‘Seen a guy who’s in shape who’s ready to compete,’ Texans coach DeMeco Ryans impressed with Kenyon Green

HOUSTON – The narrative is changing for Texans offensive guard Kenyon Green.

His first two NFL seasons were defined by injuries and a rough start as a rookie starter who dealt with significant growing pains after being drafted in the first round out of Texas A&M.

Heading into his third NFL season, Green is in the lead to be the starting left guard for the defending AFC South champions after transforming his body. Green lost dozens of pounds and a significant amount of body fat percentage through a healthier diet and a grueling workout regimen. The former 15th overall pick from Texas A&M trained consistently with the Texans’ strength and conditioning staff, supplementing his workouts with extra work at Ollin Athletics in Cypress and time at Nike in Oregon.

The results are obvious, and now it’s up to the former Atascosita High School blue-chip recruit to apply his superior shape into results on the field.

“With Kenyon through the first two days I’ve seen a guy who is in shape and a guy who is ready to compete and that’s going to give him his best chance to put his best film out there and we’ll see,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Kenyon is available, so that’s going to continue to allow him to grow and become a better player because he’s done a great job in the offseason of working out, being attentive to all the details that the coaches have asked him to take care of, he’s been on it.

“That just gives him a chance and Keyon has the right mindset and he’s working hard and he’s working the proper way, so I’m excited to see how he continues to grow once we get pads on and once we play in games.”

Green missed the entire season last year with a torn labrum in his shoulder that required surgery.

Green appears quicker with more energy during practice sessions.

“Yeah, Kenyon has done a really great job of putting himself in a position to compete,” Ryans said this offseason. “He did a great job of working throughout the offseason. We know he had the surgery last season, so he was battling back, rehabbing. But, when the beginning of the year hit, he was focused on himself. Focused on his body, getting in shape, getting stronger, and it was really good to see him back being able to play at full health.

“I think that was Kenyon’s biggest thing. Once he gets over that hurdle, now we can see how good of a football player Kenyon can actually be when he’s not battling and dealing with injuries. So, I’m excited of what’s ahead for Kenyon because he’s really put in the work to give himself a really good chance this year.”

The Texans have noticed Green’s efforts and are encouraged by his progression.

“Yeah, working hard, made progress,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “Has an opportunity in front of him, so, ultimately, it’s going to come down to the player and how well they prompt. KG is a good kid. Certainly has an opportunity in front of him. Nobody is guaranteed anything. So, ultimately, it’s going to come down how you perform, you know, when you’re on the field.”

Green endured a difficult rookie season as he dealt with injuries and was overwhelmed by elite defensive linemen. And he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and missed the entire offseason heading into his second NFL season.

A former Aggies consensus All-American, Green is determined to improve.

“I’m having fun,” Green told KPRC 2 last season. “I’m out here laughing, listening to the music, singing the songs, just getting back to playing my brand of football.”

For Green, it’s a different personal sound track than the difficulties of his rookie season when he had his ups and downs. Green allowed 47 pressures and four sacks in 823 snaps. He had a 37.7 Pro Football Focus blocking grade, a 27.0 pass protection mark for the season, including a season-low 3.6 pass-blocking grade against the Washington Commanders when he struggled to slow down the charge of defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Green gave up two sacks and five pressures in that loss.

So, Green rededicated himself to his craft and set his ambitions on reaching his potential.

“Just rolling with the punches, just continue to push myself and block out the negativity and push for more positive things,” Green said. “Just cutting weight, making sure I’m in great shape. That’s what I’ve really been focused on.”

Of course, Green has heard the criticism. Most of the commentary, he simply blocks it out.

Does it anger or motivate him?

“Nah, I’m just a real nonchalant guy,” Green said. “I’m too laid-back for that.,”

Listed at 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, Green said he has dropped a “fair amount” of weight.

Signed to a four-year, fully guaranteed $15.9 million contract that includes a fifth-year club option, Green was a finalist for the Lombardi award for the Aggies before declaring early for the NFL draft.

“Just technique, technique and just finishing plays, really,” he said. “That’s what I’m focused on right now. Technique and finishing plays, hands inside, just trying to be the best player I can be.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.