Laremy Tunsil has been an answer to the Houston Texans’ prayers at left tackle, but he is proving to be more than a bodyguard protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson’s blindside.
According to coach Bill O’Brien, the former Miami Dolphins 2016 first-round pick leads by example, showing rookies Tytus Howard and Max Scharping how to ready themselves for the speed of the NFL.
“I think he leads by example,” O’Brien told reporters Wednesday. “I don’t think he’s a guy that says a whole lot. I think he leads by example, he gets out there, he practices, he’s kind of a lunch pail guy and he’s been a great addition to our team.”
In addition to leading by example, Tunsil brings athleticism to the position that makes him an exceptional blocker.
“Tunsil is a really good athlete, he’s got really good toughness for that position, good feet, very strong, very athletic, very smart, very instinctive player,” O’Brien explained. “Has done a great job with the younger guys last week, playing with Max next to him, and then the week before with Tytus next to him. I think he’s done a really good job.”
Of course, the Texans gave up a king’s ransom to get Tunsil and Dolphins teammate, receiver Kenny Stills, which puts expectations on Tunsil’s play.
What O’Brien appreciates about Tunsil is his skill as a run blocker in addition to his pass-blocking prowess.
Said O’Brien: “He can run block, he can pass block, he does a lot of things that we need in our system, relative to pulling on screens and some of the different run schemes we run.
“He has a great reputation, had at a great reputation at the Miami Dolphins and you can see it here, he’s a really good locker room guy and like I said, it’s great to have him on our team.”
The sack totals on Watson have decreased by two per game since Houston gave up six in Week 1, going from four in Week 2 to two in Week 3.
