Texans pleased with growth of big rookie D.J. Reader

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Heavy-handed and powerful at 6-3, 333 pounds, Texans rookie nose tackle D.J. Reader is quietly having a strong training camp.

Reader forced a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers to lead a goal-line stand. And he recorded three tackles in the Texans' preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.

"I feel like I'm getting better," Reader said. "Listening to the older guys, they help me out a lot, we've got some good leaders in this locker room. I feel like I'm getting better every day. The big key from the coaches is they want us to get off the ball to knock them back, especially when we're shaded. It's starting to get a little better. I still got to work every day. We've got some good leaders in this locker room."

Signed to a four-year, $2.55 million contract that includes a $215,380 signing bonus, Reader was drafted in the fifth round out of Clemson.

"I think he's had a very consistent camp," Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver said. "The battle for any rookie is to continue to climb. That's what I stress with all these guys is continued daily growth and he's taken that to heart and continued to do that."

Reader has run the 40-yard dash in 5.28 seconds with a 29 1/2 inch vertical leap and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times at the NFL scouting combine. The Texans want Reader to keep working on his conditioning.

"Sometimes I don't mention rookies that much, but Reader came in here and I'm not saying he's in tip top condition, but I think he's getting better," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "He's a productive football player. He's an active player."

Reader is being groomed behind five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Reader's father, David Reader, died from kidney disease two years ago.

Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader runs during warm ups at rookie mini camp at The Methodist Training Center on Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader runs during warm ups at rookie mini camp at The Methodist Training Center on Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Image 1 of / 138 Caption Close Texans pleased with growth of big rookie D.J. Reader 1 / 138 Back to Gallery

"A lot of people go through things in life," Wilfork said. "He's a young man who went through something in life. I kind of put him in the same shoes as myself when I was in college.

"I think we're going to have a lot of bonding that we can do with one another, especially because he's a nose tackle. I'm here to teach in any way I could, in any capacity."

Reader has also been embraced by fellow former Clemson football player DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans' Pro Bowl wide receiver.

"That guy was a draft steal," Hopkins said. "I don't know why he got drafted so late, but I'm thankful for that because he landed in a great place here. He's going to do great things. I watched him at Clemson. When the guy plays, he wrecks stuff. Nobody moved him. He's the reason Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd did the things they did because of him.

"I gave him my number and told him if he needs any help with anything or to hang out to call me. It's a brotherhood at Clemson and I'm happy to help a Clemson guy here."