INDIANAPOLIS — The Houston Texans continue their due diligence as they determine whether to get younger at cornerback, replenish the talent in free agency, or bring back a combination of Bradley Roby and Johnathan Joseph.
The AFC South champions met informally with Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Informal visits are not limited whatsoever; technically, a team could meet with all 337 attendees for up to 15 minutes apiece. However, there are limitations to formal visits, capped at 45 and 18 minutes in length.
While the Texans did not have a formal meeting with Metellus, an informal meeting indicates they are skimming the defensive back talent in the draft to see if they need to address cornerback in free agency or wait until April.
#Michigan DB Josh Metellus says he met informally with the #Texans.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) February 28, 2020
Even though Metellus was a safety for the Wolverines in 2019, and a vocal leader, he is willing to play whatever position his new team needs.
“I’m telling teams I’m versatile,” Metellus told reporters Friday. “A lot of them see I played a lot of different positions. I show up on the field at a bunch of spots.”
In Mobile, Ala., at the Senior Bowl, Metellus had reps in practice at corner, including one-on-one reps.
Said Metellus: “So, I’ve been selling myself as just a defensive back, period. Safety, nickel, doesn’t matter, I can play anywhere. I’ve got the mind and the football IQ to be able to be moved around and still compete.”
The Texans had a versatile defensive back in Kareem Jackson, who played cornerback for Houston from 2010-17. In 2018, his final year with the team, Jackson played more safety with the club, but had to switch back and forth between the new role and cornerback because of injuries.
Nonetheless, having a defensive back with versatility such as Metellus’ would help the Texans in 2020 and beyond.
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