Anderson should have the inside track on replacing Graham as the joker TE (more route running than blocking).
Stephen Anderson and Joel Heath are 2 underrated rookies that can make the team. Anderson has the backup to Griffin and Heath as the back RDE.
If Anderson makes the team, it won't be to back up Griffin...as both are pass catching TEs with no blocking ability. CJ is the lock put of everyone to make the team bc he brings something the other two don't.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/18-observations-Day-2-of-Texans-rookie-minicamp-/4820e90b-d6a2-4819-8a2a-fcfa68f2387a <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First time to see Ka’imi Fairbairn kick. Will say 50-55 yards well within his range. Ball sounds good off his foot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a></p>— PDS (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/729047245543202816">May 7, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/18-observations-Day-2-of-Texans-rookie-minicamp-/4820e90b-d6a2-4819-8a2a-fcfa68f2387a
Yeah and we have only one TE capable of blocking, that's Fiedorowicz so he's got one spot and the other spot is between Griffin and Anderson. We'll carry 3 TE's most likely so either Anderson beats out Griffin for the spot and Griffin is behind him, or he doesn't and he's Griffin's backup.
It doesn't work that way. If the passing TE cannot block then he'll have a hard time getting on the field. You need a TE that is very good at blocking (or receiving) and still pretty good at receiving (or blocking). If you had to pick, you'll actually want a TE who is really good at blocking. A TE that can't block will get taken advantage of by the opposing defense.
He's certainly no good at it, but he's got the size and strength for it if he ever learns the technique. Anderson doesn't have the size, strength, or technique to block.
Anderson will have to a better blocker to beat him out. My guess is Griffin was affected by his injuries last year and will be improving.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans intrigued by undrafted Cal tight end Stephen Anderson <a href="https://t.co/vgjgEIPHaf">https://t.co/vgjgEIPHaf</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonChron">@HoustonChron</a></p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/729691932213944320">May 9, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans not signing former University of Houston safety Lee Hightower at this time following minicamp tryout</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/729445915740626946">May 8, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans not signing Utah St quarterback Chuckie Keeton, Texas Southern punter Cory Carter, UH's Tomme Mark at this time, did minicamp tryout</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/729381583434616833">May 8, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texans signing former New Mexico outside linebacker Ryan Langford following successful tryout</p>— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/729798318121885704">May 9, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>