July 12, 2008

The way we hear it, first-round pick OLT Duane Brown will push hard for a starting job. While his primary competition, Ephraim Salaam, boasts more experience in the Texans' zone blocking scheme, the team has not been afraid to put talented rookies into the lineup in Gary Kubiak's tenure. Case-in-point: Two years ago, then-rookie Charles Spencer beat out veteran Seth Wand for the OLT job. Brown already has had his mettle tested against teammate Mario Williams, one of the league's most talented defensive ends. "You look at the first day he came out here, it was a rude awakening and he was able to compose himself even as quickly as the next practice and improve, and so he’s got the right temperament," Texans GM Rick Smith told Houston reporters in June, referring to Brown's early struggles with Williams. "This kid’s a tough-minded kid. He’s smart. So he’s going to be fine.” Brown worked with the first-team offense in OTAs, a clear signal that the team quickly is trying to get him ready. Salaam's best chance to start, according to a source close to the club, is if the rookie is overwhelmed in training camp.