The language of football has so many nuances, with its terminology and disguise heavily involved in the strategies of the game. Those complexities are ultimately underscored, though, by the physical essence of the sport.

Texans offensive guard Xavier Su'a-Filo, who is fluent in Spanish, is still absorbing lessons about blocking techniques and seeking to master football the way he learned a second language.

Drafted in the second round out of UCLA three years ago, Su'a-Filo has manufactured his best season. 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, displaying signs that he'll eventually become more adept in that aspect of the game.

"I feel like I've come a long ways, but I think it's important to keep in perspective that every year is different, and you're trying to constantly improve," Su'a-Filo said. "I'm just trying to make sure that I'm in my routine every week and that I'm consistent. I love coming off the ball, and I'm always trying to improve in run and pass blocking. You take pride in everything."

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.

A lot to live up to

The Texans had plenty of options at the time, including drafting Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr, the younger brother of former Texans starting quarterback David Carr, or future New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Selected three picks after Su'a-Filo went to the Texans, Carr made the Pro Bowl last year and is emerging as a Most Valuable Player candidate this season with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Heading into a Monday night game against the Raiders at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he has no regrets about the decision to draft Su'a-Filo, made by himself and general manager Rick Smith.

"I think when it comes to the draft, Rick and I, we just try to make the best decision for the team, and that's what we did," O'Brien said. "We chose who we chose and we're happy with who we chose, but Derek's having a good year."

Su'a-Filo is in the third 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.

The 6-4, 320-pound Utah native has started every game this season at left guard and has made steady improvement. Especially his drive-blocking capabilities in the running game.

"Yeah, he's gotten much better," O'Brien said. "He's one of the more improved guys on our team. Very good run blocker, comes off the ball and strikes you. In the passing game, he's really worked hard on his pass protection and it's gotten better. Sometimes he's singled up against some really good defensive tackles, and he's held his own."

Su'a-Filo battled conditioning and health issues during his first two NFL seasons, missing the first four games of last season with a strained calf muscle.

Informed of O'Brien's comments about him, Su'a-Filo was glad to hear of his boss's approval.

"That makes me feel good," Su'a-Filo said. "I'm just trying to come out and earn it every day. I'm very grateful to be here."

Gaining ground

Since Su'a-Filo became a regular starter last season, the Texans have gone 12-5 with him in the starting lineup.

"I think he's taken a big step," said Texans three-time Pro Bowl blocker Duane Brown, who lines up next to Su'a-Filo at left tackle. "I think he's playing with a lot more confidence. I think he's a lot more physical this year.

"It's been a beauty to watch and a beauty to be a part of playing next to him. Especially in the run game, he's blowing guys off of the ball. It's been great to see."

Su'a-Filo started at left guard and left tackle for the Bruins, including starting all 13 games at left tackle as a true freshman. He started 21 games at left guard and 19 games at left tackle during his collegiate career, but guard was always his best position.

Su'a-Filo was a three-year starter before declaring early for the draft after his junior season. Su'a-Filo won the Morris Trophy, given to the most outstanding offensive lineman in the Pac-12 Conference, voted on by the defensive linemen in the conference.

Now, Su'a-Filo is working to establish himself in the NFL after starting nine of 11 games last season.

"Definitely, overall, there's things in the running game and pass protection that I can improve on," Su'a-Filo said. "As an offensive lineman, there's always something you can improve on. For me, it's about doing a little something every day."