The Facts: During the Texans’ organized team activities, Thomas has been establishing himself as a dangerous downfield threat and has operated as the primary first-string tight end. Depth charts won’t take on much shape until training camp, but Thomas is building a case as a top candidate to be a starter at a position in major flux.

Diehards Line: Following a rookie season during which he caught four touchdowns to tie wide receiver Will Fuller for the second-most behind DeAndre Hopkins on the Texans' roster, Thomas is eyeing a larger role in his second year in the NFL. "I definitely think he's made progression,” HC Bill O’Brien said. “He's worked very hard. Any time you play as a rookie, that can be good and bad. ... He's got a long way to go to be where he wants to be and where we need him to be, but he's definitely made a lot of progress." At 6-5, 280 pounds, Thomas has prototypical size and a growing understanding of how to play tight end. As a rookie, Thomas proved he has talent and is a willing blocker. He caught 20 passes for 215 yards as he played in every game. He was targeted 27 times. The Texans cut veteran tight end Ryan Griffin following his arrest during the NFL draft. Jordan Akins is more of an H-back type than a classic tight end. Rookie third-round pick Kahale Warring has flashed a lot of athleticism already, but is something of a project as a converted former water polo, basketball and swimming standout who walked on at San Diego State after taking up football as a high school senior. And veteran Darren Fells is primarily a blocking option. That leaves Thomas as a potential combo tight end for the Texans.