Houston Texans 2016 Draft Report Card

Fourth Round – Pick #119

Tyler Ervin – RB – San Jose St.

5’10” – 190

Grade: B+

Once you start with a plan you stick to it, right?  As we told you in our mock drafts leading up to the draft, the Texans had great interest in bringing in another running back that could catch the ball out of the backfield and add a dynamic dimension to the backfield.  Tyler Ervin does exactly that.

Ervin runs a 4.40 40 yard dash.  But not only is he fast, he plays fast and that’s in line with both Fuller and Miller, their speed does show up during the games.  That’s important because it’s not always the case with every player who can log a fast 40 yard dash.  Clips of Ervin show him getting to max speed quickly and blowing by defenders.

Tyler Ervin, while not a big guy, is well put together and carried the full load at San Jose St., including returning kicks.  Both Ervin and Miller will challenge for punt and kick return duties.  Ervin will make this team and be in the mix for the 3rd down RB role and likely Lamar Miller’s backup.

The question will be, how many RB’s do the Texans keep.  Obviously Miller is the starter.  Ervin can do so much and will contribute as well.  Alfred Blue likely is the power back.  So where does that leave Jonathan Grimes and Akeem Hunt?  It probably puts Hunt on the street but Grimes who also does a lot on special teams should stick if they keep 4.

I like the pick of Ervin because I like Ervin.  But I liked running backs Devonte Booker and Kenneth Dixon a little bit more, otherwise this is an A.  But I do give the Texans credit here and the benefit of the doubt on preferring Ervin, they said they wanted speed and that’s what they got.

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