With training camp right around the corner, as well as the 2017 season, we will predict how the depth chart will look for each position. For this article, the focus is going to be on the Houston Texans tight end position.
Houston Texans Tight End Depth Chart Projections
1.) C.J. Fiedorowicz
C.J. Fiedorowicz may not be one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but he’s the best tight end on the Texans roster. Fiedorowicz is a big-bodied tight end who remains consistent with his catching and blocking abilities. 2016 was Fiedorowicz’s best season, thus far, in the NFL. Even though Brock Osweiler was commanding the offense, Fiedorowicz still managed to haul in 54 receptions for 559 yards and four touchdowns.
With Bill O’Brien taking over the offense this season, I expect the tight ends will see a lot more action in the passing game. If Deshaun Watson is named the starting quarterback, you have to assume he would rely heavily on the tight end as well. A rookie quarterback’s best friend is a dependable tight end. With Fiedorowicz finishing 2016 with 30 first downs for the Texans, I’m sure Watson, or Tom Savage, is going to enjoy being able to depend on him.
2.) Ryan Griffin
Ryan Griffin, much like C.J. Fiedorowicz, is coming off of his best season in the NFL. Griffin is another big-bodied tight end. He seems to be more of a pass catcher than a run blocker. I wouldn’t call Griffin a backup tight end, he’s more of a sidekick to Fiedorowicz; a one-two punch for Houston’s offense. The Texans like to use Griffin as a role player and he’s gotten pretty good at moving the chains. In 2016, Griffin picked up 19 first downs for the Texans. He also finished with 50 receptions for 442 yards and two touchdowns.
Again, with O’Brien taking over the offense this season, we should see an elevated inclusion of the tight end on passing plays. Expect Griffin to be a big part of this. Not only is Griffin big, he’s fast and can create mismatches in the middle of the field. Fiedorowicz may see more time on the field, but Ryan Griffin will probably field most of the receptions and receiving yards.
3.) Stephen Anderson
Stephen Anderson is one of those rare breed tight ends. He is not as big as Fiedorowicz or Griffin, but he’s fast. The young tight end has the size of a halfback and speed similar to a receiver. Anderson didn’t play a huge role in the Texan’s offense last season, but he did manage to play in 13 games and catch 11 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Anderson also contributed six first downs for the offense.
Coming into his second season, Anderson is focused on improving. With Fiedorowicz and Griffin as his mentors, the sky is the limit for the young tight end. All signs are pointing to Bill O’Brien turning this offense into a high speed, explosive unit. Although he may not be a starter, Anderson is the perfect addition for this faced paced offense. I expect Anderson to be a situational tight end that can wreak havoc downfield on a seam route or, at least, take some coverage off the receivers.
