Yesterday afternoon, the Houston Texans released their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. On it, rookie interior offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge was designated as the starting center, which immediately caught the attention of everyone who's been keeping up with the battle for center throughout training camp.
Having been rotating reps with incumbent starter Jake Andrews, it was unclear if there was a definitive timeline for the coaching staff on when a decision would be made between the two. However, it isn't like the decision makers have been silent about the impression that Rutledge has maintained since his selection in the first round in April's draft.
Over the weekend, offensive coordinator Nick Caley gushed about the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket when asked by the media about what he's been seeing from Rutledge during camp:
“The same thing we saw on tape at Georgia Tech. He’s a tough, nasty, accountable, dude. That is getting better everyday. He’s working. He hasn’t changed a bit. From the first time I heard him say ‘I don’t even have a suit’, I was like ‘I love this guy, I love this guy.’ He’s all ball & he’s tough as nails. He’s all day tough.”
Now that Rutledge has scored somewhat of a visual win on paper with the depth chart reveal, it's time for the 22-year-old interior bruiser to continue to prove that the coaching staff -- and fan base as a whole -- are right with how much confidence that they have in his continued ascension at the position.
Keylan Rutledge has a chance to prove the coaching staff right in the preseason
The Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers face off this Thursday in the first preseason game for each team. It will be the first bit of action that Rutledge will participate in that wouldn't involve lining up across from defensive stalwarts like defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins, Tommy Togiai, Naquan Jones, Jadeveon Clowney or fellow rookie Kayden McDonald.
Except, he'll still be challenged by the likes of Jacobian Guillory II, Jahmeer Carter and even Justin Eboigbe to establish himself as a sturdy presence in the middle of the formation once the whistle officially blows on the preseason. He'll certainly be ready for it, as he's had to endure arguably the best pass rush in the NFL for the last week or so at least in training camp.
Again, we're merely talking about an unofficial preseason depth chart that happens to show Rutledge as the apparent "leader in the clubhouse" at the center position. Yet, Rutledge's continued smashmouth play -- and glowing coaching sentiments -- has a great chance of finalizing that transition in short order.
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