Houston Texans are doing their due diligence when it comes to running backs. They met with University of Clemson running back Wayne Gallman.
Clemson running back Wayne Gallman revealed that he met with the Houston Texans this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Clemson RB Wayne Gallman (Loganville) has met with the #Steelers, #Texans and is set to meet with the #Eagles. pic.twitter.com/Nz85dYQF0I
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) March 2, 2017
Gallman is 6’1″, 210 pounds, which is a good size for a running back.
Gallman was a big reason Clemson was able to make a National Championship run in 2016. he rushed for 1,133 yards as well as 17 rushing touchdowns this past season.
More from Toro Times
- Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
- Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
- Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
- Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith
- There is just one way the Texans can lose the No. 1 pick
During his sophomore season, Gallman ran for 1,527 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Not bad at all.
The bad news for Gallman is that this year’s draft class is stacked at the running back position. He’s currently projected to go in the 3rd-4th round. I would imagine he would go as high as the 2nd round any other year.
Here’s what NFL.com wrote on Gallman’s draft profile:
"STRENGTHSHas quality burst through line of scrimmage to rip through arm tackles and attack the second level. Runs with plus effort every time he touches the ball. Keeps feet grinding through second level contact. Uses shoulders as legitimate weapons of force against would-be tacklers. Creates additional yards through functional wiggle. Good outside-in cuts to defeat contain. Angular runner with build-up speed to win a race around the edge. Hard charging. Trusted option on fourth and short situations. Decisive in the red zone and brings some attitude with him. Finished with 28 rushing touchdowns over last two seasons. Strong second effort near the goal line when his initial charge is stopped. Will offer some help as pass catcher.WEAKNESSESLeggy, long-strider. Unable to make sharp, sudden cuts in tight quarters. Extended gear down could cause NFL holes to close on him. Vision becomes restricted when running between tackles. Gives away three sure yards searching along riskier lanes. Lacks finesse in his game. Has bull in china shop running style between tackles. Upright in approach to line of scrimmage. Will allow tacklers under his pads too often. Gets impatient and won’t always keep the track behind lead blocker. Below average balance. Can be upended by shoe-string attempts. Not ready for NFL pass protection duties yet."
The nice thing about Gallman is that it sounds like he doesn’t shy away from contact. NFL coaches will love that.
If the Texans can get Gallman in the second round, it would be a nice pick as they look to approve their depth behind Lamar Miller.
Gallman’s success in short yardage situations means he could be a nice weapon on the goal line that would give the Texans the ability to rest Miller more.
On Wednesday, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien made it clear that he felt like Miller had too many carries last season.
Next: Rick Smith believes Texans are in good shape salary cap wise
Even though one of Gallman’s weaknesses is short, sudden cuts, Houston doesn’t need him to be that kind of back. That’s why they have Miller. Gallman is more of a between the tackles runner.
Given Miller’s injury history, the Texans would be wise to give him more outside carries. This would allow them to use Gallman like a hammer in short yardage situations. This would also keep him from having to be used as a pass blocker since that’s one of his weaknesses.
There’s a reason Gallman scored 28 touchdowns in two years. He knows how to find the end zone.