He says the rookie draft picks have really impressed him. He pointed out the play of cornerback Antwaun Molden, linebacker Xavier Adibi and top pick Duane Brown for special recognition. Texans defensive players say they've also been impressed with U.T. defensive tackle Frank Okam. He's a quick study, they say.

Speaking of being a quick study ... last year's top pick ...defensive tackle ... Amobi Okoye is transitioning from being a raw rookie last year to one of the defensive leaders this year.
"But you've gotta grab the faith in your teammates .....and that's what I'm doing out here .. everyday working,"

Okoye says he's not going to be the least bit satisfied with himself until this team makes the playoffs and he makes the Pro Bowl. Coach Kubiak says ... he's on his way to making both things happen. "He's an effort player. A down in ...down out kind of player .. which I would say he was not that king of player last year ... but he's matured a lot as we move forward. He's a better player." Okoye turns 21 on Tuesday and he's planning a big birthday celevration this weekend ...which includes some charity events. One of them is a Texans basketball game at Yates High School starting at 2pm on Saturday.

Mario Williams is going through a transition himself. The top pick of the draft two years ago .... Williams is no longer the guy who complains about the tough workouts ... he's the guy who leads his teammates through the drills a with a full-speed amped-up vengence.

The Texans will begin training camp in 6 weeks.