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Houston Texans: 4 players on roster bubble for training camp 2019

By Stephen Forsha

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 09: Tight end Jordan Akins #88 of the Houston Texans stretches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown during the first half against defensive back Robert Golden #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 09: Tight end Jordan Akins #88 of the Houston Texans stretches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown during the first half against defensive back Robert Golden #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Darren Fells #88 of the Cleveland Browns runs in for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Darren Fells #88 of the Cleveland Browns runs in for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4. Darren Fells, Tight End

It isn’t that Darren Fells is a bad player, because he isn’t by any means, but he could be fourth on the depth chart for the Houston Texans at tight end due to the fact the team has selected three tight ends in the past two drafts.

Fells is entering his sixth season, previously playing with the Arizona Cardinals (2014-16), Detroit Lions (2017) and the Cleveland Browns (2018). This year, Fells has signed a one-year contract with the Texans.

Fells played in all 16 games last season, but he had just 11 receptions for 117 yards. He did catch three touchdowns and had one reception for 49 yards for one of those scores, the longest reception of his career. His best season came in 2015 where Fells caught 21 passes for 311 yards with three touchdowns.

Last season Fells was graded by Pro Football Focus at 65.7 overall, with a receiving grade of 70.8, but a run block grade of just 55.9.

Maybe the most important grade for Fells is his ability to pass block as the Texans will need a tight end who can help protect Deshaun Watson at times, which came in at 72.8 by PFF.

Fells is going to have to have a heck of a training camp to stay on the roster of the Texans, but that could also be said about another Texans tight end as well. For Fells, he has the ability to play at a high level, but at 33 years old, the climb to stay on the young Texans roster with high draft picks in front of him could be a tough climb.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe
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