Professor

NFL NOTEBOOK: Fierce battles loom at Texans' camp | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

One week from now, the Texans will be in their third day of practices at training camp.

Coach Gary Kubiak, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and defensive coordinator Richard Smith will keep a close eye on some new players, some veterans and a few position battles.

First and foremost, of course, will be new quarterback Matt Schaub. The Falcons wish they had him back, and you just know Schaub's glad he's anywhere but Atlanta right now.

Ranking right behind Schaub as new players to watch closely is veteran running back Ahman Green. Like Schaub, Green worked hard in the offseason to impress his new coaches and teammates.

The most interesting position battle at camp involves receiver opposite Andre Johnson. Kevin Walter goes to camp as the other starter. This is the kind of opportunity he's been looking for.

The coaches would love for rookie Jacoby Jones to play well enough to justify the third-round pick invested in him.

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, the No. 1 pick, will get a lot of attention. But no defensive player will undergo more scrutiny than end Mario Williams.

He's healthy and should be vastly improved entering his second camp.

The most interesting position battle on defense is at safety. Will veterans C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl be the starters again, or will a former cornerback like Von Hutchens or Dexter McCleon adapt well enough to be the safety with range they so desperately need?

Anyway, the Texans go to camp with more questions than answers, but that's what makes it so much fun.

__________________