What if the Houston Texans got a pass-blocker in offensive tackle Max Scharping that was just as good as Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jonah Williams?
According to Pro Football Focus, Houston did.
The former Northern Illinois product, who the Texans took with their 55th overall pick in Round 2 of the 2019 NFL draft Friday, graded out at 98.7 in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking efficiency, the same as Williams.
If the comparisons hold, it will be a welcomed skill for the Texans’ offensive line. In 2018, quarterback Deshaun Watson sustained a league-leading 62 sacks. While some of the pressure was also due to Watson holding onto the ball too long, a large part of it was due to protection.
Houston also took an offensive tackle in the first round with Tytus Howard with the 23rd overall pick from Alabama State. If the Texans get immediate results in pass protection with Howard and Scharping, it helps the offensive line get younger and should keep Watson upright more often.
