Tag: 2025 football

Texans DB Calen Bullock named breakout candidate for 2025 season

Calen Bullock could be in an All-Pro season in 2025 with the Houston Texans.

One season into his career and Houston Texans defensive back Calen Bullock is already meeting expectations.

When drafted out of USC last April, the Texans were banking on the 6-foot-3 defensive back’s coverage skills and ability to create turnovers. By the season’s end, he was tied with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with a team-leading five interceptions while posting 11 pass breakups.

Bullock blossomed into a solid run defender and open-field tackler, which was viewed as a weak point in his game coming from Alex Grinch’s system. Surprisingly, his man coverage skills took somewhat of a when asked to cover explosive plays downfield.

Pro Football Focus recently released its breakout player for every team next season. For the Texans’ Bullock’s consistency in coverage earned him the accolade.

“Even as a rookie, Bullock played the second-most snaps on Houston’s defense and stood out as a run defender, with a 75.2 PFF grade during the regular season. While his PFF coverage grade (43.9) is underwhelming, he permitted only 135 yards in coverage while procuring five interceptions and a 45.0 passer rating when targeted — the fourth-lowest mark of any qualified cornerback or safety,” PFF wrote. “Knowing Houston’s defensive prowess, Bullock could easily join Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter as a top-tier defensive back come 2025.

Bullock recorded 54 total tackles,  including two tackles for loss. He also saw the most snaps by a Texans’ rookie defensive back since Daunta Robinson in 2004.

With Eric Murray potentially heading for free agency, Bullock likely pairs with Jimmie Ward as the duo on the backend for 2025. If he can improve in man coverage, perhaps the Texans have found their own Marcus Williams or Kevin Byard at NRG Stadium for the long haul.

Potential Texans WR draft target declare for 2025 NFL Draft

Emeka Egbuka is officially headed to the 2025 NFL Draft and potentially the Houston Texans this April.

C.J. Stroud’s former top target is leaving Columbus.

Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka officially bid farewell to the Buckeyes as his sights turned to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Entering his name into the draft was a formality for Egbuka, who exhausted his NCAA eligibility after four years with Ohio State. The post was more so a thank you to the fans for sticking by his side for four seasons while establishing himself as one of the top playmakers in program history.

Egbuka closed out his college career with a bang, totaling six catches for 64 yards and one carry for 13 yards in Monday’s 34-23 national championship win over Notre Dame.

For the season, the senior collected 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. He leaves Ohio State as the all-time leader in receptions (205) and receiving yards (2,868) while notching 24 career touchdowns.

During his sophomore season. Egbuka served as one of the top weapons for Stroud en route to a College Football Playoff berth. With the Texans’ second-year passer, Egbuka caught 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 15.4 yards per catch.

The Houston Texans have been linked to Egbuka in the second round of mock drafts. With the need for a long-term No. 2 option, Houston could reunite the duo, along with fellow Buckeye Cade Stover ahead of the 2025 season.

One NFL scout compared Egbuka’s play style to former Ohio State star and current Seattle Seahawk Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown.

“Quick passing attacks will appreciate how he marries the timing of his routes to the quarterback drop,” the scout said. “He is going to be where his quarterback needs him to be. Projects as a consistent slot playmaker at the next level.”

The Texans own six picks in April’s draft.