Texans’ tight end trio set to surprise everyone
By Peter Manfre
A lot has been made of the lack of production from the group of Houston Texans’ tight ends. But if last season is any indication-they are due for a big breakout.
Since Bill O’Brien became the Texans’ head coach, many assumed he would implement his duel tight end system from his days with the New England Patriots. That did not happen overnight however.
The Texans drafted tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was expected to join former sixth round selection Ryan Griffin in order to form that deadly duo.
That took three seasons to truly develop. Oh, and the help of 2016 undrafted free agent tight end Stephen Anderson from California.
Fiedorowicz has blossomed into a true number one tight end for the Texans. His premium blocking ability has always been present, but the development of his route running and hands have aided his arrival to that status.
Griffin and Anderson are both specialists that compliment the Texans well as a second tight end or a H-back. Neither is a great blocker but both excel in route running and present a reliable option for quarterbacks Tom Savage or Deshaun Watson.
Despite all the fuss about the quarterback position’s production over the past few years, the Texans’ tight end corps had a franchise record-setting season in 2016. The trio posted 115 receptions to go along with 1,094 receiving yards. Both are franchise records.
All three players are coming into the 2017 season with growing confidence. Griffin just re-signed with the Texans this offseason.
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Fiedorowicz is heading into a contract year and Anderson is experiencing a “night and day” change according to HoustonTexans.com’s Deepi Sidhu.
With the versatility of this group and O’Brien’s offense, the Texans tight ends should garner plenty of attention this coming season for their accolades.
It took a few years, but O’Brien’s tight end-heavy offense is a reality. Whoever is under center for the Texans this coming season will benefit greatly from the trio’s diverse talents.