Scout's Notebook: Texans C Chris Myers

C Chris Myers, #55 Houston Texans Height: 6-4 5/8 Weight: 296 Speed: 5.12

Notes: Lettered at Miami (Fla.), where he was a three-year starter, seeing action at center, both guard positions and right tackle, starting his final 38 games. Was selected by the Broncos in the sixth round (200th overall) in the 2005 NFL draft. Saw limited action on special teams his first two seasons before being thrust into the starting lineup at left guard in ’07, moving to center for the final 11 games for an injured Tom Nalen. Former Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak traded for the restricted free agent in 2008 as part of a sign-and-trade deal after Myers agreed to a four-year, $11 million contract with $3 million guaranteed. Proceeded to start every game at center for the Texans the next four years, earning Pro Bowl honors in ’11. Has started all seven games in ’12, giving him 87 consecutive starts.  

Positives: Excellent hand technician ­— locks out in pass protection and controls and steers defenders. Can dig his feet in the dirt and anchor against massive widebodies. Comes off the ball low and can move big pluggers off the line when he gets underneath their pads (see Baltimore vs. Terrence Cody). Good agility to pull, play in space and seal off run lanes working up a level. Good athletic ability and recovery speed. Alert and aware in pass protection ­— can peel off blocks and help cut off the wide rush. Understands and takes very good angles. Versatile and can play multiple positions. Football-smart, hardworking, highly durable and dependable.

Negatives: Is not a nasty or violent glass eater. Lower-body strength is adequate and still can stand to improve. Does not always run his feet and can be stalled on contact in the ground game. Can do a better job sustaining and finishing blocks. Has a tendency to set a bit tall in pass protection and could stand to play with more consistent knee bend. Average punch strength ­— pushes more than he pops and slips off defenders with athletic spin moves while trying to overcompensate for his lack of power. Will leak the edges to quick, slanting penetrators.

Summary: One of the most unheralded movement centers in the league, Myers keys the Texans’ high-paced ground game, possessing the savvy, technique and agility suited so well for Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking scheme. Is one of the few pivots in the league who's alert and athletic enough to reverse out of pass pro and help his left tackle handle an elite edge rusher. Grades out very highly in both the run game and pass protection and is a key piece of one of the most light-footed and athletic lines in football that has helped generate Arian Foster’s exceptional production. A highly respected, savvy, veteran O-line leader.


(profootballweekly.com)