Houston Texans 2010 Training Camp News: Top 10 Veterans on the Roster

Training camp is almost in full swing across the league and the Houston Texans began the process Friday morning.

According to Houstontexans.com Columnist Nick Scurfield, “The announced attendance for the Texans’ Friday morning training camp was 3,714. It’s the largest opening-day crowd in the team’s training camp history.”

In this assignment, I’ll highlight a few of the topics that went on during the scorching first day of camp, along with the top 10 veterans currently on the team’s roster.

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No. 10: WR Kevin Walter

Albeit Kevin Walter didn’t leap into action in his first three seasons in the league as a Cincinnati Bengal, his production has skyrocketed since joining the Texans.

The eight-year veteran receiver is more than just a decoy for the elite Andre Johnson. He’s one of the most effective route runners in the game today, blowing apart defenses, and racking up 225 catches for over 2,750 yards, and 15 TDs. Moreover, he’s hungry for more.

No. 9: TE Owen Daniels

Despite missing the final eight games of the ’09 season with an ACL injury, Owen Daniels had a full-blown impact, conducting 40 receptions for 519 yards and five touchdowns.

Continuing to recover from the injury, Daniels didn’t practice Friday morning, but spent some time of practice riding a stationary bike.

Though there is exceptional depth behind Daniels, coaches and fans alike are optimistic the former 2008 Pro Bowl tight end will return to field in full health very soon.

No. 8: DEs Connor Barwin, Antonio Smith

Mario Williams is a superstar defensive lineman; so many are surprised when they hear that Williams was actually outperformed last season by the death-defying duo on the opposite side in Antonio Smith and rookie Connor Barwin in their first year in Houston.

Granted, I may be breaking the rules including using one shot on two birds, this is a phenomenal tandem that can’t be ignored.

No. 7: OT Eric Winston

The very athletic and dependable Eric Winston has started 55 consecutive games for the Texans.

He was on the 2007 USA Today AFC All-Joe Team, is already considered an elite NFL tackle, and I project him to easily make the 2010 Pro Bowl.

No. 6: OLB Brian Cushing

Brian Cushing had a phenomenal rookie debut, exceeding anyone’s wildest expectations with 133 tackles, two forced fumbles, four sacks, and four interceptions.

The first-round-pick was also crowned the 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

But Cushing now faces a four game suspension to begin the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Demeco Ryans and Zac Diles can pick up the slack for the four games, but no one is sure how Cushing will perform after the suspension.

No. 5: SS Bernard Pollard

Bernard Pollard has made more than just a name for himself in his four seasons in the league.

Also recognized as “The Bonecrusher” and “Patriot Killer,” Pollard has accumulated 300 tackles, six forced fumbles, and seven interceptions.

The very infamous and extremely lethal strong safety comes off his first year in Houston and best season in his career.

No. 4: DE Mario Williams

Since joining the Texans as the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Mario Williams has played in and started every game, producing over 200 tackles, nine forced fumbles, and 39.5 sacks.

Williams has also been awarded to the Pro Bowl twice and the best is still on the horizon for this rising superstar.

No. 3: MLB Demeco Ryans

Analogous to Mario Williams, Demeco Ryans has also made the Pro Bowl twice in just four seasons in the league.

Moreover, the very instinctive and physical linebacker has topped 100 tackles in every season.

His talent is entirely earth-shattering, and it will be very interesting to see how much he steps up his level of play during the first four games of the season.

No. 2: QB Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub has had some difficulty staying healthy for a complete season in years past. But Schaub broke the trend last season, as he led the entire league in yards and completions.

With a solidified offensive line, top notch receiving corps, and fortified backfield, you shouldn’t put anything past this 2009 Pro Bowl MVP.

No. 1: WR Andre Johnson

There was some speculation that Andre Johnson might not report to camp due to prior contract disputes.

“The four-time Pro Bowler, who has led the NFL in back-to-back seasons, was a happy camper when he reported to practice on Friday,” according to reports of Nick Scurfield.

“I’ve always wanted to be here,” Johnson said. I’ve never thought about holding out. I think that missing the first few days of OTAs got a little blown out of proportion. I came in. I’m here now. That’s all that matters.”