Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Tight End

Aug 20, 2014; Englewood, CO, USA; Houston Texans tight end Anthony Denham (81) catches a pass during scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at the Broncos Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Denham,  6’4″, 235 pounds, 23 Years Old

Anthony Denham is a bit of a mystery to the Texans fans as he has never appeared in a regular season game thus far in his NFL career after being undrafted out of Utah in 2014. He spent most of the year on the practice squad, and was called up in December of last year.

Some Background Info;

Denham started his collegiate career at East L.A. College before transferring to Utah, where he had modest statistics. In his first season he had 11 catches and only 24 his final year. Only twice during his Utah tenure was he able to score a touchdown, both during his senior campaign.

The young tight end has battled adversity throughout his life before finding himself on the roster of an NFL team. Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle talks about the rough upbringing for the second year player.

"A foster child who never knew his father and watched his mother succumb to the dark pull of drugs has been given a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Denham won’t let go of the opportunity until general manager Rick Smith and coach Bill O’Brien take it away."

It’s hard to not pull for a guy who came from nothing, and it’s also hard to bet against someone who continually beats the odds.

What To Expect This Year;

Denham showed good speed before being signed last year, and posted a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash. He has shown some flashes, even if it was against lesser competition, as he posted 1,186 yards and 16 touchdowns in one season at East L.A.

For Denham he will most likely spend this year continuing to develop his skills and add some weight to his frame to help in the blocking game, which is a must for Houston tight ends. If he flashes much potential in the preseason, the Texans may need to keep him on the active roster, if he struggles, it would appear to be another season where he is cut and later added to the practice squad for Denham.

Next: Can An Undrafted Guy Crack The Roster?