'A Blessing!' Houston Texans Prospect Jacques Bristol Taking Advantage of NFL Draft Opportunity

The Houston Texans will continue adding to their defensive front despite a successful off-season, and Jacques Bristol could make for a great addition during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jacques Bristol at Central Michigan Pro Day / Photo by Jack Reeber

HOUSTON --  Since becoming the coach of the Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans has stressed the importance of the defensive line. His value led to the Texans trading up for Will Anderson Jr. during the 2023 NFL Draft. And by the end of the 2023 regular season, Houston's defensive line unit accounted for 38.5 of their franchise record 46.0 sacks.

The defensive line was one of the Texans' best position groups last season. But their success did not deter Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio from enhancing the front four.

Houston added a handful of defensive linemen through free agency and will continue to add talent during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Texans still have a need to enhance their interior defensive front, which has made Central Michigan's Jacques Bristol an ideal prospect.

Jacques Bristol at Central Michigan Pro Day / Photo by Jack Reeber

"This entire draft process has been a blessing," Bristol said. "It teaches you how to put the work in on and off the field. I've been taking advantage of the opportunity and learning from everyone."

Bristol is entering the draft as a prominent defensive lineman who finished his college career with 144 tackles, 71 solo hits, 28.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, six pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles for the Chippewas.

His draft projection catapulted following his performance against Michigan State on September 1, where he recorded a season-best seven tackles — the first of six games Bristol recorded four or more in 2023.

Bristol finished his final collegiate season as the nation's third-best interior defensive lineman at stopping the run. He posted a run-defense grade of 90.1, according to Pro Football Focus.

Bristol's stature as a 6-foot-1, 295lbs defensive lineman has made him an intriguing prospect to scouts. They have been captivated by his playstyle despite being a smaller lineman. But Bristol has never allowed his size to diminish his on-field production.

As a freshman who selected Central Michigan over Southern Mississippi, Bristol took the helm as the Chippewas' starting defensive tackle midway through his first season in 2019. He took the job from an upperclassman. Although it was his first major accomplishment on a collegiate level, winning the starting job instilled a prominent lesson that would lay the groundwork for a successful college career.

He finished his first season appearing in 14 games with six starts, posting 23 tackles, including 14 solo hits and 4.0 sacks.

"I took advantage of the opportunity and never looked back," Bristol said. "It showed me the pros and cons. The pros, you have to put in the work. Be coachable. You will eventually be rewarded."

"But the cons, it just showed me that your spot is always up for grabs. People are always going to doubt you, especially with me being a freshman. People did not trust me, thinking I did not know the playbook. But I took time to hone in and actually learn the plays while being professional."

Bristol has credited his road to the NFL to several former coaches and ex-teammates who have helped him since he walked onto Central Michigan's campus. Texans' fullback Troy Hairston played a role in supporting Bristol. The two parties played three seasons together and have maintained a close-knit relationship since Hairston joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

But out of all the players who have impacted Bristol's career, his late cousin Abe Brown left the most significant influence. He fell in love with the game at six years old after watching Brown establish himself as a proficient linebacker at Louisville.

Brown taught Bristol how to improve his on-field attributes while illustrating what a player must do to get to the collegiate level. His teachings have Bristol on the doorstep of an NFL career. Bristol has had a handful of interviews and meetings with several teams, which includes the Texans.

Ryans is looking for players who embody his SWARM mentality on and off the field. His football values coincide with the foundation Bristol has stood upon throughout his journey to the NFL Draft.

"Houston is a great organization — I would be more than happy to be part of [the Texans]," Bristol said. "I am very passionate. I am professional. I am athletic, versatile and a fast learner.

"I am different from others who play my position because of my quickness. I fear no one, no matter my size. I am not afraid to go up against anyone I lineup against."