Carlos Watkins took notice of the opportunities earned by his fellow Texans defensive linemen.
He saw Christian Covington sign a free agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys after toiling in the Texans' rotation for years.
And Watkins watched the Texans reward defensive end Angelo Blackson with a three-year, $12 million contract.
It made Watkins, heading into a pivotal third NFL season, open his eyes toward what could be if he thrives in an anticipated larger role.
"It definitely is a good thing for me," Watkins said. "Those guys, seeing where they came from and how they worked, being behind those guys, they treated me like a little brother.