Several scouts applauded the Houston Texans’ selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher in April’s draft, stating that his rookie campaign would essentially be a “redshirt” season.
Fisher, a second-round pick who started 27 games during his three seasons at Notre Dame, likely would have been considered a Day 1 talent in 2025 if he returned for his senior season. Instead, he’ll see what the daily life of an NFL player is like before potentially seeing full-time action next fall.
But much like in college, NFL teams will burn the redshirt tag if injuries stockpile. Right now, the Texans are without Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the mend, meaning Fisher must step up in his place at practice.
“I’ve seen a guy who’s been versatile,” Ryans said of Fisher following Friday’s practice “If you can play left and right tackle it helps, especially if you’re our third tackle, you never know what may happen on gameday as you saw with our offensive line last year.”
#Texans rookie Blake Fisher stepped in with Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil not practicing first day of camp, next to guard Kenyon Green, center Juice Scruggs, guard Shaq Mason and tackle Tytus Howard @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/DULDSIXY42
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 18, 2024
Fisher became the youngest player in Irish history to start at left tackle during his true freshman season. A knee injury suffered against Florida State sidelined him for the remainder of the year, thus opening the door for eventual No. 5 overall pick Joe Alt.
Tunsil, a four-time Pro Bowler on the blindside, underwent an arthroscopic knee procedure on a nagging knee injury and is in recovery. He missed two games last season but managed to play through the pain while helping Houston clinch its first division title since 2019.
Seems like the early #Texans starting OL will be:
LT: Larmey Tunsil
LG: Kenyon Green
C: Juice Scruggs
RG: Shaq Mason
RT: Tytus Howard— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) July 18, 2024
Ryans said Tunsil should be good to go for Week 1’s road trip to Indianapolis, but that doesn’t mean Fisher can’t benefit from seeing reps with the projected starters. Shaq Mason was the only member of the offensive line to start all 17 games and play his natural right guard position.
Experience is the best teacher and right now, Fisher’s in class. Several courses include taking on bull rushes against All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter and defending double moves versus reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.