Player comparisons are replete in sports, and Houston Texans defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver had one for outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard when he met with reporters on Aug. 18.
When asked who the 2020 third-round pick from Florida resembled the most, Weaver pointed out outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett.
“That’s tough,” Weaver said. “I’d like to say a little bit like Brennan Scarlett to this point, but you can see that the sky is the limit for that kid. He’s very smart. You can teach him all the fundamental underneath coverage drops, particularly zone drops. Like I said, he can set the edge. He’s only going to develop and continue to get better as a pass rusher.”
Even though Greenard was the selection after cameras caught coach and general manager Bill O’Brien getting angry at his phone for communication issues in not being able to trade the 90th overall pick, the Texans immediately found utility for the 6-3, 263-pound outside linebacker.
Like defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, Houston’s second-round pick, Greenard has been improving each day and is tenacious in such pursuit.
“He’s another guy, just like Ross, who just continues to go out there and attack the practice field every day,” Weaver said. “As long as he continues to do that, he’s going to be as good as he can possibly be.”
In addition to Scarlett, who produced 3.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and two forced fumbles in 15 games for Houston, the Texans also have outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to give the edge defense an even more seasoned presence.
Along with Greenard, Houston is relying on third-year outside linebacker Jacob Martin to take a step in his development and help the Texans produce an effective pass rush in 2020. A year ago, the Texans finished with 31 sacks, tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the sixth-fewest in the NFL.
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