ability that made him a thirdround pick, Warring spent his rookie season on injured reserve, watching and learning while recovering from a concussion.
“He’s talented, and he can play in this league,” Fells said. “But it’s definitely going to be more like a rookie season for him.
“Obviously, he knows what to expect when it comes to training camp and the playbook, but not getting any (plays) during the season holds you back a little with knowledge of the game, getting a feel for the game and confidence building.”
Fells had high praise for Thomas, who’s 6-5, 277 and entering his third season. As a rookie in 2018, he showed promise with four touchdown catches but had injury (cracked rib) and conditioning issues last season and finished with one catch for 8 yards after being activated from injured reserve
“He’s one of the most talented guys I’ve ever been around,” Fells said. “He’s got a massive frame. He’s almost as (tall) as I am, and he’s bigger and more athletic. He’s like a receiver in an offensive lineman’s body because of the way he can move, run routes and get himself open.
“At the same time, he’s so strong, and he can block. He does a little of everything. I think if he really wants to be the best, he can be the best. That’s what I’m trying to drill into his head: if he wants to be.
“That’s the biggest thing with this group. I’m trying to get them to believe in themselves a little more. For young guys, that’s the biggest struggle. I went through it myself struggling with my confidence my first couple of years. I’m trying to help speed that process along.”
And if the process develops at the pace Fells expects, there’s going to be two big problems — three roster spots for four talented players — and only one football for all the weapons at Watson’s disposal.