John McClain's Texans camp takeaways: Aug. 2

Video: Video: McClain on first day in pads

Here are five takeaways from the third practice of training camp:

1) The players put on pads for the first time. Led by linebackers Brian Cushing, Jadeveon Clowney and Max Bullough, the defense dominated, especially in goal-line and 7-on-7 drills. The defense, which finished third in the NFL and set a team record for sacks, should dominate. It returns 10 starters, including J.J. Watt.

2) The best competition for the second practice in a row featured cornerback Johnathan Joseph and receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Joseph was all over Hopkins again. Once again, Hopkins made an incredible one-handed catch over Hopkins in the back of the end zone on a perfectly thrown bomb from Brock Osweiler.

3) Receiver Wendall Williams, an undrafted rookie, continues to impress on kickoff returns. He might be the fastest player on the team. When he turns the corner, nobody catches him. He reminds of Trindon Holliday, who turned his rookie preseason into a highlight reel with touchdowns on returns. Williams will have to make a similar impression in the upcoming preseason games to make the roster.

4) The offensive line has one starter on the field from last season: left guard Xavier Su'a-Filo. Tackles Duane Brown and Derek Newton are rehabbing. Center Nick Martin and right guard Jeff Allen are new. Tackles Chris Clark and Kendall Lamm are running with the first team. Reserves are getting much-needed repetitions.

5) Rookie running back Tyler Ervin should be the punt returner if he stays healthy. The coaches believe that with his quickness, speed and instincts, he can affect field position for the offense. At 192, he's undersized for the backfield, but he provides a nice change of pace if the coaches call on him in that capacity.