The Houston Texans are known as one of the NFL‘s most exciting teams, fueled by a group of outstanding young players. Their exuberance has led to a total resurgence within the organization, along with dreams of the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl win. Last year was a great example of the Houston youngsters who have fueled the fire deep in the heart of Texas. The Texans swept Rookie of the Year honors in The League, with quarterback CJ Stroud winning the honor on offense, while Will Anderson Jr. won the award on the defensive side of the ball. And in 2024? The squad has yet another Rookie of the Year candidate in safety, Calen Bullock, the team’s third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Do The Texans Have Yet Another Rookie Of The Year Candidate?
Texans Rookie Defender is a Ball Hawk
Calen Bullock enters Week 16 with 44 tackles and an impressive five interceptions. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans knew that when the team drafted the former USC Trojan, he had a chance to make a difference immediately. He recently commented on how Bullock opens up a lot of defensive options.
“Calen [Bullock], just watching him play and watching his skill set it just jumped off the tape,” Ryans said. “How he would fit into our scheme and how he can change things for us when you have a post safety that can play football that way when he has elite range.”
“Calen’s strength continues to be him attacking the football. He had a play there versus the Vikings on the sideline, would’ve loved him to come down with that play. But he has a unique knack for attacking the football and being around the football. Every game, I think, he’s played in, he’s touched the football. So, we’re looking for Calen to continue to improve upon that and really pull some down and get some turnovers, so we can give our offense a short field.”
If Bullock manages to win the DROY Award, it will certainly be groundbreaking. The last safety to win the award was the Chicago Bears’ Mark Carrier, who took home the prize in 1990. An edge rusher or a linebacker has won the award seven of the last 10 seasons, with cornerbacks winning the other three trophies.
What’s Next For Houston and Bullock?
If Calen Bullock can continue to perform at a high level and pull in a couple more interceptions, he will certainly be near the top of the list of contenders for the Rookie of the Year Award. Most importantly, he would be another building block on a youthful and exciting team – just waiting to make some noise in the postseason. And perhaps even lift the Lombardi Trophy for the very first time.
As for the Texans (9-5, 1st in the AFC South) as a unit, they’re in the middle of a tough stretch to close out the 2024 campaign. They will take on the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21. Then, Houston hosts the powerful Baltimore Ravens (currently 9-5) on Christmas Day. They close out the regular season against division-rival Tennessee Titans on January 5.
Main Photo: [Thomas Shea] – USA Today Sports
