How NFL experts graded Texans' selection of SAF Calen Bullock

Calen Bullock is ready to take one back to the house in 2024. He did most of his career with out west with USC.

The Texans selected the USC defensive back with the No. 78 pick of the third round in the 2024 NFL draft on Friday evening. Bullock now joins a revamped secondary headlined by Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward and Derek Stingley Jr.

Bullock is the second defensive back Houston picked on Day 2. The Texans secured Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with their first pick in the second round earlier Friday evening.

While Bullock is known for his role at safety, he’s also been effective in the slot. The Texans could elect to move Pitre closer to the line of the scrimmage, allowing the former Trojan to remain over the top in coverage. Bullock also could compete for reps in the slot with veteran Desmond King.

Y’all are getting a real one @HoustonTexans! ‼️😤✌️@CalenBullock x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/z74xqk44jW

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) April 27, 2024

“He’s rangy. He covers ground, he plays the ball well,” said Texans general manager Nick Caserio Friday evening. He has good movement skills for a safety. He started his career as a corner. Not saying he’s a corner, but he moves well for his size. He’s 6’2″, 190 pounds. Honestly, some of his best football probably is in front of him.”

Last season while earning All-conference honors, Bullock totaled two interceptions and seven pass breakups. In 2022, he led the Pac-12 with five interceptions and five deflections.

Here’s a collection of all of the grades for Bullock from various media outlets, where experts believe Houston added a solid depth piece to the secondary as it looks to remain at the top roster in the AFC South.