Dameon Pierce can do it all as a runner. The former Florida product bulls his way into the end zone, can run between the tackles, and is an efficient back with 5.7 yards per carry in his final year with the Gators.
However, there are two other traits Pierce has shown to this point that suggest he may eventually become the chairman of the Texans’ running back by committee.
According to Laurie Fitzpatrick from the Touchdown Wire, Pierce demonstrates adequate ability as a pass-blocker.
In the clip below, its day 2, at the Reece’s Senior Bowl, and Pierce is in a one-on-one pass protection drill. He is putting his body on the line against a pass rusher in open space.
Florida RB Dameon Pierce put in a shift on Day 2 of the Senior Bowl. His toughness and effort in pass protection was really impressive pic.twitter.com/BIiAL0wWAu
— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) February 3, 2022
He shows this same physicality in game. In the clip below, Pierce takes on Georgia linebacker, Nakobe Dean, who is coming around free off the edge. Pierce has no problem taking on contact square, then he holds the defender off using his legs.
Not only does Pierce pass protect but he has also shown to move defenders when he’s the lead blocker. There were times when Kadarius Toney would take a jet sweep and Pierce would have to set the edge.
The Texans could run two-back sets with Marlon Mack, or reverses for rookie receiver, John Metchie, who has taken plenty of snaps from the backfield in Alabama.
Fitzpatrick also makes the case that Pierce wins as a receiver, which would also earn him more snaps as a pass catcher, a relief valve for quarterback Davis Mills should he get into trouble.
The Texans hadn’t made an investment in a young running back with a top-110 pick since D’Onta Foreman in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. Adding Pierce early in the fourth round shows the Texans may have plans to at least allow a youth movement to overtake the position. If there is a back who can lead the charge, it is Pierce.
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