Houston Texans: Familiar face added to the roster after the draft

A familiar face has returned to the Houston Texans. He’ll provide much-needed depth at the running back position.

Despite not having a first or a second-round pick, the Houston Texans came out of the 2018 NFL draft stronger. To start day three of the draft, we ran a poll on our twitter to see what y’all thought the Texans should do.

The number one result was to continue to rebuild the offensive line. The number two result was offensive backfield. This being a backup quarterback and a backup running back. I agreed with y’all, however, the team did not address either position.

The Houston Texans did bring in two running backs in their undrafted class. Terry Swanson was brought in from Toledo. All he did in his college career was rush for over 3,600 yards and 31 touchdowns. 1,300+ yard and 14 of those touchdowns coming in 2017 alone. He was highly productive in college.

The Texans also brought in Lavon Coleman from Washington. He was less productive in college, finishing his career with 2,000 yards on the dot and 12 touchdowns. His best year came in 2016.

While the team has a storied history with undrafted running backs, namely Arian Foster, it remains to be seen if these guys will have an impact. If one of them does, however, my money is on Swanson.

Due to the uncertainty with D’Onta Foreman coming off of an Achilles injury and of the undrafted guys, the Houston Texans have elected to bring back Alfred Blue.

Texans and RB Alfred Blue just agreed to terms on a one-year contract, according to a source,
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 30, 2018

You’re my boy, Blue!

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As I write these words, I can hear a collective groan from the city. Blue hasn’t always been the most loved player on the roster, but he has been one of the most consistent.

Now, his consistency hasn’t looked like overwhelming production. But, it has looked like providing a knowledgeable, reliable presence. No matter who “the guy” was, Blue has been there the past four years to spell him.

Blue’s underwhelming stat line rounds out at 1,908 yards and six touchdowns in his career. Like I said earlier, he isn’t going to blow you away. But, with Foreman’s status for the start of the season up in the air, Blue has become a necessity.

The Houston Texans will roll with Lamar Miller as the starter going into the season, but before today the waters were murky after that. Blue clears the picture, ever so slightly, heading into the rest of the offseason.

Next: 2018 Undrafted Free Agent List

Blue doesn’t make the Texans incrementally better, however, he provides the depth the team needs right now. His knowledge of Bill O’Brien’s playbook is invaluable at this stage. His veteran presence will be a necessity in Deshaun Watson‘s second year and to help bring the rookies along.

All in all, this is a solid, albeit unspectacular move following the draft. Welcome back to Houston, Blue!

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