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With training camp still a month away, the Texans are officially in the dog days of summer. This allows them to tweak the roster in preparation for the upcoming season. Yesterday, the Texans claimed second-year OT Roderick Johnson off of waivers and released OT Kendall Calhoun from the roster.
The @HoustonTexans claimed T Roderick Johnson (@RodBeBalling) off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) June 20, 2018
The team also waived T Kendall Calhoun. pic.twitter.com/8NJFUWLCtQ
At 6’7” and 300 lbs, Johnson has the ideal frame for a left tackle in the NFL. Last year, he was drafted in the fifth round by the Browns, just thirty picks after the Texans selected Julie’n Davenport.
The two-time All-ACC left tackle immediately became expendable when the Browns signed Greg Robinson in the post-Joe Thomas era. Johnson’s availability was a fortuitous occurrence for the Texans, as their offensive line depth and talent are the team’s biggest weakness. With Jeff Allen on the PUP list and Martinas Rankin recovering from a foot injury, Johnson could immediately find himself vying for a roster spot to start the season. John McClain took to Twitter to express his sentiment on the move:
Not surprising Texans claimed OT Roderick Johnson on waivers from Browns. With third round pick Martinas Rankin recovering from foot surgery and possibly not available till start of season, they needed another OT for depth.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) June 20, 2018
Although I have twice voice my opinions that the the Texans should have taken Johnson over Julie’n Davenport (here and here), it looks like the Texans and I can agree that having both massive men on the roster is a good thing. Now I get to see if my draft analysis was correct and whether playing D-I or D-II football makes a difference in developing offensive tackles. A knee injury did cost Roderick Johnson his rookie season, but hopefully the talented lineman can bounce back and provide the Texas with some much needed depth.
Even though he’s considered a developmental prospect, Johnson has a unique opportunity to go from cut by the Browns to contributing for the Texans. Quite a miraculous change of fortune, if you ask me. Give this kid a playbook and see what he can do.
What do you think of the move? Do you think Roderick Johnson has a chance to compete for a roster spot?