Tag: Calen Bullock

Watch: Texans rookie DB Calen Bullock records first career interception vs. Colts

Calen Bullock comes up big for the Houston Texans before halftime at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Calen Bullock was best known for his ball-hawking skills at USC.

He’s making the same plays at the next level for the Houston Texans’ defense.

Bullock recorded his first interception against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson to halt a scoring drive before halftime. The Colts were driving inside Houston’s red zone after a Richardson 19-yard scramble.

Drafted 75th overall, Bullock has been a standout in practice and training camp. He made multiple interceptions against both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills, plus improved as a tackler.

At USC, Bullock totaled nine interceptions and 17 pass breakups in three years.

The Texans enter halftime with a 12-7 lead. They will receive the ball to begin the second half.

Watch: Texans rookie DB Calen Bullock forces fumble in Hall of Fame Game

While the Houston Texans might not have gotten the ball back, the coaching staff watched rookie Calen Bullock make an elite defensive play.

The Houston Texans might have another rookie ready to start on defense come Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Safety Calen Bullock forced a fumble against Chicago Bears tight end Tommy Sweeny during the second quarter of the Hall of Fame Game, though the Bears recovered to keep the drive alive. The third-round pick also was credited with a tackle.

Bullock, known for his rangy coverage skills during his three seasons at USC, lowered his shoulder to jar the ball loose. Multiple Texans players watched the ball bounce off their hands before Chicago recovered the ball at the Texans’ 48-yard line.

Bears quarterback Brett Rypien connected three plays later with Collin Johnson for a 20-yard touchdown pass to make it 10-7. So far, it’s been an even game between the two sides.

Bullock has mixed in between the first and second-team defense through the early stages of training camp with veteran Eric Murray. With Jalen Pirte moving down into the nickel, Houston must replace his skill set on the back end.

It’s still early in Bullock’s career, but the Texans believe he can be a difference-maker in time. For the Trojans, the 6-foot-3 defensive back recorded 15 pass breakups and nine interceptions.

The Texans, who lead 17-14 at halftime, will kickoff to begin the second half.

Calen Bullock could have a breakout season in 2024 with Texans

NFL analysts are high on Calen Bullock and think he adds value to the Texans.

Houston Texans third-round safety Calen Bullock signed a four-year, $5.856 million contract that includes a $1.079 million signing bonus. It’s the next step in the NFL journey for the USC product.

The former Trojan was selected 78th in this spring’s NFL draft. The Texans traded up to the Philadelphia Eagles’ original spot in exchange for the 86th and 123rd overall selections.

Bullock, a native of Pasadena (California), had two interceptions last season and returned one for a touchdowns along with 61 tackles and seven pass breakups.

As a sophomore, he was a Second-Team All-Pac-12 selection who intercepted five passes and returned one for a score. He started every game and had 48 tackles and five pass breakups.

Bullock’s versatility at defensive back will help him see tons of action on the field for a loaded Houston defense. The Texans will be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl in February of 2025.

Bullock has started games not only at both safety positions; he has started at nickel and cornerback too.

ESPN believes in Bullock, naming him a top-30 selection in the 2024 NFL draft at No. 29. Bullock was the only Texans player selected among the top 100 players drafted over the three-day event. 

Bullock was my top-ranked safety. He’s not a big striker or hitter, but his ball skills (nine interceptions since 2021) and range are beautiful from a deep safety alignment. And his addition will allow Jimmie Ward to thrive in the slot for Houston. – ESPN’s Matt Miller 

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Texans sign DB Calen Bullock to rookie contract

The Houston Texans have officially locked up Calen Bullock to a four-year deal before the start of OTAs on Monday.

Calen Bullock is officially a member of the Houston Texans. 

The third-round pick agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth $5.856 million contract that includes a $1.079 million signing bonus, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson. 

The Texans later confirmed the news via their social media account. 

Drafted 78th overall last month, the former USC standout should be the long-term free safety for Houston’s defense in what hopes to be a revamped secondary come 2024. Last season, the Texans struggled to find consistency at the position, especially on explosive plays 20-plus yards downfield. 

While Bullock might not be asked to start right away, he could split first-team reps with Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre. Both safeties also have nickel defender experience, meaning if the 6-foot Trojan defender impresses, one could move down closer to the line of scrimmage permanently. 

Of course, second-round pick Kamair Lassiter enters OTAs next week as the favorite to command the slot role after being drafted out of Georgia 42nd overall. Lassiter could also compete with former Atlanta Falcons starter Jeff Okudah for reps on the boundary, thus opening a void in the nickel entering Week 1’s road trip against Indianapolis. 

Known for his ability to create turnovers, Bullock was a bright spot the past two seasons for USC’s secondary under Lincoln Riley. As a sophomore, he was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection and intercepted five passes, including one returned for a touchdown.

Last season, Bullock finished with  61 tackles seven pass breakups and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He started 28 games over three seasons with the Trojans and totaled nine career interceptions. 

“You see just his ball skills, his range back there in the deep half of the field. It just stood out,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said following his selection on draft weekend. “He’s an exceptional play-maker, attacks the ball. That’s what we are about on defense. That’s what Bullock does. That’s what we’re looking for him to do for us.” 

The Texans return to NRG Stadium on Monday for the start of OTAs. 

ESPN names DB Calen Bullock Texans’ top NFL draft pick

Calen Bullock is joining the Houston Texans, and ESPN believes the USC safety might be one of the top picks in the draft.

Calen Bullock is ready to take batted balls and ill-timed throws in the opposite direction for six points as a member of the Houston Texans’ defense in 2024. 

The Texans have high hopes for the USC defensive back after trading up with the Philadelphia Eagles to select him with the 78th overall pick. While there’s questions about his immediate impact, Houston is playing the long game to get the best version of Bullock in the coming years.  

ESPN believes in Bullock, too, naming him a top-30 selection in the 2024 NFL draft at No. 29. Bullock was the only Texans player selected among the top 100 players drafted over the three-day event. 

Bullock was my top-ranked safety. He’s not a big striker or hitter, but his ball skills (nine interceptions since 2021) and range are beautiful from a deep safety alignment. And his addition will allow Jimmie Ward to thrive in the slot for Houston. – ESPN’s Matt Miller 

Bullock is his best in high-man coverage. The 6-foot-3 defender led the Pac-12 with five interceptions in 2022, which seemed to be the one constant of a lackluster Trojan’s defense. 

Houston’s safety play produced mixed results in 2023. Ward, who spent time under DeMeco Ryans in San Francisco, missed multiple games due to a lower-body injury and ended the season on the injured reserve. 

Third-year safety Jalen Pitre regressed in coverage under Ryans’ man-heavy formation. As a rookie, the second-round pick notched five interceptions. Last season, he finished with zero and missed 14 tackles. 

Bullock, who drew NFL comparisons to Baltimore Ravens’ standout Marcus Williams, likely won’t improve much in run support, but Ward and Pitre have excelled in that department. The two could eventually compete for starting strong safety reps with the other shifting inside to the nickel. 

Ward and Pitre saw previous reps in the slot. In his final season with the 49ers, Ward shifted back to the nickel from safety for the first time since 2017 following a breakout campaign from All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga. Pitre won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year at Baylor while serving as the STAR in Dave Aranda’s 4-2-5 defense. 

Bullock also could line up in the nickel in spurts given his experience, though general manager Nick Caserio said he’s likely to remain on the back end rather than near the line of scrimmage. 

“You are talking about a guy that is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, ran [a] 4.5 that moves well for his size, plays the ball, is instinctive, is an eraser in the deep part of the field,” Caserio said Friday following the selection. “[He] has to improve as a tackler, which goes back to improving his playing strength. Hopefully, our program will be beneficial to him in that respect. He’s still an ascending player.” 

Houston Texans complete 2024 NFL draft class

The Houston Texans have officially ended their draft weekend. Now, let’s meet the fresh faces.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the expectations for the Houston Texans in 2024.

Good, the AFC South champions are looking to have a target on their backs. It means people are paying attention.

After months of reviewing the film, meeting with prospects and finalizing trades, general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans can sit back and unwind. Well, at least for a few weeks before rookie minicamp arrives and it’s back to the gridiron of well past the 9-5 hours.

Caserio cooked, Ryans rocked with it and the Texans took charge over two days during the 2024 NFL draft. Houston entered draft weekend with nine picks and walked out with nine prospect, though the path to securing the talent drastically differed over three trades from Caserio.

See fans, he kept his word in the end.

The Texans have few short-term holes. They’re building past 2024, and a handful of prospects should be viewed as cornerstones alongside players like C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Derek Stingley Jr.

“We like all the guys that we were able to pick,” Ryans said early Saturday evening. “We want to work with these guys. We’re fired up about it.”

Let’s take a look at the Texans’ entire 2024 draft class (including the undrafted free agents):

Pick: Round 2, Pick No. 42

Breakdown: A solid cornerback who loves contact and should factor into a starting role immediately. While he might start his career off in the nickel, the 6-foot defensive back could easily play on the edge and thrive in Ryans’ man coverage scheme. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A Day 1 nickel defender known for the ability to ruin a quarterback’s [and receiver’s] day. Starting inside Year 1 who should move to the boundary this time next season.

Quote: “You just talk about a guy who is a leader, a guy who works hard. He’s everything that our team is about. You talk about everything being relentless and attacking. With the relentless mindset every single day, that’s what Kamari brings.” – Texans coach DeMeco Ryans

Texans Wire’s Grade: A-

Pick Recap: Kamari Lassiter Draft Profile

Pick: Round 2, Pick No. 59

Breakdown: A long-term option on the offensive line at tackle. Fisher likely is best served as a right tackle, but he did make history as the first freshman to start at Notre Dame. He needs to improve as a pass-protector but given his upside in run-blocking and the injury concerns on the offensive line, Fisher has a chance to start part-time in 2024 and full-time next season. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A high-ceiling, mid-floor offensive lineman known for the ability to win as a run blocker. Future stater with Pro Bowl upside at right tackle.

Quote: “Good football player. Started his career at left tackle. Moved over there to right tackle. I think we’ve always been a big believer you can’t have enough tackles on your football team.” – Texans general manager Nick Caserio

Texans Wire’s Grade: B-

Pick Recap: Blake Fisher Draft Profile

Pick: Round 3, Pick No. 78

Breakdown: A rangy playmaker on the back end, Bullock should fill a role part-time in 2024, but start as Jimmie Ward’s likely replacement in 2025. He’s not going to offer much on Day 1 as a run defender, but the Texans drafted him for his coverage skills. This is a safety who totaled nine interceptions and 15 pass breakups during his tenure as a two-time All-Pac-12 standout. So long as he can add a bit of weight, this might end up being a steal and Houston’s best pick. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect known for coverage skills and ability to make plays deep in coverage. Future starter at free safety.

Quote: “Some of his best football probably is in front of him. He needs to get stronger. He’d be the first to tell you that. I think there’s some developmental opportunities with him relative to his frame. You are talking about a guy that is 6’2″, 190 pounds, ran 4.5 that moves well for his size, plays the ball, is instinctive, is an eraser in the deep part of the field.” – Texans general manager Nick Caserio

Texans Wire’s Grade: A

Pick Recap: Calen Bullock’s Draft Profile

Pick: Round 4, Pick No. 123

Breakdown: Who cares if he’s the second tight end behind newly-extended Dalton Schultz? Stover arguably was the second-best prospect at his position in the class after a breakout season in Columbus. What’s crazy is he’s still learning the position after starting off his Ohio State career as a linebacker. He was coming into his own with Stroud, and now reunites with him in Houston. The Texans love running 12-personnel, so Stover is going to have a prominent role in the offense past 2024. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect with high upside as No. 1 red zone threat up as tight. Potential starter in 12-personnel with TE1 mentality.

Quote: “Cade is a good example of a player that only played tight end for two years. He’s certainly not a finished product. He has the mindset and work ethic to improve. How he was raised. This guy is everything you want in a football player and then more…Blue-collar as they come. Makeup, traits, toughness, mentality, this is an elite guy.” – Texans general manager Nick Caserio

Texans Wire’s Grade: A+

Pick Recap: Cade Stover’s Draft Profile

Pick: Round 6, Pick 188

Breakdown: It’s a hit-or-miss pick. Hill has a chance to be a promising sub-package linebacker with a prominent role on speical teams. He also could end up being only used on special teams because he doesn’t translate full-time to linebacker. Day 3 picks, especially project ones are risky to determine their roles, but Hill has potential given his time in Eugene — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect with promising upside on special teams. Potential secondary linebacker and top-level special teams playmaker.

Quote: ” I’ll do whatever they want me to do on special teams,” Hill said in a Zoom interview after being drafted by the defending AFC South champions. “I think that will be my path my first few years in the NFL. I’m just happy. I’m overwhelmed. I’m happy to be a Texan. The best part of my game is running and attacking.” – Texans sixth-round pick Jamal Hill

Texans Wire’s Grade: B

Pick Recap: Jamal Hill’s Draft Profile

Pick: Round 6, Pick 205

Breakdown: Confidence won’t be a problem for the 5-foot-9 running back, who tweeted out after his selection “Steal of the draft.” There’s a ton to like about his upside as a pass-catcher and special teams player, but the size is concerning. Houston needed to make the selection given the run on rushers, so credit the job by Caserio. Jordan might be the “steal” of special teams if he can secure the kick returner role while rotating in as the third rusher. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect with promising upside on special teams. Potential secondary runner and Pro Bowl-caliber returner.

Quote: ” I’ve always been underrated,” Jordan said. “People have counted me out a lot. Even this past season, I wasn’t listed as one of the top running backs. I know when it’s all said and done, I will be one of the greatest.” – Texans running back Jawhar Jordan

Texans Wire’s Grade: B

Pick Recap: Jawhar Jordan’s Draft Profile

Pick: Round 7, Pick 238

Breakdown: After six years in college, Byrd has nothing left to prove. He’s likely a rotational defensive lineman just looking to prove there’s a home for him at the next level. He flashed at USC, so the potential is there, but he’ll likely be competing with Dylan Horton as the No. 4 edge rusher. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect who likely serves as a rotational edge rusher.

Quote: ” I’m a dynamic pass-rusher who can push those guys in that room to get better every day.” – Texans edge rusher Solomon Byrd

Texans Wire’s Grade: B-

Pick Recap: Solomon Byrd’s Draft Profile

Pick: Round 7, Pick 247

Breakdown: Anytime you can land a former All-SEC defender in Round 7, you’ve landed a promising player. Harris is an undersized three-tech, but the Texans love pass-rushing interior linemen. The 6-foot-2 Tiger is a gap-shooting lineman who can get penetration as a run defender and offer upside in the pressure department. It’s hard not to like the selection given the value and upside — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect who likely serves as a rotating run-stuffer on third downs. Promising backup who could start in a pinch with time.

Quote: “I’m a physical, hard-working defensive lineman that likes to make plays behind the line of scrimmage…I feel like the SEC is the hardest division in college. I think playing in the SEC was huge for me.” – Texans defensive tackle Marcus Harris

Texans Wire’s Grade: A-

Pick Recap: Marcus Harris’s Draft Profile

Pick: Round 7, Pick 249

Breakdown: When in doubt, beef up the trenches. Henderson started for the national champs and will always be able to say his last college game will be at the house of his future NFL home. He offers value given his size, but he’ll need to improve with his pad level and footwork if he hopes to see the field. — Cole Thompson

Fit: A developmental prospect who could crack the active roster. Potential roster cut who begins career on practice squad.

Quote: ” We think Henderson can probably play inside, with the ability to bump out the tackle, like we talked about a little bit, tackle-centric and tackle-focused. We’ll see how it goes in the course of the spring, and then once we get in training camp, for sure.” – Texans GM Nick Caserio

Texans Wire’s Grade: C+

BYU LB Max Tooley

UNC RB British Brooks

South Dakota State WR Jadon Janke

South Dakota State WR Jaxon Janke

Virginia Tech DL Pheldarius Payne

Illinois LB Tarique Barnes

Breakdown: There’s a good chance none of them make the final 53-man squad, but I’ll be on Tooley as the last man standing. He’s coming off his best season in Provo with 92 total tackles and an interception. He’s a hard hitter and translated well to the Big 12. Linebacker also could use another name, — Cole Thompson

Houston Texans receive NFL draft grade for Calen Bullock pick

Houston got good marks for the Calen Bullock draft pick.

The pick is in, and so is the NFL draft grade. The Houston Texans took USC’s Calen Bullock with the No. 78 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, grabbing the Trojan in the third round. USA TODAY Sports offered a draft grade for the Bullock.

“Bullock’s coverage credentials are unimpeachable, as his range and playmaking prowess rank among the best in this safety class. But the 6-2, 188-pounder is a liability against the run at the moment.”

The grade: B.

There was discussion at the NFL scouting combine and in the run-up to the draft about Bullock potentially being moved from the safety position he played at USC to a cornerback spot in the NFL. This conversation raised the point that Alex Grinch and Donte Williams did not do an especially good job of preparing Bullock for the NFL. Indeed, Bullock had been discussed as a possible second-round pick before the 2023 USC season. In that context, his draft stock was not boosted by his years at USC. However, in light of the damage done to his profile by Grinch and Williams, landing in the top 80 is not that bad a result, all things considered.

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Texans select DB Calen Bullock with 78th overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Houston Texans have a new safety net in the secondary with the addition of USC defensive back Calen Bullock.

Calen Bullock is coming to Houston.

The Texans selected the USC defensive back with the No. 78 pick of the third round in the 2024 NFL draft on Friday evening. Bullock now joins a revamped secondary headlined by Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward and Derek Stingley Jr.

Bullock is the second defensive back Houston picked on Day 2. The Texans secured Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with their first pick in the second round earlier Friday evening.

While Bullock is known for his role at safety, he’s also been effective in the slot. The Texans could elect to move Pitre closer to the line of the scrimmage, allowing the former Trojan to remain over the top in coverage. Bullock also could compete for reps in the slot with veteran Desmond King.

A ball-hawking defender with the ability to fly to the football, Bullock totaled nine career interceptions in his three seasons. The 6-foot-3 defensive back also forced seven incompletions last fall as the top defender of the Trojans’ secondary.

Last season while earning All-conference honors, Bullock totaled two interceptions and seven pass breakups. In 2022, he led the Pac-12 with five interceptions and five deflections.

Bullock might be viewed as a long-term prospect given the Texans’ offseason. Ward, who joined Houston with DeMeco Ryans last fall, is entering the final year of his contract. Pitre, was hit-and-miss in coverage at times, but still should start the season as one of the top defenders.

Entering the draft, Bullock was viewed as one of the top safeties in this year’s class based on his size and athletic ability alone. He adds value with his consistency over multiple seasons and the versatility he brings.

In time, Bullock should be a full-time starter. Should he build off his dominance in the Pac-12, he should eventually be an All-Pro-caliber player under Ryans.

USC S Calen Bullock shares photo of visit with Dolphins

USC strong safety Calen Bullock toured the Dolphins’ facility Thursday.

USC Trojans safety Calen Bullock had a pre-draft visit with the Miami Dolphins, he shared on social media Thursday.

On his Instagram story, Bullock posted a photo from inside the Baptist Health Training Complex, the Dolphins’ practice facility located across the street from Hard Rock Stadium.

Bullock earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023 after recording two interceptions, seven pass breakups, and 63 tackles. The safety, who will turn 21 later this month, opted to forgo his senior season with the Trojans and enter the 2024 NFL draft.

At the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Bullock measured in at 6’2, 188 pounds and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash.

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Bullock may better project as a cornerback in the professional ranks after showing a tendency to take poor angles and miss run fits at USC. “Bullock can be scary good in coverage and scary bad as a run defender,” Zierlein wrote.

The Dolphins have a rising star at free safety in Jevon Holland, but a stopgap solution at strong safety in 33-year-old free agent acquisition Jordan Poyer. Miami could use a developmental talent at safety, and could also use depth at cornerback.

In a recent seven-round mock draft posted by ESPN, Bullock was projected to land in the second round.

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USC defensive back Calen Bullock is rising up NFL draft boards

If the consensus on Bullock was previously a fifth-round pick, that might have moved upward to the fourth round after the NFL combine.

At the 2024 NFL scouting combine, USC defensive back Calen Bullock measured in at 6’2 and 188 pounds. He recorded a 4.48 40-yard dash with a 33-inch vertical jump. He has been projected by most to be an early Day 3 selection in April, a likely fourth-round pick. That would represent upward movement. Bullock had been discussed as a fifth- or sixth-round pick in the weeks before the combine.

Bullock has very good length for the position at 6-foot-2, with 32 ½-inch arms. His length is evident on tape in the past two seasons for the Trojans. He’s also a very good athlete for the safety position, with good long-distance speed, quick feet, and fluid hips in coverage.

The former USC Trojan can also play cornerback at the next level with the mentioned attributes above, but he has played the true safety position for most of his career.

Calen Bullock projects as a free safety at the NFL level, and will be at his best in a defense that uses a high rate of Cover 1 and Cover 3 schemes. It will be interesting to see if the team that drafts him ultimately agrees.

In the past two years at USC, Bullock had 87 tackles, 7 INTs (running one back for a TD) and 8 pass breakups, appearing in 26 games with 14 starts.

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