A new tight end has joined the Houston Texans.
With the 59th pick, general manager Nick Caserio elected to shore up the tight end position and select Michigan’s Marlin Klein. Tight end was expected to be a top need for Houston’s passing game, though Klein does come as somewhat of a surprise.
In flashes, Klein did look like a promising prospect with upside as a pass-catcher. After taking over for No. 10 overall pick Colston Loveland and A.J. Barner, the 6-foot-6 German native caught 24 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown.
He’s a bit of a project. The 248-pound option has 4.6 speed and is a decent blocker, but he’ll need work to help advance his game in the pro level.
” I would say his best football is probably in front of him, but the type of player that has the right mentality, the right mindset, good work ethic, really smart,” Caserio said. “I’m sure we’ll be playing in Germany here at one of these international games, so get your passport ready at some point. Good football player who we visited with at the combine. Really after the combine we were done with him as far as the person, because there really wasn’t much more there that we needed to talk about.”
Here’s a quick rundown on Klein and what he brings to Houston:
The Basics
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 248 pounds
Age: 23
From: Cologne, Germany
Breakdown
“Strong hands in a prototypical frame. Locates spots in zone coverage to exploit. Can work in-line and is a plus pass protector in his blocking development. A limited athlete who thrives more on timing than pure athleticism.” – USA Today’s Ayrton Ostly
Lance Zierlein’s Scouting Report
“A German-born prospect with average athleticism in space but above-average grit at the point. Klein’s tape shouldn’t be viewed as a finished product, considering his relative lack of game experience in the sport. He needs to block with inside hands, but displays a sturdy core and strong hands to do his job in-line. He builds speed with long strides and will catch what is provided. More muscle mass is needed, but Klein has a chance to become a Day 3 pick as a backup “Y” tight end.”- NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein
What Nick Caserio said
” He played behind some pretty good players and had his opportunity here this year. Took advantage of his opportunity. I’d say they were definitely more of a running offense. So, you know, can he improve and grow? I think he definitely has the mentality and the mindset to take coaching. He understands football. He understands concepts. So what you’re looking at is whether the player has the willingness and drive to actually work to improve, and I would say in Marlin’s case, it certainly appears that way. Now, what that actually looks like, we’ll find out here as we go.”
What DeMeco Ryans said
“I had at the combine was Marlin. That was a really cool moment for us to be able to get. I really liked the tape from my initial watch of him and to be able to get him. It’s an ongoing process. My studying never stops. I’m still watching guys today trying to make sure we’re correct on the guys that we’re taking and we all like the guys. That process never ends until we have to take the pick. It’s been a thorough process, but my process is sped up by the staff. Our scouting department they lay so much groundwork that I get a head start. When I do begin to watch guys, I know who to watch. I know what areas to look for. They do an outstanding job of prepping me for that.”
RAS Score
RAS Score: 9.05 out of a possible 10.00
Grade: C-
” Klein might end up being the biggest breakout star in the class. The small size of quality film out there is really promising. He’s a well-rounded blocker and a freakishly talented athlete who, in time, could end up becoming a staple in the passing game. But was he worth the 59th overall pick? Was he worth a second-round pick? Did the tape even warrant a Day 2 pick overall? We know the answer is no. Simply for that reason, I can’t go higher.” – Cole Thompson
Year 1 Role
Klein likely will compete for the No. 3 role with Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan while competing for reps on special teams. When Houston runs 13-personnel, it’s probably wise to turn to Klein since he looks to be the most well-rounded blocker outside of Foster Moreau. The good news? Texans fans probably won’t hear Blake Fisher reporting as eligible much next season.
Highlights
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Breakdown and analysis of new Texans rookie TE Marlin Klein
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
