Big year looms for Texans' Xavier Su'a-Filo

Houston Texans guard Xavier Su'a-Filo (71) runs a drill during training camp at the Greenbrier on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Houston Texans guard Xavier Su'a-Filo (71) runs a drill during training camp at the Greenbrier on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close Big year looms for Texans' Xavier Su'a-Filo 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. - Xavier Su'a-Filo has made steady progress during his first three seasons with the Texans.

He dealt with conditioning and health issues early in his career, but started all but one game last season. Su'a-Filo started against the Carolina Panthers after missing some time earlier in training camp after undergoing offseason arthroscopic knee surgery.

Drafted in the second round out of UCLA three years ago, Su'a-Filo manufactured his best season last year. He's significantly upgraded his run-blocking, routinely shoving defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage to create holes for running back Lamar Miller. His pass protection remains a work in progress, but he's made strides in that area.

When the Texans drafted Su'a-Filo with the 33rd overall pick, the first selection of the second round, he became the highest drafted UCLA offensive lineman since the Baltimore Ravens tabbed Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden fourth overall in 1996.

This shapes up as a pivotal season for Su'a-Filo, who's entering the final year of a four-year, $5.557 million contract that includes a $2.357 million signing bonus and a total of $3.967 million guaranteed. He's due a $1.177 million bases salary this year.

"He's gotten better," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "Over the years, he's improved. He's a better player. He knows that he has to come out here every day and work, and he does that. He's able to come out here and take the coaching from [offensive line coach] Mike Devlin and I think he's trying to improve every day."