C.J. Stroud Finally Gets a 1,000-Snap Center — Why Evan Brown Matters

The Houston Texans may have found their answer at center — and Evan Brown has a strong case to be the BEST option in the building. In this Locked On Texans Afternoon Drive, we sit down with Brown for a football conversation about his week leading up to the Texans’ preseason matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, what it was like knowing he would be the starter at center, and how his time in Houston has shaped his approach. And there’s a bigger reason why Brown’s emergence matters. C.J. Stroud is about to have his first starting center with 1,000+ career snaps at the position. That experience could be huge for Houston heading into the regular season. Brown also potentially gives the Texans something else they need: stability. Keeping Brown at center allows rookie Keylan Rutledge to continue developing at guard — the position where he has played and appears most comfortable. So is Evan Brown actually the Texans’ best option at center? We’re talking Evan Brown, C.J. Stroud, Keylan Rutledge, Texans offensive line, Nick Caley’s offense, preseason football, Houston Texans football and what Brown could mean for this offensive line moving forward.