Johnson tackles tough times Texans' top pick of '05 teetering near the bottom of depth chart By MEGAN MANFULL Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Travis Johnson admits he's struggling on the field these days. The Texans' first-round draft pick from a year ago is a part of the team's deepest unit: defensive tackle. It's a position where longtime NFL veterans Robaire Smith and Seth Payne are fighting for playing time, along with free agent Anthony Weaver. Johnson has been the quiet one of the group, making very little splash after the Texans' first two weeks of practices. He has seen some time with the second team but has also taken a number of his repetitions with the third team behind Alfred Malone, who spent most of last season on the Texans' practice squad. "Right now it's difficult, because I've still got a lot of mistakes I'm trying to weave through, but I think I'll be all right," said Johnson, who signed a five-year deal worth $9.64 million last season. "Right now, I'm just trying to readjust to doing all the things I learned how to do in college." As a rookie last season, Johnson was moved to defensive end in the Texans' 3-4 scheme and forced to focus primarily on tying up blockers. It didn't suit his strengths. This season, defensive coordinator Richard Smith is implementing a game plan similar to the one Johnson excelled in at Florida State. It centers on being aggressive and getting up the field. Johnson has yet to look or feel really comfortable at tackle, though. "His hands and feet aren't working together at all, and it's making him play high, and he's giving up the fleshy part of his body too much," defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz said. Karmelowicz insists Johnson has all the physical qualities and athletic ability he needs to become an impact player in the NFL. Johnson's mental approach to the game may be all that's standing in the way of his making the necessary changes in technique. "A lot of times guys go, 'Hey, come on; it's May. We have no pads,' " Karmelowicz said. "They give you a list of reasons why they shouldn't do anything hard. But you must give yourself permission to do it. That's what's got to click on with him right now. That's what he's fighting. As soon as he allows himself to do it, he'll pick it up in a New York minute." Johnson is the Texans' only first-round pick who didn't start every game as a rookie. He started three games last season in place of the injured Gary Walker and saw action in a total of 15. He had 26 tackles and one sack. Karmelowicz said he still views Johnson as a legitimate first-round pick. "Athletically, you would take him," Karmelowicz said. "But maturity level — the way people's visions are of how they perceive things — is where he is off a little bit. That's just my opinion. It comes back to allowing yourself to say, 'Hey, I'm going to give myself permission to do this.' He needs to make a courageous step and take a chance." The Texans are counting on Johnson to do just that. With Payne 31 years old and Robaire Smith turning 29 this season, Johnson is slated to be an integral part of the team's future. "This is a big year for him," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "It's year two. Most of the players in this league make their biggest jump from year one to year two if they are going to be a great player and play a long time. So it's time for Travis to do that." megan.manfull@chron.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEXANS SUMMARY Practice opened David Carr's father, Rodger, returned to practice for the first time since practices were closed after the Texans' 0-5 start last season. Sponsors, team employees and visitors were no longer allowed to watch, which meant Rodger Carr was forced to stay home after watching nearly every practice for 3 1/2 years. Coach Gary Kubiak said he has an open-door policy during summer workouts. Practices will be closed during the regular season, though. "I told David and the whole team everybody is welcome this time of year." Kubiak said. "Family, friends, whatever. Let them come out and see what you do. Then when we get started, our practices will be closed. That's just the way we'll do things." Anderson on crutches Outside linebacker Charlie Anderson was at practice with crutches. Anderson sprained his right knee Wednesday, and the Texans plan to keep him out of practice until training camp starts at the end of July. MEGAN MANFULL I didnt see this article posted so I went ahead and did it. Honestly I hope Travis Johnson can get it together before the season. That was one draft pick I didnt like but he's a Texan and want to see him do well.
You've gotta think either Robaire or Seth Payne is going to be cut by the deadline. It'd be okay if they weren't making big money...but they are, and you just can't sit Travis Johnson at his point. You've gotta see if he'll pan out after you spent a first rounder on him. Actually I wouldn't be surprised if Smith and Payne are gone. That gives you Weaver, Johnson, and Deloache in the middle to rotate.
I'm pretty sure there is a reason why Travis Johnson is switching between the 2nd and 3rd teams. I don't believe in playing a player just to see if he'll pan out, if he isn't playing well enough to get PT (which sounds like he isn't) then he shouldn't see the field. I hope he can turn things around but this just seems like another botched pick by Casserly and co. We knew the guy came w/ some baggage, we saw some of it when he got into a couple of fights during practices, but it's a real shame when coaches are still talking about the guy's maturity level.
Add him to the long list of players who were playing "out of position" for the last few years. Good riddance, 3-4. That being said, if you can't beat out a player that was on the practice squad last year, you shouldn't play. I don't care how much money you make or where you were drafted.
