Pro Football Focus is at it yet again. The football statistician gurus have released the NFL’s top rookies through preseason Weeks 1 and 2, and a surprising Houston Texan has made the cut.
Defensive lineman Albert Huggins may not be the first Texan that comes to mind when you think “notable Texans rookies” this year, however, the undrafted Clemson alumnus has certainly left his mark on this stout defense thus far.
Here is PFF’s summary of Huggins so far:
Grade: 82.4
Offensive Snaps: 52The undrafted Clemson alumnus, often overshadowed by the collection of first-round talent on his collegiate defensive line, has stood out when given the opportunity this preseason. He struggled in his first NFL game, but burst onto the scene in Week 2 and earned a 90.6 pass-rush grade after he recorded five quarterback pressures on 22 pass-rush snaps.
The 6-3, 305-pound 23-year-old defensive lineman made 34 appearances over the course of his four years with the Tigers. In total, he amassed 69 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, one interception, and one defended pass.
These may not be mindblowing numbers over a four-year career, but when you consider how loaded the Clemson defense has been over the years, its tough for non-starters to get the snaps and attention others do.
Unfortunately for Huggins, he faces a similar issue in Houston. With the likes of J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Reader, and Whitney Mercilus certain to make the starting rotation barring any last-minute injuries, Huggins will have to fight for a backup spot.
This will mean facing off against fellow former Clemson lineman Carlos Watkins, or potentially veterans Joel Heath, or Angelo Blackson to name but a few.
A tough task perhaps, but given how well he performed in preseason Week 2, far from impossible.
