AFC Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan also notes that only LT Anthony Castonzo and WR T.Y. Hilton have played more games than TE Jack Doyle has since 2013.

Doyle believes that his health plays a big factor in his longevity with the team.

“Obviously, going into last year was a completely different offseason than I’ve been through having the hip surgery and I was getting over the kidney procedure, so that was a completely different offseason in trying to get ready and get my body back,” said Doyle. “I’ve scaled back a little bit in what I do early on in (the offseason) not pushing myself too far, honestly because I feel like I got into that in 2018. Not that that caused injuries or anything, but just to give my body more of a break after this year.”

Texans

  • The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss says that it could take a bit for Deshaun Watson to get comfortable throwing to his new receivers in tight coverage, especially with the lack of on-field work, considering how good former Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins was in contested catch situations. 
  • Reiss thinks RBs Scottie Phillips and Karan Higdon, both undrafted free agents this year and last respectively, are battling for a spot on the practice squad. 
  • Reiss adds Texans WR DeAndre Carter‘s return ability might give him the edge for a roster spot ahead of WR Keke Coutee.
  • Texans TE Jordan Thomas might be on the wrong side of the bubble barring injuries, per Reiss. The same could be true of G Senio Kelemete, as Houston could clear most of his $3.5 million cap hit if other players step up as depth. 
  • While Texans HC Bill O’Brien has said he wants to sign LB Zach Cunningham to an extension, the future cap uncertainty along with the need to accommodate an extension for Watson could complicate things. 
  • Reiss writes the candidates to replace Jahleel Addae as the third safety are A.J. Moore, Michael Thomas and Jaylen Watkins

Titans

One of the goals for the Titans this offseason was improving their pass rush. Tennessee looked outside by bringing in DE Vic Beasley and has been linked repeatedly to DE Jadeveon Clowney, but the answer could be on the roster if a young player like 2019 UDFA DE Derick Roberson improves. In three games at the end of the season after spending 10 games on the practice squad, Roberson flashed with three sacks in three games. 

“Roby from the gate flashed some ability to rush the passer,” Titans OLB coach Shane Bowen said via Jim Wyatt of the team website. “I think the main thing with him right now … (is) consistency, and ultimately just development. Being a first-, second-down player, the run game, some of that type of stuff, taking the next step there has been what’s held him back a little bit in terms of that playtime, but he definitely has value on third down in passing situations.”

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