Being a rookie cornerback is one thing. Being a rookie cornerback joining the Houston Texans, where All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins and his sidekicks in Will Fuller and Keke Coutee roam is quite another.
It is safe to say sixth-round rookie Xavier Crawford is not having an easy time in training camp.
“In the beginning I think it’s hard for any DB to come into this league,” coach Bill O’Brien told the media Thursday at Houston Methodist Training Center. “It’s just totally different when you’re going against guys like Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) and Fuller and Keke, and it’s different.”
What the former Central Michigan product has been able to demonstrate through seven practices at training camp is the ability to fight through mistakes, a vital trait all defensive backs need playing in a league titled towards quarterbacks and receivers making highlight plays in the passing game.
“I think he’s been able to work on things and not dwell on a mistake that he made and he’s been able to rebound and make a better play the next time, which is really important for a rookie to not sit there and go in the tank when something doesn’t go your way right away,” said O’Brien. “I think he’s working hard to be that way.”
Crawford may not see any immediate playing time for Houston this season. Cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph, Bradley Roby, Aaron Colvin, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun are the veterans atop the depth chart that make finding a roster spot difficult, even in today’s NFL that utilizes multiple cornerbacks to defend offense’s various receiving threats. Nonetheless, Crawford has the size the club is looking for at 6-0, 188 pounds, and he seeks to make a spot for himself in Houston.
