After spending a third-round pick on running back D'Onta Foreman out of Texas, what can the Houston Texans expect to get in return during the 2017 season?
Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman was a backup for two years before breaking out as a junior in 2016. He led the nation with 2,048 yards rushing and added 15 touchdowns for the Longhorns. He was pretty much a battering ram for them at 249 pounds, but dropped to 233 for the NFL Scouting Combine.
Foreman plays with a bruising style, and is pretty much the exact opposite of starter Lamar Miller. The Texans 2016 free agent addition is more of a speed back, who also can be devastating as a pass catcher. Foreman, caught just seven passes last year. His role won't be that of an every-down back obviously, as he brings less versatility than Miller.
So what exactly can the team expect out of their new bull of a back?
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Expectations
Foreman should be able to unseat Alfred Blue as the primary backup to Miller. He also doesn't possess the same versatility as Blue, but is much better as a power back. Look for him to spell Miller in short-yardage and goal-line sets — with much better results than Blue had in that role during the 2016 season.
Miller had to work in those type of situations more often than the coaches wanted, and the result was a season plagued with shoulder injuries. By putting Foreman on the field more than they could Blue, Miller will be more effective than he was in his initial season with Houston.
Prediction
Look for Foreman to get at least the 100 carries Blue had in 2016, and possible a few more considering his strength as a goal line guy. Miller was a good back for the Texans, but was better during his time in Miami when he split carries and wasn't beat up.
Head coach Bill O'Brien may decide that's the approach needed, which will give the rookie more carries. He should be effective, but his yards per carry won't jump out at anyone as he will be used in a lot of situations where the defense knows the run is coming.
2017 Stat prediction: 135 carries, 554 yards (4.1 per attempt), 6 touchdowns
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