Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Running Back

Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Alfred Blue, 6’2″ 223 Pounds, 24 Years Old

The Texans like their running backs to have some size as last year’s rookie rusher Alfred Blue is just a few pounds shy of Foster, with both guys tipping the scales over the 220 pound mark. Houston likes to beat people up in the running game, and they have the size to do so.

Some Background Info;

Blue was taken in the sixth round out of LSU and was called upon to start the three games missed by the all-star, Foster. Blue didn’t wow people with his yards per carry, only managing 3.1 for the year, but he did finish with 528 yards.

Getting a sixth round pick to contribute so many yards is a positive sign and there is definitely room for the young man to grow. The best thing fans need to know about Blue, is that he is not content with how he did in his rookie year, and he wants more from himself.

What To Expect This Year;

For Blue, he will have to continue to take whatever carries he can as a depth guy, while being ready in case he is ever called to carry the load again. He will also have some competition this year, even from an old-teammate at LSU.

One thing is for sure, Blue is used to having to share the load at the position as evident by his NFL.com draft profile from 2014.

"“A physically gifted runner who would have been the No. 1 back at most schools given his combination of size, speed, power and competitiveness.”"

Blue is used to having minimal time to make a lasting impact and 2015 will be more of the same. Expect him to finish with less than the 500 yards if Foster stays healthy, but don’t be shocked to see some improvement from the young man either when he is called upon.

Next: A Chip Kelly Castoff