'Don't Get Handcuffed!': DeMeco Ryans Reveals Texans NFL Draft Philosophy
HOUSTON — Whether as a player drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007 or position coach with the San Francisco 49ers, coach DeMeco Ryans has seen a variety of players who have entered the league with different attributes, characteristics and traits.
Ryans can rely on his experience when evaluating prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. But the former All-Pro linebacker believes a coach can use a multitude of ways to go through the evaluation process without getting rapt in the norm.
"For me, in the evaluation process I just know it can be done multiple ways, many different people, different sizes, different shapes, different talents," Ryans said. "It can be done multiple ways, so I don't get handcuffed into a guy has to be a certain measurable, certain size, this or that. It's just what is that guy's character makeup and what type of play style does he have on the field."
Ryans' willingness to use different tactics when assessing prospects could be another indication of the Texans' interest in Alabama's quarterback Bryce Young. According to ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay, scouts are "scared to death" to draft Young due to his undersized stature.
But given Houston's interest in enhancing their defensive line, Ryans' statement could also show signs of interest in Georgia's Jalen Carter, whose stock has fallen in the past month due to off-field issues and a subpar pro-day.
Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio are adamant about exploring every option when building through this year's draft, and it appears the duo will maintain their word.
"We're all here to make the Houston Texans organization a winner, and we only do that if we're connected and we're together," Ryans said. "It's a very important part of the process for me to make sure that the players understand that I'm genuinely here and I have their best interest at heart."
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