Houston Texans: 2015 NFL Draft Recap
By Cody Poage
Oct 26, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; UTEP Miners quarterback Blaire
Sullivan(10) is tackled by
RiceOwls defensive tackle Christian Covington (56) during the second quarter at
RiceStadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Round 6, 216th overall: DT Christian Covington, Rice University
The Texans front office decided to use their second sixth-round pick on a local prospect, defensive tackle Christian Covington of Rice University.
2014 statistics: 7 games, 14 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks
Covington, a native of Vancouver, will look to make the Texans roster as a backup defensive lineman behind the likes of Vince Wilfork, and Louis Nix.
Per John McClain of Sports Radio 610:
Had Christian Covington stayed in school, he would have been drafted higher. When healthy, he's a splendid talent.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) May 2, 2015
If Covington’s knee continues to recover and he regains his 2013 form, then the Texans front office may have come away with a steal for the defensive line.
2013 statistics: 14 games, 38 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks
Per a NFL.com draft profile from Lance Zierlein of SportsTalk790 and NFL.com:
"BOTTOM LINE Rotational defensive tackle with functional power and enough initial quickness to play in an odd or even front."
Remember that the Texans aren’t exactly filled with enthusiasm about Nix right now, and this could be a selection that gives the team flexibility regarding who will be Wilfork’s primary backup this season.
This selection could be praised in the future depending on how the circumstances surrounding the defensive line unfolds and Covington’s continued knee recovery.
Next: More LSU RB's