Given coach Bill O’Brien’s penchant for running backs, it’s a safe bet to say the Houston Texans will be looking to bring in a running back this summer. Thankfully, the 2020 NFL Draft has a good selection of backs, proven by the fact the Texans have already been in communication with at least 11 rushing prospects per WalterFootball.
Entering 2020, Houston’s running back room consists of Duke Johnson, David Johnson, Buddy Howell, and Karan Higdon. Without a clear starter, the Texans will likely have a third different starter in three years with Lamar Miller and Carlos Hyde having started 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Keeping this in mind, here are three prospects the side should be vying for come the draft.
Top pick: J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
A powerful downhill rusher, Dobbins would be a strong fit for O’Brien’s offense. Much like Hyde who excelled in his system last season, Dobbins is short and stocky (5-9, 209 lbs) who can cut on a dime and seems to have that extra gear to create separation. Primarily used on the inside, Dobbins is a duel threat back whom PFF pointed out was used 148 times in pass block reps in 2019 alone. This will appeal to O’Brien given how he stresses the importance of versatility and blocking ability in his players. A Texas native, the Texans always seem to place a priority on local prospects, he isn’t the most nimble of backs and he doesn’t have the best initial burst of speed. However, he would be a strong addition and a contributor from day one. Expect him to go during the second round, and do not be surprised if he ends up at the NRG given reports the side have shown a “steady interest” in the back.
Mid-round pick: Zack Moss, Utah
A brutal runner with a hard-nosed approach to tacklers, Moss finished his career at Utah first-team all-PAC 12 after recording 1,416 rushing yards, 388 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns his senior year. Durability is a concern after injuries effected him throughout most of his college career. Not an explosive runner, he has decent top-end speed and would be a good fit for O’Brien’s offense, something that has clearly crossed their minds given they met with Moss at the combine. He is similar in style to former O’Brien favorite Alfred Blue and should go around the third to the fourth round.
Late-round pick: A.J. Dillon, Boston College
At 6-0, 247 pounds, Dillon is hard to miss in the backfield. The junior from Connecticut is extremely tough to bring down possessing excellent balance and a lethal spin move. His top-end speed is good but not explosive and he isn’t the smoothest runner. However, he’s a patient rusher who is as effective in space as he is a short-yardage bulldozer. His ability as a receiver will impress the Texans, a team he met with informally at the NFL Scouting Combine. Dillon would be a later round steal currently projected as the 156th best player in this year’s draft by CBS Sports, placing him around the end of the fifth/beginning of the sixth rounds. His tape jumps off-screen and is well worth a watch, and given he recorded 1,685 rushing and 195 receiving yards in 2019 there’s plenty out there.
