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

Akins has potential to improve overall production

Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas were both drafted in 2018 by the Houston Texans, and this connection helped form a bond between the pair almost instantly when they arrived in Houston. Since then, the pair have routinely buddied up and have held joint press conferences.

“You ask for one, you get both,” Thomas said during one of these joint press conferences just a short few weeks ago.

Keeping Akins because of a connection to Thomas isn’t the actual reason for keeping him on the roster though. Akins’ production in 2018 spoke for itself, as he finished just behind his good friend Thomas on the stat line.

In just six appearances last season, Akins managed to haul in 17 catches for 225 yards. Akins struggled to find the end zone, but this is mainly due to competing for reps as the third-string tight end.

When the 2019 season starts it is hard to say where, and how, Akins will be used. With Warring needing time to develop his skills at the pro level, the second year tight end Akins will probably start the day one roster as the second string tight end.

The other glaring reason that Akins will most likely keep his roster spot, is that NFL teams aren’t likely to move on from draft capital that quickly. Akins was selected 89th overall in 2018, so if a team is willing to spend a third round pick on a player, it typically means they are willing to give that player at least a couple of years to find their footing.

Akins showcased enough last season to warrant himself a spot on the 2019 roster, but he will have to do more when given the opportunity to stay in the tight end rotation for year two of his NFL career.