Houston Texans: Who are the odd men out at tight end in 2019?

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.