Houston Texans Weekly Roundup: Fantasy football, rookies and contract talks

Even without much happening for the Houston Texans currently in late May, there are still many topics to talk about from this past week.

The Houston Texans have players on their roster who will become difference makers in the upcoming 2019 season if they stay healthy and take the next step in their progression as an NFL player. Houston has many talented players like quarterback Deshaun Watson, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and there are also the tight ends on the roster who will need to step up in 2019.

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The tight ends will not only make a difference for the actual NFL game, but don’t forget about another important aspect of the NFL, and that is fantasy football, the most popular form of fantasy sports around.

The player highlighted this week by Anthony R. Wood from the Texans Wire of The USA Today was Jordan Thomas, who is entering his second season. Wood wrote the following about Thomas:

"“Therefore, Thomas and Akins will surely look to become the key receiving tight ends this year, Thomas perhaps as a red zone threat and Akins as a deeper target for Watson.”"

In taking a closer look at Thomas, at times last season there were signs that he was going to become the top tight end on the team. Now, with Ryan Griffin no longer on the roster, there is a chance for Thomas to produce for the team when it comes to scoring touchdowns in the red zone as stated above.

Thomas had four touchdowns in 2018 during the regular season, playing in all 16 games. He averaged 10.8 yards per reception, totaling 20 receptions for 215 yards, and twice last season he had two receptions for 20-plus yards.

As a rookie in 2018, Thomas had a game in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins where he showcased what he can become for the Texans with two touchdown receptions. Also in that game he had four receptions for 29 yards, including one for 13 yards and the touchdown.

Thomas also had a touchdown reception in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos and Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. I’m in agreement with Wood, and also believe that Thomas could be a big fantasy threat when it comes to scoring touchdowns this upcoming season.

• The Houston Chronicle this week wrote about the contract of newly signed running back Taiwan Jones as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle broke down the $1.2 million contract of Jones:

"“That includes a $930,000 base salary with a $45,000 signing bonus, and a $45,000 roster bonus. Jones’ salary cap figure is $735,000 under the veteran minimum salary benefit.”"

This is a good, solid deal for the Texans. It is only a one-year deal to basically replace Alfred Blue or take over the role D’Onta Foreman played last season if Jones is able to make the final 53-man roster. There are really no problems with this contract and it seems like a smart contract by the Texans.

• Drew Dougherty of HoustonTexans.com profiled rookies this week in a recent article, and when asked who he thinks the biggest standout from all the rookies will be this season, he said offensive lineman Max Scharping. Dougherty said the following on the rookie lineman:

"“He’s a very impressive guy, and I think he’ll find a way to get on the field and make an impact early. He’s massive, super-smart, and though he might not pancake guys, he almost always seems to get the block made.”"

The two rookie lineman of the Texans have the chance to make a difference this season if they are able to gain the proper playing time needed to do so.

Scharping should challenge the returning offensive linemen of the Texans, and once the final roster is made could have a big role on the offensive line this season.