NFL Draft Scout Rankings, From Prep to Pro Coverage for Pros by Pros

Latest Texans Player Notes

Sep 1 2010 - Troy Nolan
FS Troy Nolan, a seventh-round pick last year who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, was the most impressive of the unheralded defensive players going into camp. At 6-2, 206, he's got good size, but he showed range and hitting ability. He's no threat to take Eugene Wilson's starting job, but Wilson better stay healthy.

Sep 1 2010 - Jeremiah Johnson
RB Jeremiah Johnson signed with the Texans last year as an undrafted free agent, then underwent shoulder surgery and was placed on injured reserve. He went to camp as the fifth back and is now third. In his first three games, he carried 16 times for 87 yards, a 5.4-yard average.

Sep 1 2010 - Matt Turk
P Matt Turk is coming off a good preseason. He's 42, but last season, he punted well enough for the Texans to rank second in punt coverage. Turk gets good hand time, and his direction is uncanny, especially at his age.

Sep 1 2010 - Chris Myers
C Chris Myers kept his starting job for a third consecutive season by playing exceptionally well in the 23-7 victory over Dallas. Myers played last season with a high ankle sprain, but he's healthy now.

Sep 1 2010 - Kevin Walter
WR Kevin Walter, who had three catches for 65 yards in preseason, is trying to hold off Jacoby Jones, who's become a big-play receiver after averaging 16.2 yards last season.

Sep 1 2010 - Mike Brisiel
RG Mike Brisiel, who took every snap two years ago but suffered a season-ending foot injury last season, has been backing up on the right side and at center. He's putting pressure on Antoine Caldwell for the starting job at right guard.

Sep 1 2010 - Andre Johnson
WR Andre Johnson is attempting to become the first receiver in history to have at least 1,500 yards in three consecutive seasons. He's also working on a fourth season with at least 100 catches, which would tie him with Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison. Armed with a new contract, Johnson wants to have his best season.

Sep 1 2010 - Matt Schaub
QB Matt Schaub is the only indispensable Texan. If he doesn't start 16 games for the second consecutive season, he'll be replaced by Dan Orlovsky. The offense won't change, but Orlovsky isn't as talented or as accurate as Schaub.

Aug 30 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels passed his physical and has been cleared to return to practice. He was activated from the physically unable to perform list. Daniels is returning from a season-ending knee injury he suffered in October 2009.

Aug 29 2010 - Andre Johnson
WR Andre Johnson played the preseason in midseason form. After catching seven passes for 79 yards against the Cowboys, he finished with 12 for 153 and one touchdown. He won't play in the last exhibition.

Aug 29 2010 - Kareem Jackson
CB Kareem Jackson, the first-round pick, returned a Tony Romo interception 64 yards to set up a field goal. "I was surprised he got caught from behind and didn't score a touchdown," strong safety Bernard Pollard said.

Aug 29 2010 - Amobi Okoye
DT Amobi Okoye, who plays the run well, got his first sack against the Cowboys. Asked how it felt to get one, he laughed and said it felt like "I got out of jail."

Aug 29 2010 - Kris Brown
K Kris Brown and Neil Rackers are four-of-four on field goals apiece. Their competition is still even. Coach Gary Kubiak complained about the depth of their kickoffs at New Orleans, and both responded by kicking off deeper against Dallas. This should go down until the roster reduction to 53.

Aug 29 2010 - Neil Rackers
K Neil Rackers and K Kris Brown are four-of-four on field goals apiece. Their competition is still even. Coach Gary Kubiak complained about the depth of their kickoffs at New Orleans, and both responded by kicking off deeper against Dallas. This should go down until the roster reduction to 53.

Aug 29 2010 - Jeremiah Johnson
RB Jeremiah Johnson, who spent his rookie season on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery, is expected to start and get a lot of carries in the last preseason game against Tampa Bay. Johnson led the Texans with 35 yards on five carries against Arizona. He had two carries for one yard against New Orleans. He carried nine times for 53 yards against Dallas.

Aug 29 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels, who hasn't played since suffering a season-ending knee injury in October, has been cleared to begin practicing with his teammates. He's expected to play in the opener against Indianapolis.

Aug 29 2010 - Steve Slaton
RB Steve Slaton has a strained toe but should be ready for the regular season.

Aug 26 2010 - Jacoby Jones
WR Jacoby Jones is considered the Texans' No. 3 receiver, coach Gary Kubiak said, but he quickly added that "we have three starters in my opinion." Jones will also return kicks. He's competing with veteran Kevin Walter for a starting spot. The Texans' coaches have been complimentary of Jones, who they say has had a great camp.

Aug 26 2010 - Darryl Sharpton
LB Darryl Sharpton could find his way into the starting lineup in Brian Cushing's outside linebacker spot. Sharpton is undersized at 5-11, 245, but he's shown very good agility, quickness and closing speed. Cushing's would-be replacements, Danny Clark and Kevin Bentley, have battled injuries in training camp, opening the opportunity for Sharpton. "He's made statements since he's been out here in camp," coach Gary Kubiak said.

Aug 25 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels has been cleared to practice. He suffered a torn ACL in the eighth game last season. "Owen's been cleared; totally healthy," coach Gary Kubiak said.

Aug 25 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels will return to the field for practice next week, coach Gary Kubiak said. He's been cleared medically and is "totally healthy," according to Kubiak.

Aug 25 2010 - Darnell Bing
LB Darnell Bing (neck) was placed on injured reserve.

Aug 25 2010 - Will Patterson
LB Will Patterson (released by Texans 6/17) re-signed with Houston.

Aug 24 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels said the MRI and scan of his surgically repaired knee were clean. Daniels said they "say I'm 100 percent."

Aug 24 2010 - Trindon Holliday
KR Trindon Holliday, a sixth-round pick from LSU, will undergo thumb surgery and is likely out for the year, coach Gary Kubiak said.

Aug 23 2010 - Derrick Townsel
WR Derrick Townsel signed with the Texans. The former Jaguars' receiver was undrafted and released by Jacksonville last week. Townsel, 5-9, 175, recorded 153 career receptions for 1,712 yards and five touchdowns while also serving as a return specialist. As a senior, Townsel finished with 44 receptions for 452 yards and garnered second-team All-OVC honors. He had a 22.7-yard kickoff return average on 24 returns and a 24.1-yard average on nine punt returns.

Aug 23 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels is on active/PUP because of a knee injury. He's getting an MRI Tuesday and will visit Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday. Andrews performed the surgery. Daniels is hoping to be cleared to practice with his teammates. The plan has been for him to be ready for the regular-season opener against Indianapolis.

Aug 23 2010 - Danny Clark
LB Danny Clark (sprained knee) will miss practice. His status for the Dallas game won't be known before the end of the week

Aug 23 2010 - Trindon Holliday
WR Trindon Holliday muffed a punt that set up a touchdown and dropped a kickoff in the end zone against the Saints.

Aug 23 2010 - Darryl Sharpton
LB Darryl Sharpton is getting a lot of playing time becasue of injuries and is taking advantage of his opportunity. Sharpton went to camp trying to learn the weak-side position behind starter Zac Diles and backup Xavier Adibi. When Adibi earned the inside track on the right side during Brian Cushing's four-game suspension to start the season, Sharpton moved up a spot. With Adibi and Danny Clark out on the strong side, veteran Kevin Bentley, a backup in the middle, replaced Cushing in the second quarter. Sharpton played in the middle behind DeMeco Ryans and led the team with seven tackles. He also made a diving interception. Sharpton is 5-11, 248, but he's fast, quick and athletic. "It's good to see young guys like that make plays like he did," coach Gary Kubiak said. "And the thing is that he's going to get better and better." Ryans watched Sharpton made several good plays. "I like him a lot," Ryans said. "He works hard, and it pays off. He made that big interception, and he made some other good plays, too."

Aug 20 2010 - Owen Daniels
TE Owen Daniels told the Houston Chronicle he is close to returning to practice. He'll first visit Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday. "It's a five-minute visit, but he wants to see me to make sure everything looks good," Daniels told the Chronicle. Daniels said it's possible he could play in the Texans' final preseason game, Sept. 2 against Tampa Bay, if he's cleared next week.

Aug 19 2010 - Brian Cushing
LB Brian Cushing will have to serve his four-game suspension for testing positive for HCG. The NFL denied his appeal on the basis of Cushing's claim of overtrained athlete syndrome, presented to commissioner Roger Goodell by Texans' owner Bob McNair.

Aug 18 2010 - Derrick Townsel
WR Derrick Townsel was waived by the Jaguars.

Aug 16 2010 - Ben Tate
RB Ben Tate was placed on the reserve/injured list with a season-ending ankle injury. Tate will have surgery next week. "The surgery should be fine; he should be back playing next year," coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's a big blow because we were counting on him a great deal. He's a good-looking young player, but he'll be back. He's a good kid. He'll be back." The injury was suffered in the team's preseason opener. The second-round pick was carted off the field. He had been trying to work himself into the backfield mix that includes Arian Foster, Steve Slaton, Chris Henry and Jeremiah Johnson.

Aug 16 2010 - Tim Bulman
DL Tim Bulman was placed on injury reserve with a shoulder injury. Last week, the Texans allowed he still had a shoulder injury and "won't be back anytime soon," coach Gary Kubiak said. Bulman underwent offseason surgery on his shoulder.

Aug 15 2010 - Mario Williams
DE Mario Williams hasn't had a full practice since the third practice of camp. He's had inflammation in his hip that spread to his pelvic region and groin area. The plan was to play him for 10 to 12 plays against the Cardinals. He had two sacks in the first quarter.

Aug 15 2010 - Ben Tate
RB Ben Tate will undergo surgery Tuesday or Wednesday after a serious ankle injury suffered in the team's preseason opener. The second-round pick was carted off the field. He had been trying to work himself into the backfield mix that includes Arian Foster, Steve Slaton, Chris Henry and Jeremiah Johnson.

Aug 12 2010 - Tim Bulman
DE Tim Bulman has a shoulder injury and "won't be back anytime soon," coach Gary Kubiak said Thursday. Bulman underwent offseason surgery on his shoulder and will undergo further evaluation. He could be placed on injured reserve if the injury doesn't improve.

Aug 10 2010 - Mario Williams
DE Mario Williams (inflammation in his hip) returned to practice Tuesday and could play in Saturday's preseason opener against Arizona. "It'll be a little bit each day. It's not like we are going to throw him into the fire," said coach Gary Kubiak. "It's exactly what we had planned. He was going to work the first 30 minutes of practice and that's it."

Aug 9 2010 - Brian Cushing
OLB Brian Cushing said he has a condition called overtrained athlete syndrome, and Texans owner Bob McNair has asked Commissioner Roger Goodell to reduce or rescind his four-game suspension. Cushing said the condition can cause hormonal spikes, which could lead to a positive test such as the one he had last September for a fertility drug he says he never took. "We've gone in depth, and there has been a lot of money spent on the research," said Cushing. "There have been a lot of interesting results that I think can help us."

Aug 8 2010 - Dorin Dickerson
WR Dorin Dickerson, who played tight end and H-back at Pitt, continues to impress the coaches with his athleticism and learning ability. He makes a lot of good catches. He knows how to use his size (6-2, 230) against the smaller defensive backs.

Aug 8 2010 - Sherrick McManis
CB Sherrick McManis, 6-1, 195, missed the OTAs and minicamp because he was hurt. He's starting to make up for his absence by improving, and the coaches are taking notice.

Aug 8 2010 - Jacoby Jones
WR Jacoby Jones has the coaches believing this season could be his breakout year. Jones, who excels as a punt and kickoff returner, averaged 16 yards a catch. He has big-play capability. "He's having a heck of a camp," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's growing up in front of our eyes. I told him it's the importance of making plays all the time and not just some of the time. It's important for him and the team."

Aug 8 2010 - Wade Smith
C Wade Smith, signed as a free agent to bolster the interior offensive line, has been focusing on guard, but now he's pushing Chris Myers at center. Myers has started every game in his two seasons with the Texans. Last season, though, the running game averaged only 2.2 yards up the middle after starting guards Mike Brisiel and Chester Pitts suffered season-ending injuries. The coaches are trying to strengthen the interior offensive line.

Aug 8 2010 - Mike Brisiel
G Mike Brisiel, who played every snap in 2008, missed 11 games last season after suffering a broken foot. He's still not 100 percent, but he's working at both guard spots as well as center. Antoine Caldwell and Kasey Studdard are the starters at guard. Chris Myers is the starter at center.

Aug 8 2010 - Xavier Adibi
LB Xavier Adibi is out with a severe groin strain. He had the inside track to Brian Cushing's strong-side job during his four-game suspension to start the season. Veterans Danny Clark and Kevin Bentley are first and second behind Cushing.

Aug 5 2010 - Andre Johnson
WR Andre Johnson has agreed to a two-year, $38.5 million extension, with $13 million guaranteed, according to The Houston Chronicle. Johnson had five years remaining on his current $60 million deal, and is now under contract through 2016; seven years worth $73.5 million in all. Texans GM Rick Smith said the extension, "will make him a Texas for life." According to the report, the deal could be worth even more with incentive bonuses and built-in escalators. "It feels great; I can't complain," Johnson said about being the highest-paid receiver in the league. "I want to thank the organization. I don't know what to say other than thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank my teammates. I'm very happy right now." Johnson is coming off a 101-catch season in 2009 in which he totals 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns. That came on the heels of 115 receptions in 2008, making Johnson the first player since Jerry Rice to lead the league in catches in consecutive seasons since the 1970 merger.

Aug 5 2010 - Jack Corcoran
FB Jack Corcoran was re-signed by Houston.

Aug 5 2010 - Justin Griffith
FB Justin Griffth was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a spinal cord concussion/contusion. He was signed in June.

Aug 4 2010 - Derrick Townsel
WR Derrick Townsel, an undrafted rookie out of Murray State, signed with the Jaguars. Townsel, 5-9, 175, recorded 153 career receptions for 1,712 yards and five touchdowns while also serving as a return specialist. As a senior, Townsel finished with 44 receptions for 452 yards and garnered second-team All-OVC honors. He had a 22.7-yard kickoff return average on 24 returns and a 24.1-yard average on nine punt returns.