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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Running back

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) tackles Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) scores as touchdown past Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) scores as touchdown past Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Third-down back: Jonathan Grimes

The veteran back Jonathan Grimes is a savvy runner who is incredibly underrated. He isn’t going to jump off the page with his stats or measurables, but he’s smart and makes the plays that others can’t, simply on his effort.

Vitals

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 209 pounds
Age: 26
Career rushing yards: 514
Career rushing TDs: 2

Sure, his overall numbers don’t look great, but with 4.4 yards per rush in his career, Grimes has been serviceable. In 2015, he was arguably the best back in Houston as he averaged 5.0 yards per rush and added another 26 receptions for 173 yards and another score.

For awhile it looked like Houston may not bring Grimes back, but eventually they wisely agreed on a one-year deal with the four-year pro.

What Grimes offers is a great receiver out of the backfield who is also a solid blocker in pass protection. He is not only far superior to Blue in these areas, but he also averaged 1.9 yards more per carry than the man who keeps seeing the field before him.

It will be interesting to see what happens in 2016 now that Houston has Lamar Miller, an every down back. Grimes may not see the field as much as a third-down guy, so will the team give him a fair shot at winning the backup job? They should, but the Alfred Blue love knows no bounds.

Season prediction: 150 yards rushing, 4.5 yards per rush; 175 yards receiving, 3 total TDs

Next: The rookie

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