The Houston Texans have a talented secondary, and one member, 2024 third-round draft pick Calen Bullock, could be poised for a breakout season in 2025. Bullock recorded 54 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, 5 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery as a rookie
Super Bowl champion and former NFL safety Ryan Clark, now a media personality, offered high praise for Bullock, who showed his appreciation for sentiments.
“If you want to be early on a breakout star for the 2025 season push all of your chips to the middle of the table on Texan’s safety @CalenBullock! All Pro caliber talent who is working on the little things daily,” Clark posted on X on July 15. “Will be one of the league’s elite ball hawks. @HoustonTexans secondary is LOADED!”
“OG I appreciate you,” Bullock posted in response to Clark. “This means a lot fr.”
Bullock tied for the Texans’ interceptions lead along with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., leading all rookies in the category. He also garnered attention for Defensive Player of the Year, finishing in eighth place.
With Bullock, the Texans have been able to unlock the full versatility of their scheme under head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Texans Teammate Raves About Calen Bullock
GettyCalen Bullock #21 of the Houston Texans intercepts a pass intended for Jameson Williams #9 of the Detroit Lions.
New Texans teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson praised Bullock following an interview on “The Pivot” with Clark and fellow former NFLers Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor.
Gardner-Johnson mentioned Bullock unprompted following the conclusion of the sit-down.
Clark said Bullock was “nice” during the July 15 episode of the podcast. Gardner-Johnson replied, “No, he’s phenomenal,” and that he toldBullock, “‘I don’t know how you didn’t have 12 plus picks last year.’”
Ryans has offered Bullock up as an example of the kind of impact he expects rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel to have this coming season.
Both Bullock and Gardner-Johnson earned honorable mentions on ESPN’s top-10 safeties list.
An anonymous AFC executive said they believe Bullock is “going to be a star,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on July 10. An anonymous NFL coordinator touted Bullock’s “major ball skills” but noted the safety “needs to improve his tackling.”
Per Fowler, an anonymous NFC scout praised Gardner-Johnson’s instincts, noting they help make up for him not being the most physically gifted.
The scout also mentioned Gardner-Johnson’s smarts and passion.
Texans’ Young Secondary Boasts Talent & Chemistry
GettyCalen Bullock #21 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a fumble recovery against the New England Patriots.
A fan predicted that Bullock would lead the NFL in interceptions in 2025, and Texans teammate and Stingley reposted it in a nod to the group’s budding chemistry.
The group also has 2022 second-rounder Jalen Pitre.
Pitre missed the final five games of the regular season and the Texans’ playoff stint with a pectoral injury. He is back in the mix ahead of training camp, and Gardner-Johnson touted his skill set in the Texans’ defense.
“You know what’s so crazy? I see him being like our linebacker,” Gardner-Johnson said. “The way he run the gap?”
Pitre, a safety by trade like Bullock, plays down in the box and mans nickelback for the Texans.
Gardner-Johnson also had praise for linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Still, this Texans team is built on the pressure they can generate against opposing passing games and the loaded backend on defense to capitalize on it.
The Texans also have Bullock’s friend on the team, Kamari Lassiter, and added his former collegiate teammate, ex-USC Trojans corner Jaylin Smith, in the third round of the 2025 draft.
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