Houston Texans: Who are the odd men out at tight end in 2019?
![HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Jordan Thomas #83 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Jordan Thomas #83 of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Ftorotimes-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1067695222-850x560-87e0ea5d4c3a642b373232db74911a1d12d4db1e493eb8dac7982a34dafec7f9.jpg)
Thomas should be starter 2019 season
Even though Kahale Warring was mentioned first on this list, Warring shouldn’t be assumed to be the starter. Thanks to a respectable rookie campaign, Jordan Thomas has presumably etched his name into the starting tight end position.
The second-year tight end out of Mississippi State caught 20 passes for 215 yards and four touchdowns. Thomas was moved into the starting role over former starter Ryan Griffin mid-way through last season as he was the only Texans tight end to catch a touchdown pass in 2018.
Thomas is still growing as a blocker, but his down-the-field prowess shouldn’t be ignored. Thomas showcased this on a great catch and run of 39 yards last season against the New York Giants, his longest play of the season. In addition, Thomas finished his rookie season with a 74.1 catch percentage when targeted, which was the highest catch percentage among Texans not named DeAndre Hopkins.
Thomas, like Warring, is still growing as a football player, and more importantly as a pro. Given more time, and a full offseason to work with quarterback Deshaun Watson, Thomas should become a more well-rounded player.
It is also because of Thomas, that the final roster spot in Houston will most likely go to a fellow 2018 draft class member.