Oct 31, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg
WardJr. (1) scrambles from South Florida Bulls linebacker Reshard Cliett (16) during the second half at Reliant Stadium. Houston won 35-23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Reshard Cliett, Linebacker, 6’2″ 235 Pounds
With the first of the Texans two sixth round choices, the team decided to address the pass rushing situation, which has been riddled with injuries and ineffectiveness. The team had more than 50% of their pass rush come from on man, J.J. Watt, so it was important to try something in the draft.
Enter South Florida’s Reshard Cliett, who had seven tackles for a loss in 2013 and seven and a half in 2014. He showed off incredible speed post in in the 4.4’s on his pro day.
How He Helps The Houston Texans
Cliett will most likely be a special teams contributor if he makes the team his rookie year, but with his speed and size, he could be a very good special teamer.
His limited number of sacks (six in 2014 was his highest, each previous season he had one) suggests he is not going to develop into much more than a special teamer, but Houston saw something in him to give him an opportunity to develop.
If he is unable to perform on special teams, he may not get that chance to develop, unless he is picked up on their practice squad.
Next: Christian Covington , Sixth Round Pick #2