Darren Fells is a game changer for the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have found a diamond in the rough in Darren Fells.

The Houston Texans found a starting-caliber tight end in Darren Fells after joining his fourth team in six years in the league. Fells was always an intriguing player for scouts and coaches around the league with his basketball background that showcased his great athleticism at 6’7, 270 pounds.

At that size and height, Fells looks more like a lineman that could play in the trenches in offense or defense. He has done precisely that for the Texans as he has served as a great inline blocker to help the offensive pave lanes for running backs and having the tools to drop back in pass protection to slow down the pass rush for Deshaun Watson.

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Fells has become a valuable player for the Texans after he was on the outside looking in when he joined the Texans on a one year deal worth $1.5 million. Texans had a loaded tight end group in training camp with Jordan Thomas, Jordan Akins, and Kahale Warring in front of him as young draft picks Houston invested in.

However, injuries to Thomas and Warring, combined with Fell’s veteran experience set him apart towards the end of the preseason. Fells began the season as the starter and has not looked back, creating the production the Texans have longed for since Bill O’Brien became the head coach in 2014.

Fells has started in all 12 games this season with 28 receptions, 310 receiving yards, averaging 11.1 yards per reception, and a career-high seven touchdowns. The Texans became a better team when Fells broke into the starting lineup and has helped Houston remain undefeated in the five games he has caught a touchdown this season.

It is no coincidence the Texans are winning the games they include Fells in the offense with the opposing defenses having to stay honest and account for him as a threat in the red zone.

Fells has become a game-changer for the Texans playing at a Pro Bowl level this season and assisting them to remain in the driver’s seat to lock up the first seed in the AFC South.