The Houston Texans defensive line needs some work.
Although the Texans weren’t the worst in the NFL at yards per carry surrendered and rushing yards surrendered per game in 2021, they were in the bottom-10 at 4.6 (tied for fifth-most) and 142.2 (second-most). If teams needed yards on the ground, they knew they could get them against Houston.
A name the Texans should monitor throughout the draft process to determine if he can help their run game is Texas A&M defensive end Micheal Clemons.
According to Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports, Clemons is a sleeper prospect that is due to have some impressive workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Clemons might win the weigh-ins for the edge-rusher position. He’s listed at 6-5 and 270 pounds and looks every bit that sizable on film. While his 10-yard split might be slow, he plays with impressive functional athleticism for a prospect with his mass, and his length gives offensive tackles recurring nightmares throughout the game.
Clemons looks like he’s already been in an NFL strength and conditioning program. While he may not have 15-sack upside, he’s ready to play on the edge in the pros tomorrow, and his measurements and workout should indicate that to everybody.
The Texans have a young trio ready to take the next step in Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 system in defensive tackles Ross Blacklock, Roy Lopez, and defensive end Jonathan Greenard. If the Texans decide to get something other than edge rusher at No. 3 overall in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL draft, they can still find a helpful edge-setter who can defend the run in Clemons.
Clemons would also be a decent fit for new defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire’s coaching style.
“Without anything you’re going to see from the defensive line group, four guys, scalded ass dogs running to the ball every snap,” Cesaire told reporters on Feb. 22. “Whether that’s a run situation, whether it’s a pass situation, those guys are going to run to the ball, and we’re going to try to punch the ball out. We’re going to try to create negative plays and we’re going to try to generate pressure with four guys.”
Clemons played in 10 games for the Aggies and generated 32 combined tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown.