With both starting offensive tackles out, the second year tackle is getting plenty of reps with the first team and looking to make a solid impression.
It is never ideal to have your two starting tackles not on the field during training camp. But that is exactly the situation the Texans are in as they open camp without starting left tackle Duane Brown, who is recovering from a season ending quad injury and Derek Newton is listed as day to day after getting nicked up in camp. This gives young Kendall Lamm a chance to show what he’s got.
It is important in the NFL to have a third tackle who could come in on short notice and play on either side. A third tackle is almost necessary because of injuries and linemen getting shuffled around constantly. If Brown is not ready to go week one, Brock Osweiler needs to know that his backside can still be protected, which is where Lamm comes in.
Bill O’Brien had very high praise for the young tackle. “He’s a very hard working guy, really improved his technique. Getting a lot of opportunities now against some really good players on that side of the ball with (Whitney) Mercilus and (Jadeveon) Clowney and John Simon in the pass rush and things like that. I think he’s getting better every day.”
Lamm was an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State last year, and made his first start as a rookie in week five against the Colts. In total he saw action in 15 games his rookie year and made four starts. As a rookie, things were very new and complex for him, but in year two he says he is much more comfortable with the playbook. Familiarity can go a long way in this league and knowing the system could be just what he needs to cement his roster spot and just what the Texans need as insurance going into the season with a shaky situation on the blind side.