Calen Bullock is coming to Houston.
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.
A ball-hawking defender with the ability to fly to the football, Bullock totaled nine career interceptions in his three seasons. The 6-foot-3 defensive back also forced seven incompletions last fall as the top defender of the Trojans’ secondary.
“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.
Bullock might be viewed as a long-term prospect given the Texans’ offseason. Ward, who joined Houston with DeMeco Ryans last fall, is entering the final year of his contract. Pitre, was hit-and-miss in coverage at times, but still should start the season as one of the top defenders.
Fans were content with the selection of Georgia’s Kamar Lassiter at pick No. 42. They were less than thrilled with the addition of Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher at pick No. 59. Of the trio, however, this seemed to be the consensus favorite.
Here’s how fans reacted to the news on Twitter after the card was turned in.