Shiloh Keo Could Get the Start at Strong Safety for The Texans

When the Houston Texans made rookie Shiloh Keo the teams fifth round pick in this years NFL draft fans probably didnt think much of it at the time. Fans probably thought the 144th overall pick would pan out like most 5th round picks. Most fifth round picks either don’t make the squad, end up on special teams or are placed on the practice squad in hopes of being developed in to someone who can contribute at a later time.

Its pretty much a given that Keo will contribute on special teams right away but with with the Texans having very few quality safeties, Keo could find him pushing for some playing time in this year. Neither of the Texans’ 2010 starting safeties are returning and Glover Quin is rumored to possible make the move from cornerback to free safety. The safety from the University of Idaho actually returned punts for the Vandals. During the East West Shrine game Keo repeatedly volunteered for special team duties which, you can bet, impressed West Coach Wade Phillips. During this years NFL combine he was given the labled Day 4 best valued player by Mike Mayock and the bunch.

Shiloh Keo is expected to be given a chance to start at strong safety for the Texans. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle seems to think Texans rookie has skills to vie for a starting job. It’s pretty obvious how the Texans front office feel about him after comments were made about Keo being the most exciting player drafted by the Texans after the second round. Coach Kubiak went as far to say, “I love this guy’s football IQ,” Kubiak said. “Diagnosing routes, formations and what’s about to happen.He has great hands. If the ball’s close, he’s going to make the play, and he has the ability to take it back to the house. He makes big hits in games that are difference-makers.”

There is no doubt that Shiloh Keo has some ball skills but starting in the league his first year without getting in much training camp, assuming the lockout continues into the middle of the summer. If that happens then Keo will definitely have his work cut out for him. This years Texans draft could end up being the best ever for Houston and is creating a lot of excitement within the Texans fanatics community.

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