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Texans tackle Derek Newton has leadership traits, coach says

The Texans are getting a lot of mileage out of offensive tackle Derek Newton since drafting him in the seventh round six years ago.

The right offensive tackle hasn't missed a start in three years, soldiering through several injuries.

And Newton lined up at several positions across the offensive line last season due to injuries to other linemen.

Entering the second year of a five-year, $26.5 million contract, the 6-6, 313-pound former Arkansas State standout has displayed leadership qualities and improvement to Texans coach Bill O'Brien this offseason.

The Texans have leaned on Newton, 28, to provide guidance to younger offensive linemen with Pro Bowl alternate left tackle Duane Brown sidelined during the offseason due to undergoing quadriceps surgery.