Entering mandatory minicamp, the Houston Texans have two names to watch at center. Despite being claimed off waivers from the New England Patriots, Jake Andrews’ relationship with Houston’s new offensive line coach Cole Popovich might give him a slight edge to start Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.
But Jarrett Patterson has had some success over the past two years in a starting role while dealing with injuries. Between him and Juice Scruggs, the former Notre Dame starter has looked more improved in run blocking and balanced when asked to take on one-on-one assignments in pass protection.
Pro Football Focus tends to think Patterson is the better center, which is why the publication ranked him No. 28 overall in their top 32 centers for the 2025 season.
“After an offseason spent adding new pieces and shuffling the offensive line, the Texans still have much to figure out. Jarrett Patterson finished 2024 at center for Houston, with former second-rounder Juice Scruggs sliding to guard,” PFF wrote. “Either could take on the job in 2025, but just to add more uncertainty to the mix, it was Jake Andrews who logged time with the starting unit in OTAs. During his time as a starter in 2024, Patterson posted a 69.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, good for a top-12 mark at the center position from Week 10 onward.”
When healthy, Patterson has been solid and reliable. He’s started at both right guard and center since joining the team in 2023, though most of his success came at the latter position. In 2024, he played in 57% of all offensive snaps, though he also only started nine games. In the other eight matchups, Patterson was either inactive or didn’t see the field.
His pass-blocking efficiency last season finished at 58.7%, allowing three sacks and 18 total pressures all season. In 547 total snaps he was only penalized once.
Andrews might start Week 1, but any regression could lead to Patterson taking over full-time for the rest of the year. He’s not locked into a starting spot for the long future, but with a promising season in pass coverage in front of C.J. Stroud, perhaps Houston offers a short-term extension after the season to keep stability in the trenches entering 2026.