Houston Texans Host Draft Target Javon Bullard for Visit

The Houston Texans could add another name or two to the secondary in April's NFL Draft. What makes Georgia safety Javon Bullard a strong fit?

Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) is tackled by Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY

As the Houston Texans continue their march toward the NFL Draft, they’ll do so without a first-round pick. Having swapped it for two second-rounders – sending one to the Buffalo Bills for receiver Stefon Diggs – Houston will rely on its second- and third-day picks for additional reinforcements.

The Texans have had themselves a successful offseason thus far, trading for established veterans in Diggs and running back Joe Mixon and signing edge rusher Danielle Hunter, among others.

Yet, some needs persist, particularly in the back end of head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defenses. 

Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) is tackled by Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY

Last season, Houston ranked 20th in expected points added per drop back and 19th in success rate on those same downs. The unit was particularly prone to explosive plays, especially on play-action passes.

Thus, general manager Nick Caserio may be in the market for some safety help in the middle of April’s draft. In that interest, the Texans hosted Georgia safety Javon Bullard on Tuesday, per Aaron Wilson. 

Bullard’s pre-draft circuit may best be described as incomplete. He didn’t do much testing at the NFL Combine, though his 4.47-second 40-yard dash inspires a dosage of optimism in his athletic profile.

Even so, he’s not the most dynamic defensive back in coverage. He’s better as a split-field safety than a single-high centerfielder, which bodes well for his fit in Houston. Bullard’s strengths in coverage are backed by strong processing skills and his ability to anticipate passes – his most reliable route to ball production.

Being undersized – just 5-foot-10 and under 200 pounds – will likely limit his impact against the run, as will an athletic profile that projects to be a few steps below elite. Thus, it’s not surprising to see his stock hovering around the back end of the top 100. Championship pedigree helps, and the Georgia product was able to handle head coach Kirby Smart’s defense. That alone is reason to believe he’d transition nicely to Ryans’ Cover 4-heavy scheme.

Bullard would be a nice addition to a safety room that already consists of Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward, and can possibly be taken with Houston’s third-round pick, 86th overall, leaving two second-rounders for more pressing and/or valuable needs.