Houston Texans Draft Profile: Chase Bisontis
· Yahoo Sports
This is the first article in my weekly analysis of top prospects for the Houston Texans heading into the NFL Draft. While offensive and defense lineman will be the primary focus, I’ll sprinkle in profiles of players at immediate positions of need such as safety, and linebacker. The focus will be on polarizing players at the Texans positions of need to highlight what they could bring to Houston and if they’re a fit for the team.
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The first player on the slate is Texas A&M legend and left guard Chase Bisontis. What I want to identify is if Bisontis has the composite run blocking, pass blocking, length, and hand technique to develop into a quality offensive guard. His projection all over the board makes him an ideal first candidate to dissect for the Texans.
Bio: Chase Bisontis
- Size: 6’5”, 315 pounds
- Position: Left guard, with experience as a freshman at right tackle
- Year/Age: Junior, 21.7 years old
- Measurements:
- Expected draft range: mid-second to early fourth round
Bisontis is regarded as the best pass-blocking offensive guard in the class. You don’t need to look very far to hear that intel. Bisontis’ PFF grades may not jump off the screen, but he has been an impact starter for the Aggies since his true freshman season. He stepped in at right tackle early that year after multiple starters went down and never looked back.
As a guard, the top things I want to see:
- Hinge ability against bull rushers
- Can he block in concert his center and tackle? Can he pass off blocks without over-committing to stunts?
- Movement skills in space
- Ability to move defenders in the run game
- Run scheme versatility; zone, duo, man, trap, etc
Film Analysis:
Bisontis’ stance is well balanced and low, but he fairly clearly indicates whether he’s run blocking or pass protecting. His pre-snap run block demeanor is like someone insulted him in the huddle and he’s going to haul off and smack the next player he sees. Conversely, his pass blocking stance is relaxed and more upright to view potential blitzes.
His foot speed and physicality shine. That’s undeniable. He was the primary pulling guard at Texas A&M due to that quickness. He’s at his best when moving defenders via brute force and can incorporate kick out blocks on defensive ends. When it was one-on-one with a sled-like player (a DT with no hand-usage, moves, or counters) Bisontis would assert his will on them and trudge them backwards. Even at 6’5”, he gets under defenders to out-leverage them. That’s great to see as his opponents will only get bigger and taller at the next level. This looks so much better than when he’s asked to mirror and match linebackers five yards downfield.
Metaphorically, he’s a better knight than rook in chess.
You’ll read about his “reach” issues. Here. Here. Here.Here. Here.
It’s not a reach issue. That’s such lazy analysis. It’s hand placement technique that’s coordinated with his footwork. For instance, against Miami’s athletic defensive line, when he dropped back into pass protection and the defensive tackle jumped inside, Bisontis swiped his hands and whiffed without readjusting his feet.
More on his hand technique; he catches and grabs rather than delivers a punch. This is why when he faced more technically proficient DTs he gets tossed across the yard – he lets them dictate the terms of the leverage battle rather than forcing the issue.
In general, his hands are violent but extremely late, particularly against defensive tackles who bait him with patient setups.
It’s not all woes and worry with Bisontis. He has good vision and reflexes to adjust to oncoming pass rushers, especially when he’s the unoccupied blocker. He stays active and attentive throughout the play even when unassigned.
The Fit in Houston:
The Houston Texans met with Chase Bisontis at the NFL Combine, a clear signal of mutual interest. Bisontis’ versatility and experience are extremely tantalizing for the Texans who need a rookie (or multiple) to step in and compete immediately.
Bisontis will go somewhere in the second round. It shouldn’t be to the Texans though. If Bisontis falls to the Texans in the early third, that’s where I would rate him a good value.
Contrary to most analysis, he needs half a season to develop before starting. He’s been starting and playing for three straight seasons and could use a couple months going back to training school before being thrown into the thick of it.
Next up will in my draft analysis will be Blake Miller, OT from Clemson who draft evaluators project anywhere from the end of the first round to mid third.