The Houston Texans draft saw Ross Blacklock of TCU join the franchise with the 40th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
To answer the question of where does new Houston Texans defensive tackle Ross Blacklock fit in with the Houston Texans depth chart, well, that is a very simple answer … at the very top, or at least splitting time with Tim Jernigan, whom the Texans just signed in free agency from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ross Blacklock — whom the Texans selected with the 40th overall selection — in 24 games at TCU totaled 39 solo tackles, 67 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. In ’19 as a junior, Blacklock totaled 25 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
This is a pick the Texans should be grateful for as Blacklock had a first-round grade, but he’s now the chosen one to officially replace D.J. Reader, who after five seasons with the Texans left the franchise via free agency to join the Cincinnati Bengals. In losing Reader, the Texans lost 52 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks and a player who has great technique and took up a lot of space on the defensive line with his large frame.
As hard as it was for the Texans to lose Reader, the addition of Blacklock should make Texans fans excited and downright happy. Blacklock will get the chance to play alongside J.J. Watt, Angelo Blackson, Charles Omenihu and Carlos Watkins as they are the top four defensive ends on the roster. As for the nose tackle position, seeing Blacklock get the chance to learn from Jernigan, who has six previous seasons of NFL experience, this is a perfect fit for Blacklock to join an NFL team.
Ross Blacklock doesn’t have to be the most dominant player on the Texans defense, but his ability to do so will make him a monster on this defensive line. Blacklock is 6’3” and 290 pounds, and get this … his speed is off the charts with a timed 4.9 40-yard dash, plus a vertical jump of 29 inches.
Overall with this selection, in the Texans 3-4 defense, Blacklock will shine. As stated in my draft analysis, Blacklock can get to the quarterback and cause great pressure, plus he’s going to make things easier for not only the previously mentioned defensive ends, but the linebackers behind him.
Ross Blacklock won’t be Reader right off the bat as those are large shoes to fill, but given the time, and being surrounded by the teammates he has, Blacklock will be a player to watch for Houston in the 2020 NFL season.