Though currently listed third on the Texans TE depth chart, third-round rookie Jordan Akins offers some very real TD upside in this juggernaut offense. The 6’4, 250-lb UCF product set a Houston Preseason Record by scoring twice in his NFL debut, first from 6-yards out and then once more from the 14 yard line.
On his first 6 yard score, Akins displayed impressive body control to drag his feet while securing the ball as he fell to the ground. On his next TD, Akins got upfield in a hurry and used his massive frame to gain separation. As a converted wideout, Akins may not be the best blocker, but he is quick and decisive in his cuts, and gets off the line fast — all on display in this Preseason Opener.
Keep in mind: Akins is an older rookie at 26 years old, having spent time playing minor league baseball before joining Central Florida. As such, he received a mere 7th Round Grade from NFL.com, but clearly Bill O’Brien and the Texans loved him. In fact, the Houston Chronicle suggests, “Akins got Bill O’Brien’s attention at the Senior Bowl, where the Texans’ staff coached him and got to see him up close and personal… he impressed the coaches in OTAs and training camp before getting off to the fast start at Arrowhead Stadium.”
Best of all, Akins’ impressive and rapid growth has caught QB Deshaun Watson’s eye:
“It gives us an extra weapon on the field,” Watson said. “We can go into a game with two tight ends, one tight end, and we have a lot of guys that can perform and go out there and run routes and make plays. So, he did a good job the other night of doing his job right and capitalized when his opportunity was there.”
Currently Undrafted, keep Akins in the back of your mind when waiting on TEs. This offense averaged over 40 points per game when all the pieces were fully healthy, and a player with his size and athleticism in the Red Zone will drip in immense TD upside.
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