While it’s still early in training camp, the Houston Texans might have struck gold with their second-round pick.
Rookie tight end Marlin Klein continues to make plays in the receiving game while rotating between the first and second-team offense during drills. On Monday, quarterback C.J. Stroud evaded a sack to find a wide-open Klein for the easy touchdown reception in team drills.
Over the past three practices, Klein has found his way into the end zone at least once during practice, including a pair of times Monday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
“Marlin’s progressed every single day. His trajectory is definitely pointing up. Seeing him in the pass game, you guys have seen him make a lot of plays out here in the passing game,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He’s still learning a lot. We’re throwing a lot at him, but for a rookie to be where he is at this point in camp, I’m very encouraged. I’m very pleased with where he is and I’m excited to see him to continue to progress. He’s done a great job, I’m excited. At the line of scrimmage, he’s done a good job and also in the passing game, you see a guy, as I mentioned before, he can be a big threat in the passing game. He’s an exciting young player to watch for this year.”
A one-year starter at Michigan, the German-born Klein is still getting adjusted to playing football. Last season in Ann Arbor, he was limited to 11 games, totaling just 24 catches for less than 300 yards and a touchdown.
But there’s something dynamic about Klein’s game. He’s a mismatch in space against slot defenders and has quality speed to hold up over safeties. Given his 6-foot-6 frame, Klein also has the size to overpower most defenders in man coverage when it comes to jump balls.
“Marlin has gotten so much better,” Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley said Saturday. “He’s had multiple blocks I’ve seen.”
The Texans plan to have Klein make his Houston debut on Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers at 7 p.m. The game will be locally televised on ABC.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans rookie TE Marlin Klein continues to impress during training camp practices
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
