As roster cut-down day has now passed, the Houston Texans will now be shifting their focus to preparations for their week 1 matchup against Matthew Stafford and the LA Rams. In the meantime, one could imagine that many bubble players will be breathing a sigh of relief as their positions on the roster have finally been solidified.
However, there is one offensive lineman who survived it that might not/probably shouldn't feel the most comfortable at the moment. That would be second-year tackle Blake Fisher, who made the team in the midst of other moves involving names like Austin Deculus (trade), Zach Thomas (waived), Trent Brown (released), and Conor McDermott (released).
Drafted in the second round out of Notre Dame in 2024, the former Golden Domer and Joe Moore Award semifinalist finds himself as a depth swing tackle option on a Texans unit that is trying to rid itself of the historical stench of poor O-line play. Fisher got the start in five games during his rookie year last season, accounting for 1 penalty, 4 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 18 pressures (according to PFF). In the same vein, Fisher also graded out with a PFF grade of 50.4 overall, placing him 113th out of 140 at his position. (48.3 Pass block, 49.1 run block; 114/140 and 126/140 respectively)
Finally, for clarity on how he's looked as recently as this preseason, he actually finished with the worst PFF grade of most available linemen to play, posting a 36.8 (Behind guys like Deculus, McDermott, and Eli Cox).
Blake Fisher Remains on Thin Ice After Texans' Roster Cuts
Now, I'm not the biggest PFF guy. But, the numbers and the on-field product have not been the most flattering for the first true freshman to start at LT in Notre Dame history. However, Blake has not had the easiest cultural transition to the NFL, considering his former OC and offensive line coaches have since been dismissed. Not only that, but C.J. Stroud recently appeared on ESPN's First Take and defended his O-line, saying out loud that the offensive scheme last year didn't help put the team in the best position for success.
By extension, that would mean that Blake Fisher's growth and development most likely suffered as a result.
Regardless, in 2025, the Texans are looking for any and everybody who can help take the franchise to heights it's never reached before. Namely, potentially making its first AFC Conference Championship game.
While Blake should feel relieved to have made the team, the reality is that Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans have shown that underperformance can lead to consequences. As a depth piece, Blake has an opportunity to continue to grow and learn behind a motivated O-line group that has a good blend of youth and veteran leadership, as well as innovative voices in new OC Nick Caley and O-line Coach Cole Popovich.
Time will tell how much time he really has, though, as that moment could come sooner rather than later.