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It's put up or shut up time for Houston Texans offensive linemen vying for a starting job. Several positions are up for grabs. Now it's on the Texans' top offensive linemen to take them.
One player receiving his fair share of the spotlight is rookie interior offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. The Texans' first round draft pick was a controversial selection in that the team traded up for a player some believe to be a developmental project. Rutledge may be able to challenge that narrative this offseason.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski listed Rutledge as one of "six rookies with the most to gain" this offseason. Here's what he had to say of Rutledge pushing for a starting job at center.
"The Houston Texans' decision to trade up and draft Keylan Rutledge with this year's 26th overall pick after signing Ed Ingram to a contract extension and adding Wyatt Teller as a free agent was somewhat perplexing. The idea of Rutledge converting to center didn't immediately come to mind, because he never previously played the position. Rutledge will continue a significant position switch during training campaign. How successful the transition goes could drastically affect the Texans' offense.
Rutledge only started at right guard during his collegiate career. He was asked to take reps at guard and center during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.
If Rutledge becomes comfortable at center and claims the job in August, everything will be on track. However, another possibility exists where the rookie doesn't have a good feel for working over the ball. He'll then need to outperform two proven veterans at guard and take one of their spots. If neither happens, Rutledge won't be in the Texans' starting lineup—which would be viewed as a disappointment since he's seen as a blocker capable of serving as the unit's physical tone-setter."
Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (OL44) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Rutledge missing out on a starting spot would also be a disappointment given the efforts Houston made to bring him to the team. When you draft a player in the first round you expect him to compete for a starting spot. When you trade up for him, that belief tends to be even stronger.
If Rutledge fails to win a starting job, neither he nor the decision to draft him in the first round are inherent failures. Still, the Texans are hoping to get the most out of their investment.
Houston is primed for a breakout season with improved offensive line play. Rutledge will hope to be part of the solution.
Continue reading...
One player receiving his fair share of the spotlight is rookie interior offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge. The Texans' first round draft pick was a controversial selection in that the team traded up for a player some believe to be a developmental project. Rutledge may be able to challenge that narrative this offseason.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski listed Rutledge as one of "six rookies with the most to gain" this offseason. Here's what he had to say of Rutledge pushing for a starting job at center.
"The Houston Texans' decision to trade up and draft Keylan Rutledge with this year's 26th overall pick after signing Ed Ingram to a contract extension and adding Wyatt Teller as a free agent was somewhat perplexing. The idea of Rutledge converting to center didn't immediately come to mind, because he never previously played the position. Rutledge will continue a significant position switch during training campaign. How successful the transition goes could drastically affect the Texans' offense.
Rutledge only started at right guard during his collegiate career. He was asked to take reps at guard and center during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.
If Rutledge becomes comfortable at center and claims the job in August, everything will be on track. However, another possibility exists where the rookie doesn't have a good feel for working over the ball. He'll then need to outperform two proven veterans at guard and take one of their spots. If neither happens, Rutledge won't be in the Texans' starting lineup—which would be viewed as a disappointment since he's seen as a blocker capable of serving as the unit's physical tone-setter."
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Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (OL44) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Rutledge missing out on a starting spot would also be a disappointment given the efforts Houston made to bring him to the team. When you draft a player in the first round you expect him to compete for a starting spot. When you trade up for him, that belief tends to be even stronger.
If Rutledge fails to win a starting job, neither he nor the decision to draft him in the first round are inherent failures. Still, the Texans are hoping to get the most out of their investment.
Houston is primed for a breakout season with improved offensive line play. Rutledge will hope to be part of the solution.
Continue reading...
