I think the Texans envision him as a more athletic and better pass catching version of Cade Stover minus the Stover injuries of course. If helps the Texans become an elite running team with his blocking, his ability to run the seams off of play action with his 4.6 40 speed will be deadly. Ideally I think the Texans want to reduce the amount of snaps and targets Dalton Schultz gets.
Not followed the prospects much, but the tape on him does not match the stats. I was expecting more Stover. Not expecting great receiving, but maybe is better than most blocking first TEs. He looked a lot more fluid than typical blocking first TE. I typically like more receiving production. Not as down on this pick now as when first selected.
Was definitely a pick to bolster the run game, was definitely a reach in the 2nd RD that likely could’ve been had later. And making that reach w/ a LB like Anthony Hill still on the board at a position of need should definitely raise some eyebrows. But you never know for sure until you see the on-field results so let’s hope for the best
Was coaching last night during the draft so didn’t get to see the picks live. This one is a head scratcher. I would have preferred Roush. Ot this guy in the 4th. But, the athletic/physical profile along with blocking proclivity is enticing. Side note, the draft pundits missed pretty bad overall with their rankings. So many players drafted that weren’t on radars.
This is just another example showing the Texan's big board has no resemblance to the popular game runners.The theme this year is bigger, better, tougher and he fits the criteria if not the production. Finesse is so 2023.
Piling on. Agree that this pick makes no sense in the 2nd round. Anthony Hill was right there. Saleh picked him with the next pick so I’m sure he would fit with our D.
Here's Brugler's write-up on Marlin. I was obviously a Delp fan, but also liked some later round guys like Bentley and Raridon as well. Roush was probably the more pro-ready pick, but perhaps our scouts/coaches believe Marlin has the most long-term potential. I sure hope so! I'm still pissed we took Bennie over Witten who likely gets in the HOF this year. I lived in Germany for two-years and come from German-heritage, so I'm going to be cheering for this young man and hope he develops into a great Y-TE because we desperately need one!
From looking over the YouTube videos, this fella is an addition to the much maligned offensive line of years past. There are quite a few highlight of him being an elite blocker. Consistently his blocks leading to massive yardage gains for his running backs. So it seems he may just be another addition to the concept of “Build the trenches”. That’s old school football. So he got drafted to block for his running backs and to protect CJ Stroud. In theory I can respect that. I just do hope the Texans really did see that ability when they worked him out. Obviously they fell in love with what he brings. when the Texans drafted Owen Daniel’s at TE way back, I thought it was a throw away pick too, and he has likely been the best tight end in Texans history. I remember how angry fans were that they drafted an ex-QB even after drafting TE’s high in what seemed each of their previous drafts. I still remember when Bud Adams went on TV after another playoff loss and he let it known he wanted a tight end! However wanting a tight end and getting a good quality tight end are two different things. Elite TE you have to turn over every rock and hope you still get lucky.
I agree this is a head scratcher.. feels like a lot of better players on the board, didn’t seem on anyone’s radar. But with the first 2 picks, and Caserios overall draft record these last couple years.. I’m down to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope this guy surprises a lot of us.
I know Hill is a local guy and lots of people here are Longhorn fans, but there’s plenty of reasons to believe he shouldn’t have gone this high. ESPN ranked him highly, but there’s plenty of other places that had him as more of a round 3-4 guy.
I’m guessing they drafted for receiving potential, but at minimum Klein will be an above average blocking TE.
