The Houston Texans took offensive tackle Max Scharping with their second consecutive pick in Round 2 at 55th overall.
On the face of it, the club is getting younger at the tackle positions, but don’t be surprised if offensive line coach Mike Devlin rolls out the Northern Illinois product at guard.
The three-time first-team All-Mid-American Conference player told the Houston media in a conference call Friday he has spent his time before the draft preparing to play guard.
“A little bit of both,” Scharping said. “Whatever they need me at, I’ll be available to play guard or tackle.”
Unlike first-round pick Tytus Howard from Alabama State who said he had practice some at guard but never played the position in live action, Scharping played some of his freshman year at Northern Illinois as a guard.
“I played mostly tackle in college, but I played a little bit my freshman year at guard,” said Scharping. “I’ve been working with O-line coaches at guard, too. I’m comfortable with both, so whichever one they ask me to play, I’ll be able to do.”
One of the things that coach Bill O’Brien tries to add to his offensive line are players who have versatility. It appears that Scharping will be another addition to the offensive line that can be a jack of all trades.
