http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/players/derek_newton/143179 Recent articles about Derek Newton en-us Can the Houston Texans hold off the Indianapolis Colts for AFC South supremacy?If the question was asked last season, it would not have been taken seriously, with the Colts coming off the worst record in the NFL.But not, with Andrew Luck firmly entrenched as the pilot of the Colts’ ship, Houston has some serious competition this season for the division title.Does Houston, a team that can score at will at any time, have the weapons and chutzpah to reclaim the AFC South as their own and leave all other contenders in the rear view mirror?Everything starts with Arian Foster, possibly the best runner in the AFC and second best in the league (Adrian Peterson reigns supreme). As he goes so goes this team.Now that the Texans have completed their initial workouts, practices and OTAs, here are things we learned from the franchise heading into training camp.* The team is thrilled about hosting the Super Bowl in 2017. The NFL awarded the franchise Super Bowl LI, which now begs the question if H... Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:22:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/houston_texans_2013_10_things_we_learned_from_otas/13869878 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/houston_texans_2013_10_things_we_learned_from_otas/13869878 Houston Texans 2013: 10 Things We Learned From OTAs http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/houston_texans_2013_10_things_we_learned_from_otas/13869878 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Houston Texans have finished rookie mini camp, OTAs and mandatory mini camp and currently have 90 players in uniform. It is still early, but there is still the roster is slowly taking shape with training camp and preseason games to set it for week one. Before all of the practices opened we took an early look at the Texans 53 man roster and in this version seeing practices and players we take another look at the potential roster for the Texans.     Texans 53 Man Roster 2.0 Green Denotes Rookies   Offense (24) Quarterback: Matt Schaub, T.J. Yates, Case Keenum The first two are set in stone, but the Case Keenum train is gaining momentum. Keenum is starting to understand the offense and looks much better as a quarterback in the offense. His celing as a quarterback doesn’t look much more than a backup in the NFL, but he has taken a good step as a player in this offense.   Runningback: Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Cierre Wood The Texans go with Cierre Wood here to replace Ben Tate in 2014.... Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:57:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/texans_53_man_roster_version_20/13852238 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/texans_53_man_roster_version_20/13852238 Texans 53 Man Roster: Version 2.0 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/texans_53_man_roster_version_20/13852238 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Houston Texans wrapped up their mandatory mini-camp and head into a five-week down period before training camp kicks off. The mini-camp was centered around the younger players on the team and to get them the extra work they needed to get more work on the field without the veterans taking their workload. After being at mini-camp, OTAs and rookie mini-camp there are questions that have risen after the 16 total practices the Texans have worked in.   Thoughts Heading into Offseason Injuries Brian Cushing Derek Newton (knee), Tim Jamison (Achilles), Brian Cushing (ACL), DeVier Posey (Achilles), Ed Reed (Hip), Arian Foster (Calf) and Brennan William (Knee) all have been rehabbing hard to get ready for the arrival of training camp. The biggest question mark only surrounds Reed and how bad his hip really is, the biggest surprise is how well Posey has been moving. This week was the first time he has run on the field since the injury and it was very impressive to see where he is with his ... Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:40:56 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/quick_hitter_end_of_mini_camp/13834607 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/quick_hitter_end_of_mini_camp/13834607 Quick Hitter: End of Mini-Camp http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/quick_hitter_end_of_mini_camp/13834607 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png OTAs open up today for the Houston Texans and one of the big storylines heading into them are the injuries the team is dealing with. There have been offseason surgeries the team has dealt with and a few injuries that will effect the roster heading into week one. Here is a look at some injuries to watch moving forward.   Brennan Williams The drafted rookie right tackle took a mini-camp scare to his knee when he was rolled up on in drills. Williams is scheduled to get some important snaps with Derek Newton out for OTAs, but it will be interesting to see how much Williams is able to do when OTAs open up. Williams has the skills set to push for a starting position in 2013 but his knee injury could put him watching from the sidelines.   DeVier Posey DeVier Posey An achilles injury in the Divisional playoff game versus the New England Patriots. There were rumors of him being ready for camp but those rumors have died. Now it looks like Posey will start the season on the PUP list and give h... Mon, 20 May 2013 09:50:59 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/texans_on_the_mend/13654159 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/texans_on_the_mend/13654159 Texans on the Mend http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/texans_on_the_mend/13654159 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On Monday, the Houston Texans open their 2013 OTAs and more football news to come out before training camp opens. The Texans have 10 practices that make up OTAs on the following dates: May 20th- May 21st, May 23rd (Practices 1-3) May 27th- May 29th (Practices 4-6) June 3rd – June 6th (Practices 7-10) A new season is upon Houston and, with rookie mini-camp in the books, the Texans will introduce their veterans into the mix with the rookie group. There are few story lines that will be worth a follow heading into this week.   OTAs  Will Newton be healthy enough to retain the right tackle position? Injuries Ed Reed (Hip), Darryl Sharpton (Hip) and Derek Newton (Knee) are some of the biggest issues moving forward. Sharpton has not been cleared by doctors, Newton is expected to miss OTAs (but ready for camp) and the Reed rumors are flying around about the time-table with his hip. All three are pieces to the Texans’ 53 man roster but the injuries are a little unsettling.   Foster Has Been ... Fri, 17 May 2013 09:58:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/what_to_watch_heading_into_otas/13637801 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/what_to_watch_heading_into_otas/13637801 What To Watch Heading into OTAs http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/what_to_watch_heading_into_otas/13637801 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain, Texans starting right tackle Derek Newton is recovering from “major knee” surgery. The quote reads as follows: “Newton is progressing nicely from major knee surgery in February.”   Derek Newton is going to be a third year player from Arkansas State who was drafted in the 7th round (214th overall) in the 2011 NFL draft. He started 14 games for the Texans in 2012 and had his ups and downs at right tackle, but seemed to improve as the season wore on. The 25-year-old Newton should expect competition in training camp, but he should still have the upper hand in winning the spot. It is interesting to know how bad the knee was during the season that it took  ”major” surgery, but it also raises questions on if it effected his performance during the season. Plenty of questions come up now on Newton and his knee, and will be something to watch for going into the 2013 season. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:35:53 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/report_derek_newton_had_major_knee_surgery/13080016 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/report_derek_newton_had_major_knee_surgery/13080016 Report: Derek Newton Had Major Knee Surgery http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_derek_newton_had_major_knee_surgery/13080016 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/c/bc7bca2757934fa712852ffe58302e413ca787ee/mini/6783698.jpg It didn’t quite take the entire preseason as many expected, but the Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak and his staff has finally made decisions on their starting right tackle and kicker for the upcoming 2012 NFL season. RT Derek Newton will be the final starter along the O-line while veteran K Shayne Graham wins the position battle by default following the news that rookie K Randy Bullock has been kicking with a torn muscle near his groin and will be placed on IR. The more interesting of the two has been the right tackle battle between Newton and Rashad Butler. Heading into camp, all indications were that Butler was the favorite over the second-year Newton. However, after starting the Texans’ first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, Butler ceded the role to Newton for the ensuing two contests against the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. Upon hearing that Newton was to start his second straight game against the Saints, most fans had to realize he was in t... Wed, 29 Aug 2012 06:35:56 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/houston_texans_position_battles_at_right_tackle_kicker_finally_over/11576275 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/houston_texans_position_battles_at_right_tackle_kicker_finally_over/11576275 Houston Texans Position Battles at Right Tackle, Kicker Finally Over http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/houston_texans_position_battles_at_right_tackle_kicker_finally_over/11576275 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Texans have had one of the best offensive lines in the league over the past few years, both in run blocking and pass protection, thanks, in large part, to their scheme and continuity. The scheme is still there, the famous Gary Kubiak zone blocking scheme brought over from Mike Shanahan and the Denver Broncos, where Kubiak was an offensive coordinator from 1995-2005, helping Shanahan win two Super Bowls. However, the continuity is gone as financial reasons forced the Texans to give up starting right tackle Eric Winston and starting right guard Mike Brisiel this offseason. The Texans have named their replacement for Winston, hoping that their scheme can make yet another unheralded draft pick look better than he is. Besides left tackle Duane Brown, no one on their offensive line last season was anything higher than a 3rd round pick, including two players who went in the 6th round or later. Derek Newton, who has won the job over Rashad Butler, was a mere 7th round pick in 2011. He f... Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:52:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/derek_newton_wins_texans_right_tackle_job/11575960 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/derek_newton_wins_texans_right_tackle_job/11575960 Derek Newton wins Texans’ right tackle job http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/derek_newton_wins_texans_right_tackle_job/11575960 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak says Derek Newton has won the starting job at right tackle, beating out Rashad Butler. The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Newton was a seventh-round draft pick in 2011. Butler, entering his sixth season with Houston, was sidelined much of last season with a left triceps injury. Kubiak met with both players on Monday before announcing his decision. The Texans (No. 4 in the AP Pro32) wrap up the preseason against Minnesota (No. 29) on Thursday night. Kubiak is still mulling whether to play backup quarterback T.J. Yates, who's struggled in the last two exhibition games. Kubiak also said nose tackle Shaun Cody (back) and defensive end J.J. Watt (dislocated left elbow) returned to practice on Monday. Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:58:35 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/newton_lands_right_tackle_spot_for_houston_texans/11562355 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/newton_lands_right_tackle_spot_for_houston_texans/11562355 Newton lands right tackle spot for Houston Texans http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/newton_lands_right_tackle_spot_for_houston_texans/11562355 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png It was confirmed today by Head Coach Gary Kubiak that second year right tackle Derek Newton will be the starter heading into the 2012 Houston Texans campaign. Despite a camp battle with veteran Rashad Butler, it felt like Butler’s poor play is what gave way to name Newton the week one starter. Newton did show some bright spots and some potential of being a good NFL football player, but playing the game is what is going to help Newton more than anything. We actually had a chance to talk to Newton during training camp before the first preseason game and you can see what he said here. Newton was drafted in the 2011 NFL draft in the 7th round ( 214th overall) out of Arkansas State, and he appeared in 14 games for the Texans in his rookie season. At 6-6 and 307 lbs., Newton will be looked upon to take the spot of long time Texan and now Kansas City Chiefs starting right tackle Eric Winston. If anything, Winston brought durability to the position where he started 87 of the 92 games he app... Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:39:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/derek_newton_named_starter/11563162 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/derek_newton_named_starter/11563162 Derek Newton Named Starter http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/derek_newton_named_starter/11563162 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png HOUSTON Sometimes it's easy to forget how quickly things are unfolding for Texans right tackle Derek Newton, to overlook the haste with which some expect him to transition from an athletic-yet-raw Arkansas State product to a starting lineman for a prolific offense. Newton has had plaudits heaped upon him, praise that belied his repetitions as a rookie. One can distort context of the speed of his development. In 12 months Newton has graduated from a behemoth with ample tools yet insufficient technique to a legitimate heir to Eric Winston, or at least a viable option in the competition to replace him. It was difficult to dismiss contemplation of where Newton is heading as he logged game repetitions last Saturday against the Panthers. His potential has been touted so frequently that it felt natural to cast an overly critical eye on his performance when, in truth, Newton has plenty of room to grow. His strides are simultaneously massive and miniature. "I feel better about myself this year," Newt Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:46:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/texans_rt_newton_has_plenty_of_room_to_grow/11449711 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/texans_rt_newton_has_plenty_of_room_to_grow/11449711 Texans' RT Newton has plenty of room to grow http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/texans_rt_newton_has_plenty_of_room_to_grow/11449711 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Right tackle and second year player for the Houston Texans Derek Newton talked to us about his new expectations surrounding him coming into the season. Newton let us in on how Arkansas State has helped him now as a Texan, and how working against Connor Barwin, Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus has helped him for the games.   You can follow Patrick on Twitter.  He is the Editor of State of the Texans and is a draft analyst on Sideline Scouting. Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:03:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/sott_talks_to_derek_newton/11426569 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/sott_talks_to_derek_newton/11426569 SOTT Talks to Derek Newton http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/sott_talks_to_derek_newton/11426569 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Texans have had one of the best offensive lines in the league over the past few years, thanks to their scheme and their continuity as much as to their talent. However, the Texans lost that continuity this offseason when they lost two starters, Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston, in free agency. At right guard, 3rd round rookie Brandon Brooks is competing with career backup Antoine Caldwell, a 3rd round pick in 2009. Meanwhile at right tackle, Rashad Butler, a career backup, has the inside track at the starting job, but according to Head Coach Gary Kubiak, 2011 7th round pick Derek Newton is performing well enough to “compete for a starting job.” Kubiak did acknowledge that “we’re in shorts, so it’s hard to tell with big guys,” but it sounds like there will be a competition for that job as well. Sun, 03 Jun 2012 03:30:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/rashad_butler_and_derek_newton_starting_for_texans_right_tackle_job/10929086 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/rashad_butler_and_derek_newton_starting_for_texans_right_tackle_job/10929086 Rashad Butler and Derek Newton starting for Texans right tackle job http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/rashad_butler_and_derek_newton_starting_for_texans_right_tackle_job/10929086 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/6/564fca1e8171eee48aedbf7ef3bf6f20bedeeb04/mini/2008_Houston_Texans_c5e5.jpg With the Houston Texans making some tough decisions, the NFL waits for nobody and the Texans are adjusting on the fly. After a magical 2011 season which brought the franchise’s first division title, playoff appearance and win, the Texans appeared ready for a big 2012 season with a deep roster. With the cap issues that hit the Texans, a once deep roster has to fill the voids left by players who left for other teams via free agency.   One player that might be lost in all of this offensive line shuffle may be 2010 rookie Derek Newton, who was forced into action after Rashad Butler’s injury that sidelined him for the season. Newton, 6’6″ and 307 lbs., provided some needed depth at the tackle position for the Texans in a time of need in 2010. He was a key piece on short yardage situations for the Texans this past season and showed he can do some serious run blocking.  He really showed it late in the season. Newton was drafted by the Texans out of Arkansas State in the 7th round (214th ov... Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:21:59 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/next_man_up_derek_newton/10471003 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/next_man_up_derek_newton/10471003 Next Man Up: Derek Newton http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/next_man_up_derek_newton/10471003 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png