Rookie Minicamp Preview: First Impressions Near as Minicamp Arrives
Plus undrafted free agents who can make the roster
The Houston Texans have their lone open practice of the rookie minicamp tomorrow. Keylan Rutledge, Kayden McDonald, and their fellow draft classmates will take the field to start their NFL careers. The minicamp provides first impressions of players, but shouldn’t be taken too far in either a positive or negative direction.
All eyes will be on Rutledge. The career right guard has said he’s comfortable playing center. General manager Nick Caserio has played coy about Rutledge’s position. The rookies do a lot of drill-specific work during minicamp. Rutledge snapping the football would indicate that he is set to enter the battle at center. Jake Andrews, Evan Brown, Jarrett Patterson, Eli Cox, and fellow rookie Febechi Nwaiwu are among the possible contenders at center.
McDonald will hopefully stand out. Last year, Aireontae Ersery wowed with his size when he hit the field. McDonald is a unique player who, hopefully, will strike a similar presence to Ersery.
Tight end Marlin Klein is the type of specimen that can wow in a workout like this. Klein is every bit his 6’6”, 250-plus pounds. There aren’t any amazing pass catchers set to be on the field with him. If Klein glides and showcases some of the potential the Texans bet on, it will start the path to easing the overdrafted slot many, myself included, believe he occupied.
The rookie linebackers will always be compared to each other. Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher will try to both be successful for the Texans. Fisher’s team's success and playing in some huge games present a similar situation to a few years ago. Juice Scruggs was drafted higher, but Patterson was the better player. Hopefully, there is a role for both Fisher and Woodaz. They face a crowded battle when they integrate with the veterans at linebacker.
Kamari Ramsey and Lewis Bond have depth opportunities on this roster. Ramsey might get a chance to back up Jalen Pitre at this nickel spot, but he will need to showcase the athleticism that was a part of the profile of a draft pick steal. Bond needs to show all the athleticism and maybe surprise with some speed. There will be other pass catchers there. If he looks slow, it will show. If he looks quick out of his routes, his familiarity with this system will serve him well.
There’s plenty to glean from a light workout. Nothing should be written in stone, but don’t be afraid to start taking notes with a pencil. Just have the eraser handy.
