Texans Draft Grades 2017: Complete Houston Selections

D’Onta Foreman was one of my favorite running backs heading into this year’s draft after a highly productive final season at Texas.

I just wonder if Foreman would have been taken higher if he had stayed in school another year.

Nonetheless, Foreman should be able to form a nice one-two punch along with Lamar Miller given his physical, bruising running style.

I would be surprised though if Foreman actually stays on the field during passing downs due to his inability to pass protect.

Here’s what one NFC scouting director told Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

"“I think he would have benefitted by staying in school another year. He’s awful in pass protection. Our coaches won’t put him out there if they think he’ll get the quarterback killed. He has ability as a runner but I think it’s going to take awhile for him to become a factor.”"

I would expect Foreman to spell Miller at times as a rookie, but he may only be used as a goal line back in order to limit the pounding that Miller takes.

If Foreman can improve in pass protection, he won’t have any problem taking over as the Texans’ starting running back in a few years when Miller’s career is likely over.