FanPost

2011 Texans Draft Profile: Shiloh Keo (Pronounced KAY-oh)

With the 144th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Shiloh Keo, Safety from Idaho. A favorite of Mike Mayock and Deion Sanders (NFL Network) at the NFL scouting combine, Keo impressed the onlookers with hustle and go-get-them attitude. I remember when he had a quick interview with Deion, he answered every question with a "Yes, Sir".

More after the jump...

Tale of the Tape

Hometown: Everett, Washington

Height: 5'11'

Weight: 219 lbs.

40 yd. time: 4.75

Bench @ 225 lbs.:24 reps

Awards

2010 Co-Special Teams Captain

2010 Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

2010 Idaho Most Valuable Player

2010 Second-team all-Western Athletic Conference

2009 First-team all-Western Athletic Conference

2008 Team Captain

2007 John Friesz Award (team MVP)

2007 Elite Eleven

2007 second-team all-Western Athletic Conference safety and punt returner

2007 Rivals.com all-WAC punt returner

2007 Phil Steele’s second-team all-WAC safety and punt returner

2006 honorable mention Sporting News all-freshman team

A good strong tackler, Keo brings that "football player" mentality to the Texans. Coached by Wade Phillips in the East-West shrine game, Keo made a big impression on Phillips and was rewarded with a spot by the Texans.

He was a top performer at the NFL combine at his position, and was in the top 10 of the majority of the tests they did. He had the fastest time in the defensive back class in the 20 yard shuttle with a 3.90.

Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips are very high on Keo and believe he will definitely contribute to the special teams, but will probably compete at the backup role at strong safety for the Texans. With the way Phillips liked this "diamond in the rough" pick, I wouldn't be surprised if they give Keo an opportunity to start at some point.

Safety was a weak position for the Texans, and tackling was part of the problem. Keo's downhill style fits with what the Texans are trying to correct. There is a possibility that Glover Quin and Shiloh Keo could be roaming around the back of the secondary for the upcoming 2011 season.

I would like the Texans to look at the free agent market to give Keo time to develop. The culture is changing, and this would make Dominique Barber and Troy Nolan on the chopping block if another safety is brought in via free agency.

I like the pick of Keo because he fits with this 2011 draft class; that is, quality football players who seem to be solid players. Keo sounds like he could be a steal.