Keylan Rutledge Already Making Strong Impression With Texans

That battle upfront within all of the offensive line positions, not just Rutledge's spot on the interior, will be more clearly determined once the Texans get padded practice going on Monday.

However, based on early returns, Rutledge is establishing early trust from the coaching staff and making the most of his opportunities.

Rutledge's Relentless Mindset Has Been on Full Display

Rutledge, in the midst of the practices he's had so far, has also made his presence felt as a result of some eye-catching physical moments, and even light scuffles with the defensive side.

The Texans' rookie lineman, on the first day of training camp, had a notable rep against linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in which he surprisingly took the veteran to the ground, leading to Al-Shaair getting fired up for Rutledge for his effort on the play.

In the days to follow, Rutledge also got his hands dirty following one of his reps in a scuffle with defensive end Ali Gaye.

Of course, you don't want that type of intensity happening between teammates in every practice, but having that energy does tend to showcase just the type of intense, tough-minded player that the rookie lineman is able to be.

DeMeco Ryans Taking Notice of Keylan Rutledge's Start in Camp

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has clearly seen that mindset from his rookie himself within the early motions of camp––crediting Rutledge as a S.W.A.R.M. (special work ethic and relentless mindset) type of player that he loves to have around his roster.

"Keylan is a S.W.A.R.M. player. I love it," Ryans said of Rutledge on Saturday. "I love to see an offensive lineman pushing guys downfield, still fighting to make sure he finishes. I love his mindset. That's what it should be. He cares a lot. You guys see it standing to the side. We see, I watch it all the time. I try to highlight him in our team meetings because that's what we're looking for."

"When you have that type of mindset at offensive line, it's a problem for defenders because you're just a pest. You can't get rid of guys and that's what he is. He's a nuisance for the defense and that's what he's going to be for us and I love every bit of it."

Once the pads come on for Rutledge and the rest of the Texans, and the team gets even further into their preparation for the year ahead in preseason, his presence and unique mindset on this offensive line will become even more noticeable than it's already become.

But so far, Rutledge is showcasing all you can ask from a first-year offensive lineman, and is making the Texans' choice of him in this year's draft already look like a strong one.