Robert Nelson joined the Texans' practice squad last December and began indoctrinating himself into their defensive schemes.

Now, the cornerback is chasing a roster spot as he hopes to graduate to the 53-man roster.

In order to do so, Nelson will need to continue to make progress this month and forge a role on special teams.

"It's going great," said Nelson, who previously was with the Cardinals and Browns. "I'm just controlling what I can control and trying to help this team."

Nelson went undrafted out of Arizona State, where he played two seasons after transferring from Louisiana-Monroe. He finished with 73 tackles, nine interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Sun Devils.

Nelson led the team with six interceptions in 2013. He's played in seven NFL games, all with the Browns as a rookie.

"Being an undrafted guy, I'm trying to play the role I've been given," Nelson said. "I'm trying to be on all the special teams to help this team."

Back to Gallery Texans corner Robert Nelson looking to forge a niche 9 1 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 2 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 3 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 4 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 5 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 6 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 7 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 8 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle 9 of 9 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

















Nelson, a native of Suwanee, Ga., played AAU basketball for Steve Bouye, the father of Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye. Nelson became the legal guardian of his nephew, Shakiah Taylor, and moved him to Arizona while he was a junior at Arizona State.

Nelson displayed a feisty nature during a recent practice when he got into a fight with wide receiver Keith Mumphery, a good friend. Nelson threw a punch that connected with Mumphery's helmet. There were no hard feelings, though.

"It's all love," Nelson said. "That's what brothers do. It makes us better. We're competing better. it spiced both our games up. That's my guy. We hang out all the time. "

The Texans travel to Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday for joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers before Sunday's preseason opener at Levi's Stadium. Nelson is looking forward to practicing against 49ers quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, his cousin.

"That will be a challenge and a learning experience," Nelson said. "I like learning new things because you can always learn something new every day. That's my goal in life. You learn how to be a pro from other players."