Houston Texans: Drafting Ross Blacklock signals the sign of a new era
What the experts are saying
"“Flashes menacing disruptive qualities as a gap seeker, but is just ordinary when forced to sit and take on blocks. Blacklock rebounded from a 2018 Achilles injury and showed off basketball quickness that was often too much for a single blocker. However, his technique and hand usage need work, as he’s inconsistent holding the point and keeping his feet. He’s a hit-or-miss run defender, but he’s a relentless pass rusher with elite lateral quickness and change of direction to exploit interior galoots and open pathways to the pocket. Blacklock needs development as a one-gapping three-technique with rare movement talent and intriguing rush potential.”"
Joe Marino of The Draft Network:
"“Ross Blacklock is a rare exciting defensive prospect from the Big Twelve with all the tools needed to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. While there will be quite a bit for him to acclimate to at the next level, Blacklock has the size, length, power, flexibility, athleticism and technique needed to develop. He often two-gapped at TCU but I like him inside even fronts as well, making him a prospect with all the versatility needed to execute in a defensive front that is multiple by alignment. Blacklock needs to develop his processing skills but his ceiling is exciting given how physically talented he is and how he already applies those gifts on the field to make plays. He deserves to be among the first interior defensive linemen selected in the Draft and has the upside to become a building block for an NFL defense.”"
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com:
"“Some have projected Blacklock to be a first-round pick, and he could go late on the opening night of the 2020 NFL Draft. Some team sources say they graded Blacklock in Round 2. They feel he is a bit of a 1-year wonder who has some medical and injury concerns. Perhaps the team that likes him enough to draft him does it in the first round, but he should not fall out of the second round if he makes it past Round 1. Blacklock had a good combine workout to help his draft grade.”"