One season into his career and Houston Texans defensive back Calen Bullock is already meeting expectations.
When drafted out of USC last April, the Texans were banking on the 6-foot-3 defensive back’s coverage skills and ability to create turnovers. By the season’s end, he was tied with All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with a team-leading five interceptions while posting 11 pass breakups.
Calen Bullock had a sensational rookie season 🤘
Where he ranked among all rookies in:
🔴 INTs: 1st
🔴 Takeaways: 1st
🔴 Passer Rating Allowed: 1st
🔴 Catch Rate Over Expected: 2nd
🔴 Coverage EPA: 3rdh/t @NextGenStats https://t.co/iIELQ16TJf pic.twitter.com/tvWxMgk1x4
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 9, 2025
Bullock blossomed into a solid run defender and open-field tackler, which was viewed as a weak point in his game coming from Alex Grinch’s system. Surprisingly, his man coverage skills took somewhat of a when asked to cover explosive plays downfield.
Pro Football Focus recently released its breakout player for every team next season. For the Texans’ Bullock’s consistency in coverage earned him the accolade.
“Even as a rookie, Bullock played the second-most snaps on Houston’s defense and stood out as a run defender, with a 75.2 PFF grade during the regular season. While his PFF coverage grade (43.9) is underwhelming, he permitted only 135 yards in coverage while procuring five interceptions and a 45.0 passer rating when targeted — the fourth-lowest mark of any qualified cornerback or safety,” PFF wrote. “Knowing Houston’s defensive prowess, Bullock could easily join Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter as a top-tier defensive back come 2025.
Bullock recorded 54 total tackles, including two tackles for loss. He also saw the most snaps by a Texans’ rookie defensive back since Daunta Robinson in 2004.
ANOTHER INT! This time it’s Calen Bullock’s turn to get the ball back for the @HoustonTexans.
📺: #DETvsHOU on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cE3ceLZ6rp— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2024
With Eric Murray potentially heading for free agency, Bullock likely pairs with Jimmie Ward as the duo on the backend for 2025. If he can improve in man coverage, perhaps the Texans have found their own Marcus Williams or Kevin Byard at NRG Stadium for the long haul.
