Switching from a 3-4 to a Tampa 2 with a 4-3 front created two defensive tackle spots along the Houston Texans defensive line.
When the Texans signed former Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maliek Collins to a one-year contract in free agency, Houston at least had a 6-2, 310-pound defensive lineman penciled in for one of the defensive tackle jobs.
However, the former 2016 third-round pick from Nebraska has taken over the three technique job on the inside and started to write his name in ink on the depth chart.
“He can rush the passer,” defensive coordinator Lovie Smith said. “He’s an athlete, which we’re looking for. He’s been in the system quite a while, pleased with what he’s done so far.”
Coach David Culley was impressed with the football awareness that Collins displayed on Aug. 1 when he converted immediately to a blocker on a Justin Reid interception during team portion.
“I think Justin had intercepted the ball, and once he intercepted the ball, all of a sudden I saw one guy flash right by me, and I was standing right there, and it was Maliek Collins, running up the field to block for him like he was an offensive lineman,” Culley said. “He plays the game the right way. He’s very strong. I mean, he’s a wonderful guy, and again, just playing the game, and he’s a great example of how you’re supposed to play this game.”
The three technique job is still contests as Collins is going against second-year tackle Ross Blacklock and free agent DeMarcus Walker.
“We have a little bit of depth there,” said Smith.
Collins has 99 combined tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 41 quarterback hits, 14.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and five fumble recoveries through 73 career games, 66 of which he started.