The Houston Texans news from the 2020 NFL Draft was they selected five players, but what can be expected of the rookies selected to the team?
Despite the Houston Texans news being the franchise was strapped for draft capital due to various trades, the Texans organization and fans should be somewhat pleased with their overall haul from the 2020 NFL Draft. The Texans news was they only selected five, players and did not have a pick after the fifth round, but the team brass decided to aim for impact over depth in this case.
The Texans were left without a first round pick in 2020 (as well as 2021) thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade last offseason, but the left tackle was also extended on a three-year mega deal on Friday morning.
While trying to find a player that would both fill a major need and represent solid value at 40th overall, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock fell right into the laps of the Texans. The defensive tackle out of TCU — who is originally from Missouri City, Texas — should help to mitigate the loss of D.J. Reader and will find his specific role in due time.
As a whole, how much can we expect out of this entire draft class? We have seen a lot of high ranking players in the past come to Houston through the draft and lose their footing almost immediately.
Do the names Amobi Okoye, Sam Montgomery, Braxton Miller, Xavier Su’a Filo, or Louis Nix ring a bell? Each was selected in the third round or higher and ultimately flamed out in embarrassing fashion. Every year there will be a player or two who never seems to catch on with the franchise, but there are also numerous surprises in each draft class that ascertain hidden gems.
So for this group of five young men, who will be the major impact rookies and who will struggle to make the final 53-man roster? The Texans were fortunate enough to have pre-draft meetings with some of them before pro days were nixed, and that likely led to some familiarity with head coach/general manager Bill O’Brien.
The Houston Texans news moving forward includes the following realistic expectations for the 2020 Texans draft class.
With the 40th pick in the 2020 @NFLDraft, the #Texans select DT Ross Blacklock from @TCUFootball.#TexansDraft pic.twitter.com/LYwmNO1WWo
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 24, 2020
5. Ross Blacklock, Defensive Lineman- TCU (Round 2, 40th overall)
6’4, 305 lbs, Age: 21
One phrase commonly used to describe second round pick Ross Blacklock is high-motor, as you can see from his tape that he is tenacious in pursuit of quarterbacks and rushers. His relentless pressure helps him maximize his large frame and gives more opportunities to fellow defensive linemen. Playing next to future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt will be an incredible opportunity to learn from the best, and will absolutely help improve the run defense.
Blacklock’s spot on the depth chart is not guaranteed just yet, as he will face stiff competition in the form of Tim Jernigan, Brandon Dunn, Charles Omenihu, Carlos Watkins, and Angelo Blackson. He is primarily a defensive tackle and could take over the role that was played by D.J. Reader last season, but those are massive shoes to fill for a rookie.
In a best-case scenario and the best Houston Texans news would be Blacklock immediately impresses in the preseason and vies for the starting role over Jernigan. If he is able to replicate his 40 tackle/9 tackles for loss/3.5 sack season or come anywhere close to those numbers, he will have been a slam dunk pick.