4. Stephen Anderson, TE
The stat lines haven’t been lit up as of yet by this rookie, but it’s hard not to take notice of undrafted tight end Stephen Anderson. He caught a seven yard touchdown against the Niners and then was on the field with the starters against the New Orleans Saints.
Anderson caught two passes for 21 yards on the night and now has three receptions in two games. It’s a far cry from a young man who didn’t receive a scholarship initially and was a walk-on at Cal.
Now he has a real chance to become a pass-threat tight end for the Texans, and they need help there. With starter C.J. Fiedorowicz more of a pass blocker, Anderson can be used to create mismatches against linebackers.
A little undersized at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Anderson will have to develop his blocking to stay on the field. He would most likely have to beat out Ryan Griffin, who caught 20 passes in nine games last season and led the team in catches from the position.
Until he can round his game out he will serve as more of a “tweener” type of player that is used in passing situations from the tight end spot. Even if he doesn’t get a huge role this season, the arrow is pointing up and Anderson may have secured a spot on the 53-man roster already.
Next: More solid rookie play