The Washington State left tackle killed it at the combine

Texans and Andre Dillard are a match made in heaven

Texans and Andre Dillard are a match made in heaven
Cody Stoots/SportsMap

The Texans need Andre Dillard. More specifically, they need a player like Andre Dillard. A freakish athlete who backs up his wow workout moments with success on the field at left tackle.

Currently scheduled to pick 23 in the first round and with need on the offensive line, the Texans would be very lucky to be able to pick Dillard. His floor might be higher than the Texans selection after today.

People Andre Dillard's size shouldn't be able to do the things Dillard did Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. The former Washington State left tackle manned the blindside in Pullman, WA for years and he is well on his way to making that his career path in the NFL.

Dillard started the day showing off his freakish speed.

That would end up being the fourth best number by an offensive lineman on the day. He would be the top performer in the 20-yard shuttle among the offensive linemen as well.

He would again be the best in the combine class with a huge broad jump.

It is the second-best offensive lineman broad jump since 2006.

Now how about the actual on-field play. After all, he's not getting drafted to play gym he's getting drafted to play football. According to Dillard's former quarterback Gardner Minshew his left tackle took a lot off his plate.

[ia_video https://s3.amazonaws.com/roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F9306-Video_1%2B%25281%2529.MOV source="https://s3.amazonaws.com/roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F9306-Video_1%2B%25281%2529.MOV" videoControls=true shortcode_id=1551483322181 expand=1 id=1551483322181 caption="Andre Dillard's QB Gardner Minshew on his LT ability" attribution="Cody Stoots" expand=1 ]

Having started 39 consecutive games for the Cougars running a Mike Leach offense there is plenty of film for teams to consume and get used to Dillard's pass blocking. Each of the past three years Washington State led the nation in pass attempts.

"A lot of teams have said it's a good thing that I have pass-protection ability," he said. "Because the NFL passes a lot. It's something that's not easy to master, so they like that I have lot of that in my background."

He credits some of his footwork success to being a multi-sports athlete.

[ia_video https://s3.amazonaws.com/roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F9307-IMG_9630.MOV source="https://s3.amazonaws.com/roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/runner%2F9307-IMG_9630.MOV" videoControls=true shortcode_id=1551483341193 expand=1 id=1551483341193 caption="Andre Dillard on what helped his footwork improve" attribution="Cody Stoots" expand=1 ]

Now, about run blocking. The Cougars have been dead last in rushing attempts the past two seasons meaning any inconsistency in his run blocking sticks out more with less reps to analyze.

"I'm pretty critical of myself," Dillard said at his combine media availability. "So one area for improvement is definitely continuing to improve on the run game.I showcased a bit of that ability at the Senior Bowl, and I just plan to continue that."

He joked the offense in college had just two zone running plays and that was it.

Helping the ground game will obviously have to get better but the Texans need help at tackle and they need it now. The team met with Dillard at the Senior Bowl but as of Thursday he hadn't met with the Texans at the combine. The league leaders in sacks allowed and a talent like Dillard, though initially maybe lacking in the rushing game, can help the pass game tremendously. Also, with teams having reservations about his ability to run block, he could slide down the draft board to where the Texans select.

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The Jazz host the Rockets on Thursday night. Photo by David Berding/Getty Images.

The Houston Rockets, riding a three-game road winning streak, head to Salt Lake City on Thursday night to take on the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. EDT.

Team outlook

Houston (47-26) sits second in the Western Conference and has been dominant in recent weeks, winning nine of its last 10 games. The Rockets have thrived in blowout situations, going 21-9 in games decided by 10 or more points.

Utah (16-57) has endured a rough season, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Jazz have lost nine of their last 10 and are just 7-39 against conference opponents. Despite their struggles, they remain a strong team on the offensive glass, ranking sixth in the West with 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, led by Walker Kessler’s 4.6 per contest.

Key matchups

Kessler has been a bright spot for the Jazz, averaging 11.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Collin Sexton has also stepped up recently, averaging 14.1 points over the last 10 games.

For Houston, Alperen Sengun continues to shine with averages of 19 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Dillon Brooks has also been on a tear, hitting 3.1 three-pointers per game in his last 10 contests.

By the numbers

  • The Jazz average 113.6 points per game but give up 120.1, a troubling disparity.
  • Houston allows just 108.8 points per game in its last 10 contests, a major reason for its recent dominance.
  • Utah’s 13.9 made three-pointers per game could be a factor against a Rockets defense that allows 12.1 per contest.

Injury report

The Jazz will be without several key players, including Lauri Markkanen (illness), John Collins (ankle), Taylor Hendricks (fibula), and Jordan Clarkson (foot).

The Rockets list Amen Thompson as day-to-day (ankle), while Reed Sheppard is out with a thumb injury.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Rockets will look to keep rolling and take care of business against a short-handed Jazz squad.


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