The Sports Xchange

HOUSTON — Defensive tackle Louis Nix, the No. 83 overall pick (third round) in the 2014 NFL Draft, was a tremendous disappointment during his rookie season. The Houston Texans knew it. Coach Bill O’Brien believed it. Nix was fully self-aware of his first-year failures.

By unexpectedly reflecting on what went wrong and an uncertain road that lies ahead, Nix said more than any of his teammates on a day that was supposed to be devoted to new beginnings and the start of OTAs.

“A lot went on my first year here. It was a lot to deal with,” said Nix, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the preseason and eventually was placed on season-ending injured reserve. “It was difficult to maintain it with all the issues. But I’m happy about now, and that’s what I’m worried about. I’m just trying to move forward and do the best I can.”

The first step Nix needs to take is outside O’Brien’s doghouse.

The second-year coach consistently took up for his players during his first season. But outside of the recently released safety D.J. Swearinger, no Texan looked more out of place or unprepared than Nix. His desire, commitment and dedication were consistently questioned. When a highly disappointing rookie year resulted in no plays, no tackles and no sacks, the Texans were left wondering just how much Nix wanted to play pro football for a living.

O’Brien’s frustration with Nix was evident.

“Bill is Bill. He challenges everybody,” Nix said. “Sometimes you guys make it more than what it is. … He wants guys to be better. I take no offense to it.

“I know he just wants me to be the best player that I can be. He sees potential, and I see it in myself. I’m starting to get back in a groove of things. I’m just going to keep trying to do the best I can.”