5 Things To Watch For In Houston Texans OTA’s

Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Sophomores

So far, the 2015 Houston Texans draft class has been shoved into the limelight, but we can’t forget about those 2014 prospects.

Perhaps the most important player from that class is the number one overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney. He won’t be getting on the field, but he should be rehabbing, and more details of his progression will likely arise.

Another big sophomore to watch is Xavier Su’a-Filo. With the release of Chris Myers, last year’s starting left guard Ben Jones will be expected to take over at center, leaving XSF to take care of the LG duties. He struggled last year as a rookie, but OTAs should give us a glimpse of whether or not he’s ready to take the starting duties.

Last year, one rookie didn’t even take a snap with the team: defensive tackle Louis Nix. OTAs will give us a chance to see if he has recovered, and give us a glimpse of what the next few years will look like if he’s healthy. Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz will also be heavily watched, as the tight end production last year was meager at best.

5. Safeties

With the release of D.J. Swearinger and the departure of Kendrick Lewis, the Houston Texans have cleaned house at safety.

This year’s starters will be new faces, as the Texans signed Rahim Moore out of Denver and Stevie Brown from the New York Giants. The team also has Eddie Pleasant and Josh Aubrey. It seems that Houston will not use conventional strong or free safety labels, but instead will ask the safeties to play sides.

OTAs should give us a good look at who the starters will be come August, and how the left and right safety designations will play out.

Next: Which Houston Texans Rookie Will Have The Biggest Impact in 2015?