<
        >

          NFL Nation

          Lots of room to grow for Texans' rookie class

          Will Fuller caught on quickly as a weapon in the Texans offense, but injuries have derailed him a bit. Tim Warner/Getty Images
          • Sarah Barshop, ESPN Staff WriterDec 13, 2016, 12:00 PM
            Close
              Sarah Barshop covers the Los Angeles Rams for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2016 to cover the Green Bay Packers for ESPN Milwaukee. She then moved to Houston to cover the Texans. She came to ESPN after working as a writer and editor for Sports Illustrated. You can follow her on Twitter @sarahbarshop.
            Follow on X

          HOUSTON -- Aside from glimpses of potential from the Houston Texans’ first and last picks in the 2016 NFL draft, the rookie class has not been a major contributor through 13 games this season. While there were few starting positions to be won entering training camp, when given the opportunity, the rookies have generally underperformed.

          Grade: C

          Best rookie: WR Will Fuller. Fuller started the season looking like the Texans’ second-best pass-catcher behind Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins. But after back-to-back games with more than 100 receiving yards to start the season, he has dealt with injuries that have derailed what looked to be a very promising rookie season. Fuller still has 530 receiving yards through 13 games, which is fourth among rookies this season, but after his fast start, it will be seen as a slight disappointment.

          Most improved rookie: NT D.J. Reader. Reader was the Texans’ last pick in the 2016 draft, but he looks like he could be a steal. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said, “Over this season, [Reader has] learned his abilities and how he can use his abilities in the game. I think he’s playing better as a result of it. He’s understanding the fits, what he can get done, when to come off the block and those kind of things. He’s better as a result of it.” Starting nose tackle Vince Wilfork is in the final year of his two-year contract, and Reader has proven himself capable of playing a more significant role moving forward.

          Most disappointing rookie: RB Tyler Ervin. One of the reasons the Texans drafted Ervin was because of what he did returning punts at San Jose State. Ervin had three fumbles on punt and kickoff returns and had lost two. And with the Texans not featuring him at running back, he had only one carry for 3 yards.

          The jury is still out on ... : Nick Martin. The Texans’ second-round pick won the starting center job early in training camp after quickly impressing coach Bill O’Brien. But toward the end of camp, Martin injured his ankle during a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints and was put on injured reserve. Without Martin, Greg Mancz has started at center, but the rookie will get a fair shot to win the job back during the offseason.

          Undrafted rookie check in: Stephen Anderson has worked himself into the offensive rotation at tight end, bringing in 10 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Joel Heath has earned snaps at defensive end on what has been an impressive defensive front.