We talked yesterday about how much CBS draft analyst Rob Rang liked Brandon Harris and Roc Carmichael as fits in the Texans scheme. Well, today we're going to talk about how much he likes fifth round safety Shiloh Keo. Wade Phillips' mastery of the draft continues, maybe? Here's what Rang had to say about the addition:
↵↵↵Shiloh Keo, Houston Texans: I have my reservations about how well Keo will be able to cover against NFL speed, but the primary issue in the Houston secondary the past few seasons hasn't been speed -- it has been a lack of instincts and reliable open-field tackling. In these areas, Keo ranks among the elite safeties in the entire 2011 draft. Keo's initial impact will almost certainly be felt on special teams - where he could prove to be a demon. A playmaking punt returner in college, watch for Keo to make the adjustment to special teams coverage, rather than returning, to be his NFL speciality. One might argue that in the fifth round, the Texans should have been looking for a future starter (which I don't know that Keo will ever become), but at pick No. 144, there were few players more guaranteed to make a more immediate impact on special teams, so I see the pick as having good value.
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Tackling? Texans? Safety? I think you're forgetting the word "missed," Mr. Rang. As in "I was under the impression that Texans safeties had a quota of missed tackle to make per game." or "C.C. Brown, Texans safety, missed another key tackle."
↵I, too, would've rather seen them looking for someone with more concrete starter skills rather than a special teamer, but maybe they believe Keo can overcome his speed limitations.
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