The more Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips sees of second-year defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, the more he likes the idea of Mitchell's becoming an effective nose tackle. At 6-3 and 300 pounds, Mitchell isn't the traditional 330-pound nose tackle whose job is to tie up two blockers and allow the inside linebackers to make tackles. Phillips wants his nose tackle to be quick off the ball and penetrate. "I like him a lot," Phillips said. "His strength is in his legs. Guards don't move him. I know the center won't move him. He's got the quickness and speed that make him a good player wherever he is. I think we'll be versatile enough to put him in a position where he can help us." Shaun Cody, 28, who started at tackle the past two years and signed a new contract, also figures in the equation. "I think it was important to re-sign Cody because we know who we have," Phillips said. If his linebackers are healthy, DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing probably will start on the inside. Source: Houston Chronicle
