Virtual offseason changes outlook
With the Texans’ rookies reporting for COVID-19 testing Monday before undergoing physicals and beginning the conditioning part of training camp at some point this week, now is a good time to analyze what the coaches expect from their five draft choices.
Defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (second round), cornerback John Reid (fourth) and receiver Isaiah Coulter (fifth) are unsigned, but that doesn’t prevent them from getting tested.
Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (third) and offensive tackle Charlie Heck (fourth) are under contract.
The Texans didn’t have a firstround draft choice because it was part of the trade with Miami for offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills.
The rookies didn’t have the benefit of on-field instruction during the offseason program because of the coronavirus pandemic. Because their first offseason program was conducted virtually, nobody knows for sure how long it will take for them to
adjust to the NFL and make the kind of contributions the coaches would expect under normal circumstances.
Ordinarily, rookies drafted and undrafted would have four preseason games to impress their coaches, but as negotiations continue between the owners and the NFL Players Association, that number could be reduced to one or none. That means practice, meetings and the weight room will be of particular importance to players looking to make strong impressions.
Based on what the coaches learned about Blacklock in the offseason program, they’re excited to see how fast he adapts once he’s on the practice field and how his performance translates to games.
Like other rookies who experienced the virtual offseason program, Blacklock should improve as the season progresses. So far, the Texans love what they’re seeing.
Blacklock showed them videos of him doing drills and working hard to improve his strength and conditioning during the pandemic. He was 6-3, 290 at the combine, and the coaches believe he’s added weight and strength.
Blacklock was projected to be a first-round pick but lasted until the second round. The Texans selected him with the secondround pick they received from Arizona for receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The Texans would love for Blacklock to earn a starting job as soon as possible, but he won’t be rushed. His first role should be coming off the bench in passing situations and providing the kind of inside rush that’s been missing. Blacklock paired with Charles Omenihu could give the defense a formidable push from the inside.
At 6-4, 263, Greenard looks like a strong-side linebacker in a 3-4. In his one season at Florida, he was the best pass rusher in the Southeastern Conference. He’s smart, strong and relentless. He should compete with Brennan Scarlett on the strong side. Greenard also is expected to be a key member of the special teams.
At 6-8, 311, Heck is built like a power forward. The son of longtime NFL offensive tackle Andy Heck, who’s Kansas City’s offensive line coach, Charlie Heck played both sides in college. He’ll compete with Roderick Johnson to be the third tackle behind starters Tunsil and Tytus Howard.
During the virtual program, Reid was so impressive the coaches think he can make a smooth transition to the defense and help the Texans off the bench. Reid turned 24 in May and will be the team’s oldest rookie.
Reid is 5-10, 181 and has the quickness, toughness and intelligence to cover inside and outside receivers. He should be most effective blanketing slot receivers. The coaches believe he’ll be excellent on special teams, too.
Last but not least is Coulter. At 21, he’s the youngest player on the roster. Perhaps more than any other draft choice, Coulter needed an offseason program that included on-field coaching.
Coulter (6-3, 190) has splendid height to go with 4.4 speed, but he played at Rhode Island and not in a Power Five conference. That means Coulter should benefit from receiving NFL coaching more than the other draft choices.
There are six receivers ahead of Coulter — Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, Kenny Stills, Keke Coutee and DeAndre Carter — but injury issues could cause him to get some playing time as a rookie. Coulter is an outside receiver, and learning that position is easier than learning to play in the slot, which could expedite his development.