Texans first-rounder Tytus Howard credits fiancée's chicken spaghetti for adding bulk

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Alabama State tackle Tytus Howard answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) less INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Alabama State tackle Tytus Howard answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. ... more Photo: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images Photo: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Texans first-rounder Tytus Howard credits fiancée's chicken spaghetti for adding bulk 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

When Tytus Howard was attempting to bulk up to play offensive tackle at Alabama State after lining up at quarterback in high school, he relied on a favorite meal from his fiancée.

Howard loved her chicken spaghetti. And the future Texans first-round offensive tackle consumed heaping portions of the dish on his way to gaining 87 pounds since high school.

"My fiancée always cooked for me," Howard said after being drafted 23rd overall Thursday night. "I was always eating and just getting bigger, faster and stronger over the years.

"My favorite would be her chicken spaghetti. I would eat that back-to-back nights. I would eat the whole pan. It really helped me pack on weight, but not in a bad way."

Recommended Video:

JOHN McCLAIN: Texans take shot on Tytus Howard

During his visit to NRG Stadium earlier this month, Howard had a good feeling that he might be on his way back to the Texans' training facility soon. Howard liked what he heard from coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Brian Gaine.

"I got some great feedback from them," Howard said. "They liked the player I was and the person I was. They gave me good feedback. They said they hoped they would get me.

"It's just an unbelievable feeling right now. I'm just blessed to be a part of the Houston Texans, a great organization. I had a good feeling about the team when I went and did my visit. They decided to draft me and I promise they didn't make a mistake. I'm going to give it everything I have."

Howard met with the Texans at the Senior Bowl All-Star Game and at the NFL scouting combine.

Among his several other visits to team facilities: the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.

Howard said he was not surprised at all to be picked in the first round.

Howard is a 6-5, 322-pound all-conference selection who excelled at the Senior Bowl. He prides himself on his toughness, including a colorful quote on social media about a gorilla.

'That was a saying one of my offensive line coaches used to say," Howard said. "His mentality was you put him in a cage with a gorilla you better pray for the gorilla not him because he's going to be all right. That's how I feel. You put me in the cage with anybody I feel like I'm going to come out. That's my mentality."

ON TEXAS SPORTS NATION: McClain's takeaways from Texans' first day of draft

Howard ran the 40-yard dash in 5.05 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times at the combine.

"It's a nice staff they have," Howard said at the combine. "I feel like they like me a lot. After this combine, I hope they pick me up."

Howard said he will do everything he can to protect Texans Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson was sacked an NFL-high 62 times last season, absorbing a lot of punishment.

"I know Deshaun Watson is a very mobile quarterback," Howard said. "He's one of the best quarterbacks. Me being a tackle with my athleticism, I feel like I can protect him longer. He's more mobile, so he moves around a lot more.

"I feel like me and him are going to build a great relationship while I'm there and help win some games for the Houston Texans. Me playing quarterback, I know how being sacked feels. I try my best to not give up any sacks. I try to keep the guy from hitting the quarterback."

Although Howard has gotten bigger every year, he has maintained most of his mobility as a former tight end and quarterback.

"I will still be able to use all my athleticism," Howard said. "The more I picked up weight, I lost a little speed. My athleticism still stayed there. I will still be able to move in ways offensive linemen aren't able to move. Me playing tight end and quarterback, it just helped me. I never lost it."

DAY 2: Players to watch on the second day of the NFL Draft

Howard played left tackle and right tackle in college. He was an all-conference selection last year as a right tackle.

Howard takes pride in coming from a historically black college and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"I"m still learning, I'm pretty smart as a player," Howard said. "I have a lot to learn in the NFL. I know my ceiling is high."

THE DAILY PLAYBOOK: Sign up for the only newsletter for the Houston sports superfan.