Houston Texans Morning Huddle–Strong Ready
By Josh McSwain
Here are your daily Houston Texans stories for Tuesday:
Jaelen Strong has Chip on His Shoulder by Patrick Starr, State of the Texans
"It has been an interesting off-season for second year wide receiver, Jaelen Strong. Strong is coming off of a 2015 season which saw him slowly progress into a potential piece of the offense, one with clear upside. Many have written off Strong with the additions of two rookie wide receivers but that is far from what the Texans are expecting to happen.Strong came into OTAs in top shape, looking sharper in routes and catching the ball with confidence. He was easily one of the Texans on last year’s roster who made notable gains over the off-season and, from the early eye test, looks primed for a nice jump in year two."
I wrote last week that Strong had something to prove. If he reaches his potential he will give the Texans a formidable quartet of receivers.
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Hal Bulking up for Move to Safety by Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle
"Drafted in the seventh round two years ago out of Vanderbilt, Hal built up his body armor to become sturdier for the punishment he’s required to dish out and absorb at the safety position. Although his primary duty and forte is pass coverage – he intercepted a career-high four passes last season in his first year as a starter – Hal had to regularly take on blocks from offensive linemen who outweigh him by more than 100 pounds. He once caught some friendly fire from massive nose tackle Vince Wilfork last season, getting accidentally crushed while defending a screen."
He certainly has the ball skills to fill one of the starting roles back there. After him it will be a fairly intense competition.
Savage having hard time climbing ladder by Cardiac Hill
"Savage actually talked earlier this year about winning the starting job – but then theTexans brought in Brock Osweiler, signing him to a four-year $72 million deal. Right now he’s the clear No. 1 quarterback for the foreseeable future barring any sort of an injury or major drop off in play. Savage’s roadblock doesn’t end there, either. Houston re-signed backup Brandon Weeden, and while Savage could have a chance to surpass him, Weeden looks like the No. 2 guy right now."
It wouldn’t surprise me if Savage were traded. Some other team might see potential in him and make a deal, particularly if they have an aging starter and are in need of an heir apparent.