Since leaving TCU, linebacker Garret Wallow has faced an uphill battle towards making an impact at the next level in the NFL.
After his departure from the Horned Frogs as a senior, his NFL Draft profile read as follows (NFL.com)
“Inside linebacker known for his work ethic, leadership and production for the Horned Frogs. He clearly has the mindset and athletic talent to go hunt for the football. That said, he’s not as strong as teams would like when taking on blocks and he’s not very instinctive as an open-field tackler. If Wallow can improve his fundamentals as a finisher, it could go a long way in determining his NFL future. He can run and has special teams potential, but his tape was a little disappointing as a third-down linebacker, which could hurt his stock. Wallow should find a home on Day 3 of the draft: Average back-up or special teamers”
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio took Wallow during his controversial first draft with the 170th overall pick. The fifth rounder, along with fellow Day 3 pick and sixth-rounder Roy Lopez, composed the part of Houston’s draft where fans were left to wonder exactly what kind of impact could be expected.
The Texans had traded three selections to move up for their chosen linebacker. What was it that Wallow had to offer in Houston? Entering a desperate 2021 campaign, hope was all most could muster.
Fast forward one year later and the change is staggering. Hope has truly turned into expectations. Lopez is projected as the starting 1-technique defensive tackle and Wallow appears to be one of the biggest stars in camp.
After starting just two games in 2021 and finishing his rookie year with 23 combined tackles per Pro Football Reference, Wallow has been the talk of the coaching staff. The team has praised him from essentially every corner imaginable. His teammates, especially the older veterans, are extremely complimentary of his work ethic and drive on the field, especially Christian Kirksey.
"He's very smart. He picks up the game fast. He plays fast. He can play any linebacker position on the field, whether it's Mike, Will or Sam. He can plug himself in and be of impact on this defense"
LB Christian Kirksey on second year LB Garrett Wallow #WeAreTexans
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) June 2, 2022
Coaches have been equally excited about his potential. Special team’s coordinator Frank Ross noted that Wallow has become a fixture of the special teams unit. Other coaches have noted he’s able to play the weak side, strong side, and middle linebacker position in head coach Lovie Smith’s base 4-3 defense.
“He’s done a great job. Guys like him have taken the reins as far as special teams, heavy core-four roles. He’s done a great job with that and excited to see where he comes into camp in shape, and gets ready to roll for his second full year.”
As if the train wasn’t moving full-steam ahead, Nick Caserio truly threw gas on the fire yesterday on Sports Radio 610 when he went out of the way to compliment his first linebacker selection. He called him the most improved player on the team. Even for a general manager that enjoys interacting with the press, the comment was poignant and offered some key insight to how Houston views their linebacker.
GM Nick Caserio now on @SportsRadio610
"Garrett Wallow has probably done better than anyone on the team as far as when he's first walked in the building until now-He's gotten better in every area. He's a great example of that 1 to 2 year player"
Listen: https://t.co/oULCdWdiyn pic.twitter.com/kaj4DLJNS3
— Tyler Milner (@tmilrealdeal) June 10, 2022
This leaves fans of the Texans to wonder what exactly fair expectations during year two are for Wallow. The answer might be one that is stunningly simple.
Houston should just enjoy the process. Simply celebrate the success of a young man who is clearly becoming a big part of the team’s culture.
Draft picks made on Day 3 are often ones that you are hoping still make the team during their second year. The idea that the Texans may have found a full time starting linebacker, especially with a clear need this year at the strong side linebacker spot, would be incredible. Even if Houston only has someone who’s going to help lead and captain their special teams unit would be a massive win from where Wallow was once projected.
It appears that Caserio has hit another draft homerun from a 2021 class that is majorly outperforming expectations. Wallow’s presence and preached improvement from everyone around him have the potential to serve as the proverbial cherry on top.
Winning teams in the NFL have strong special teams units, it appears Wallow is ready to elevate the Texans in that level. Strong supporting linebacker play is massively important for rookies and it appears Wallow could be in a position to help the onboarding of 2022 third-round pick Christian Harris. The strong side linebacker has huge responsibilities against the run and it’s possible Wallow helps Houston improve from their league-worst run stopping unit.
Whatever it is, fans should be very excited to see what comes to fruition in camp. It just wasn’t something that ever could have been expected after his selection in the fifth-round last year. Everyone will have to wait a few more weeks but all of Houston will know soon enough just how fair the high praises are for the second year linebacker.
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