Houston Texans News: Realistic expectations for the 2020 draft class
3. Charlie Heck, Offensive Tackle- North Carolina (Round 4, 126th overall)
6’8, 311 lbs, Age: 23
Though there was probably a larger need at right guard, Bill O’Brien knew who the “heck” who Charlie Heck was by taking with this pick. Heck is notably the son of former NFL offensive lineman and current Kansas City Chiefs line coach Andy Heck. His massive frame inspires confidence as a behemoth on the line, but looking at his specific fit on the Texans might be tricky.
Heck is too large to kick inside at offensive guard and take over for Zach Fulton, so he is likely to play the role of a swing tackle. The only question there is the status of Roderick Johnson, who plays an identical role and was extended on a one-year deal this March.
This either signifies the fact that the Houston Texans news is they aren’t happy with Johnson’s production, or they are getting Heck ready for a larger role on the line after this season. Heck obviously isn’t competing for a starting job against Laremy Tunsil or 2019 first round pick Tytus Howard, so this seems like a depth move.
Though he has experience at both left and right tackle, Heck will probably only see playing time if a starter gets injured or on run plays that require extra blockers upfront. It’s hard to predict the status of a backup tackle, but the Texans news as this offseason continues is Heck should find a stable place on this roster in a year or two.