The Houston Texans’ historical identity is the defensive line. The organization should embrace it after 20 years of existence.
Even if the Texans weren’t a franchise known for its towering defensive line talent throughout the past two decades, the team still has to provide answers long-term. Maliek Collins is 27 years old and signed a two-year deal to remain with Houston. By the time Collins plays out his contract, he will be 30 years old.
Houston has to look at the future of defensive tackle.
According to Daniel Jeremiah from the NFL Network, a name to watch in the 2022 college season is Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter. The 6-3, 310-pounder provided the Bulldogs with 3.0 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, 37 tackles, and a pass breakup in his 14 games last season for the eventual national champions.
As a pass rusher, he explodes off the ball and has the lower-body power to work through the edges of blockers. He has quick hands and a variety of moves, most typically winning with a club/rip, an arm-over or a counter. He is adept at getting blockers to lean one way before hip-tossing them to create a direct path to the passer.
Against the run, Carter is extremely disruptive and has phenomenal lateral range. He has burst when changing directions and his effort is excellent when it comes to chasing down plays. His lateral quickness is exceptional. He can drop his weight and easily anchor single blocks at the point of attack. He generates some “wow” moments in every game with his mix of athleticism and explosiveness.
If the Texans used a top-50 pick on Carter in next year’s draft, they would have him playing with Collins, who would be in the final year of his deal. By 2024, the Texans would have a stellar defensive tackle duo in Carter at the 3-technique and Roy Lopez at the 1-technique — and Carter would already have a full NFL season under his belt along with a full offseason in an NFL strength and conditioning program.
Collins may be the answer for Houston in the present, but Carter could be their dominant 3-technique through the end of the decade.