Houston Texans linebacker Dylan Cole said he likes “hitting harder” in joint practice with the Green Bay Packers. Texans rookie offensive lineman Tytus Howard must like “blocking harder” against Packers pass-rushers because that’s precisely what he’s doing.
The former Alabama State Hornet returned to practice for the first time in days and appears to be starting back on the right foot. KTRK’s Greg Bailey saw those glimpses of first-round talent in Howard, as he caught the clip below.
Though perhaps a false start on Howard, pass-rusher Kyler Frackell — who led his team in sacks in 2018 (10.5) — didn’t have any answers for the tackle on the rep. It’s easy to see why.
Howard historically does his best work against speed rushers. His footwork, as seen in the clip, is precise, quick, and meticulously calculated. That allowed him to negate an outside rush, in turn, forcing Frackell to spin in an attempt to leverage Howard’s slide outside the pocket.
Howard wasn’t fooled, as he quickly picked up his feet and turned inside to disallow inside pressure on the QB (in the clip, it was T.J. Yates). Then, all Howard had to is prop his right hand on Fackrell’s left chest and right below his shoulder. That hand placement allowed favorable leverage, and a chance to form a rare offensive line highlight, albeit, Howard holds Fackrell to finish off the play.
Impressive rep through-and-through. For a tackle many consider a developmental piece — in large part due to strength — Howard held his own and then some against a good pass-rusher with technique at the motor of the block.
It’s worth noting Howard is lined up at left tackle here, his intended position post-draft. The Texans have been lining up Howard at left guard in training camp with Matt Kalil starting at left tackle as a way to acclimate the rookie to the speed of pro football.
