With the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft the Houston Texans finally got a bodyguard to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson in Alabama State offensive tackle Tytus Howard.
The new tackle for the Texans draws comparisons to another offensive lineman from a the Southwestern Athletic Conference in the New Orleans Saints’ Terron Armstead, who went in the third round of the 2013 draft out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
“Yeah, I’m familiar with him,” Howard said. “I actually talked to Terron Armstead about a week ago. He said he was just sending me prayers. He just told me he hoped the best for me, and if I need anything, let him know.”
Armstead knows a thing or two about protecting his quarterback and future Hall-of-Famer, Drew Brees. Howard will now have the opportunity to protect Watson, who took 62 sacks in 2018, the most in the NFL.
“I’m not going to hold [Armstead] short of that because I know the type of player he is and where he came from,” said Howard. “I know I can learn a lot from him.”
Howard will have his hands full as a rookie as he battles for a starting spot on the roster, but general manager Brian Gaine and coach Bill O’Brien believe Howard can be the guy.
Armstead and Howard get a chance to face each other in Week 1 as the Saints host the Texans on Monday Night Football.
