Houston Texans: 3 Ways Damarea Crockett makes roster

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COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 12: Damarea Crockett #16 of the Missouri Tigers runs into the end zone for a touch down against Adam Butler #69 and Oren Burks #20 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

3. Make a difference on special teams … stand out

The Houston Texans can always use improvement at any part of their lineup, and special teams is a great way for a player who could be on the bubble to make an NFL roster, one which for the Texans is in need of finding the best running back depth possible in 2019.

Crockett does have past experience at returning kickoffs, but it was a handful of years ago as a freshman at Missouri. During the 2016 season, Crockett played in 11 games where he had six kickoff returns for 106 yards, averaging 17.7 yards per return. The next two seasons he didn’t return a kickoff, but having that experience in his back pocket is huge for a player like Crockett trying to earn a roster spot in the NFL.

Jeff Ratcliffe of Pro Football Focus describes Crockett as a “big-bodied back,” writing the following about the Texans running back from his collegiate days:

"“He did run a fast 4.40 40-yard dash and post a 37-inch vert at his pro day. Those testing numbers give Crockett some dark horse appeal.”"

Basically, if Crockett can contribute to special teams either by being a returner or making blocks, it would make his battle to stay on the Texans’ roster a little easier as the more a player has to offer, the better his chances are of making the team as an undrafted rookie signing.

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