Houston Texans rookie offensive tackle Tytus Howard’s season may be over after just eight games, but the first-round pick from Alabama State was impressive enough to earn a spot on an all rookie team
According to NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling, Howard and Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Jawaan Taylor were exemplary enough to claim spots on their 2019 all rookie team.
Veteran pass rushers began the season taking advantage of Taylor as a Day 1 starter, but he hasn’t been charged with a sack since Week 6. The second-round pick joins guard Andrew Norwell as the only Jaguars to play every snap this season. Billed as a high-upside project out of Alabama State, Howard ended up solving Houston’s long-standing problem at right tackle before an MCL tear ended his season last week. Fellow first-round picks Andre Dillard and Kaleb McGary have disappointed in Philadelphia and Atlanta, respectively.
What helped Howard was being able to man the right tackle spot after the club traded for Laremy Tunsil on Aug. 31. With a proven veteran protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson’s blindside as opposed to Howard, it allowed the rookie to grow into his role as an edge protector and ease into the pro game.
A knee injury knocked Howard out of the Texans’ 31-24 Week 6 win at the Kansas City Chiefs. The 6-5, 322-pound tackle returned in Week 9 in London as the Texans beat the Jaguars 26-3. Ahead of the Texans’ 28-22 win over the New England Patriots in Week 13 on Sunday Night Football, Houston placed Howard on injured reserve because of that knee injury. Howard has since had knee surgery, and he is expected to be good to go once the Texans commence their nine-week offseason program in April.