Houston Texans: 3 Goals for Ross Blacklock’s rookie season

The Houston Texans are going to need rookie Ross Blacklock to learn on the go in 2020.

There is a lot to look forward to when it comes to new Houston Texans rookie defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, and that’s a good thing when considering what he’s walking into for his first NFL season in 2020.

This offseason has been strange for the rookie as the Texans have been unable to have rookie mini camps, meetings have been held via Zoom, and compared to past seasons, things are just different for the franchise as they and every other team have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we are now in the summer months, training camps are scheduled for late July, so between now and then there is a lot to think about when it comes to the Texans’ second-round pick. Blacklock was the first pick taken by the Texans this past April, and the expectations will eventually grow into Blacklock being a top player on the defense, as he was selected to replace D.J. Reader, who is now with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston Texans: Deal for Timmy Jernigan fell apart

The Houston Texans were also on pace to sign Timmy Jernigan, so since that deal fell through a few days ago, as of right now, the pressure to be a solid player and to learn on the go seemingly has increased for Blacklock, the 54th overall selection out of TCU.

What will help Blacklock is all the veterans surrounding him, whether it be J.J. Watt at defensive end, or Whitney Mercilus at outside linebacker, and there is also Zach Cunningham at inside linebacker. Again, with Blacklock, he doesn’t have to be the star of the defense entering the 2020 season, but he still will have some higher expectations without the signing of Jernigan.

Now exactly what should be the goals of Blacklock as he enters his first NFL season? Next are three goals that would be great to see Blacklock go after and achieve in his first season with the Houston Texans.