The Houston Texans won’t come away with a top-three draft class in 2024, but they added foundational pieces. Kamari Lassiter should be a stable No. 2 corner for at least three more seasons opposite Derek Stingley Jr.
Blake Fisher should remain at right tackle for the 2025 season and could blossom into a Pro Bowl talent. Even Cade Stover flashed as a quality No. 2 tight end.
But Callen Bullock was the do-it-all safety drawing rave reviews from voters on Tuesday as the 2024 season winds down.
The Pro Football Writers of America named Bullock a first-team defensive back of the 2024 All-Rookie team following a breakout season on the backend. Lassiter, who arguably was the top rookie corner, was snubbed for Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean.
A third-round pick out of USC, Bullock improved as a tackler while flashing in closing speed to ill-advised throws. He led all rookies with five interceptions and recorded 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
“To see a young player like him continue to ascend to get better, it’s pretty cool to watch. And any time the football goes up, I’m looking on the sideline like, ‘Man, did they try him again?’ He has that knack for the ball,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said earlier this month. “It’s something you can’t coach. Some guys naturally just find the football and Calen is one of those guys.”
Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio continue to impress with headline additions over the last two drafts. The third-round hit rate continues with Bullock, who joins cornerstone players selected on Day 2 in wide receiver Tank Dell, linebacker Christian Harris and receiver Nico Collins.
Houston #Texans Calen Bullock named to the PFWA All Rookie team. pic.twitter.com/f5HuG2MCLB
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) January 21, 2025
With the young playmakers and defensive studs spread throughout the roster, the Texans are set up for long-term success thanks to these two classes.
