The best Houston Texans news this past weekend was the decision made when Bill O’Brien drafted Ross Blacklock in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Houston Texans news this past Friday night was positive for a change as the franchise brought defensive tackle Ross Blacklock to the team via the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
As the draft went on to start the second round, it was evident the Houston Texans news was going to be geared toward the defense, and when Blacklock was sitting there when it came time to make a pick, well, there was no way the Texans were turning down a Top 5 interior linemen in the draft.
In fact, interior lineman was a huge need for the Texans before the draft began, and to replace D.J. Reader with a player who had a first-round grade like Blacklock did, consider that a win for the franchise who have taken their share of bumps and bruises from media and fans for their recent decision making.
As stated earlier, the selection of Blacklock was some good news for the Texans, and the rookie defensive tackle seems to be pleased to be selected by his hometown team. Don’t forget, Blacklock played his collegiate football in Texans as well, playing for the TCU Horned Frogs, and his play there impressed O’Brien enough to make him a Top 40 selection.
Blacklock spoke with the Houston Texans news media after being selected by the team, and one of the questions asked was what does he bring to the defensive line? Blacklock spoke with confidence, and that is something to look forward to. Blacklock also said the following with transcripts provided by HoustonTexans.com:
"“I bring physicality, I bring passion, I bring leadership, I bring just relentless effort. I just want to be able to be the best I can be. My potential is through the roof just like anybody else’s would be, and I just want to be able to make sure I can reach that potential and more, and just keep growing and improving as the years go by.”"
This is what every fan wants to hear and read from their top draft choice, because it wouldn’t have hurt the Texans to have more “physicality” at times this past season, and especially during the playoffs.
Even as talented of a player Blacklock is and has shown at the collegiate level, the rookie spoke about being a pass rusher and knowing that it will be a “transition” to the NFL compared to being in college football:
"“I think it will be a different transition. In the Big 12 it was more passing than running, so just coming in and transferring to a new scheme, new system and new level. I think I’ll get the hang of it once – practice makes perfect. Each day I’m just going to get better and better and just improve my technique and pass-rush abilities and things like that.”"
Again, how exciting is it to see a player with the talent level of Blacklock know the NFL level will be much different that what he’s accustomed, and knows what the work needed will be to take the next step as a professional player.
It isn’t just the 15.5 career tackles for loss as an interior lineman in two seasons that catches the attention, or the fact he had 5.5 career sacks and was able to cause problems for the opposing offenses at TCU.
What is exciting about Blacklock is the fact he wants to be in Houston, he is ready to put in the hard work ahead of him, and eventually he’s going to make all the other defensive teammates he has be better on the field as well.