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.