C.J. Stroud teammate looking for second-year jump after great NFL rookie season with the Texans

The Houston Texans have a winning mentality for this upcoming NFL season. Not only do they have an elite QB in C.J. Stroud, but they are a solid roster in a weak division. Also, they have defensive playmakers and one of them just made a bold statement after having a massive rookie season.

We are talking about safety Calen Bullock. The former USC Trojan was selected in the third round by the Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft. That proved to be massive value for a player who debuted in Week 1 with an interception and kept delivering good performances throughout the season.

Speaking to the media, Bullock is not pleased at all as he wants to improve even more. He said, “Play recognition. Knowing what to expect on down and distance, going out there so I could play faster, instead of just going out there and playing on my athleticism.”

He then added, “It’s a lot of plays out there I left on the field. I felt that if I would have made I would have been in the conversations with the top safeties that everyone talks about.”

Calen Bullock #21 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a fumble recovery against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Calen Bullock had a stellar rookie season

If you listen to Bullock talk, you would assume that his rookie year was average at best. However, nothing could be further than the truth, Bullock delivered in big ways.

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For example, he led all rookies in interceptions with five, also adding 11 pass breakups. Bullock was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. He was 8th in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting too. That might be the cause for the chip on his shoulder.

The Texans should be eyeing another AFC South title

The AFC South has been Texans’ territory for the last two seasons. The NFL works in strange ways. Having said so, it seems like Houston should feel confident on its chances to win the division once again.

The Indianapolis Colts are not even close to define who their starting QB will be. The Jacksonville Jaguars might try to make a push, but they have a new HC in Liam Coen and their priority should be salvaging Trevor Lawrence’s career and exploding rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter. As for the Tennessee Titans, they just drafted Cam Ward and their season revolves around the rookie proving that he belongs in the big leagues.