Steve Slaton

Houston coach Gary Kubiak thinks running back Arian Foster, an undrafted rookie in 2009, may turn out to be a major discovery. The 23-year-old Foster spent the first 10 games of 2009 on Houston’s practice squad before emerging as the team’s top backfield threat in December.

Kubiak said the 23-year-old Foster is mature beyond his years and will be tough to unseat for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart.

"He’s just growing up and becoming a totally different young man," Kubiak said. “We are not going to have a battle about how he tries to give his effort. That’s over. It’s all about football with him. He got his chance and he is going to be a fine player. We are all excited to see what he’s doing right now."

Foster is approaching this training camp with the same mindset as last year with one difference - instead of fighting for a roster spot, he’s aiming for a starting role.

"My mentality hasn’t really changed," he said. "Once you get an opportunity, you have to produce. You have to show them what you can do."

The Houston running back situation will be messy, as Foster, Steve Slaton, and rookie Ben Tate will all battle for carries. Foster is currently below Slaton and Tate in our rankings, but if he keeps making a good impression, he might be moving up.