Houston Texans Running Backs Breakdown

Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back

iard (27) is tackled by Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Beniquez Brown (42) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Hilliard

No. 235 overall pick Kenny Hilliard is an interesting player, because the only way he makes an impact in this league is as a rotational back. He’s not known for his elusiveness, and he was never really able to forge a role on the Tigers, as he was consistently a member of a committee behind a more decorated RB like Jeremy Hill. At the Combine, Hilliard ran a thoroughly unimpressive 4.83 forty time, highlighting his lack of speed and explosiveness.

However, Hilliard has plenty of size at 6’0″, 226 pounds, and he could become a legitimate piece as a goal-line back. I wouldn’t expect him to make any sort of an impact this season, since there’s no doubt that Foster can handle those short-yardage duties as well as anybody. But if the worst happens, then perhaps Hilliard could vulture a couple of those rushes from Blue, Polk, and Jonathan Grimes.

Hilliard was productive in college and has a chance to become a role player at the position after being a seventh-round flier, but it’s hard to see him being more than a short-yardage specialist. He wasn’t a bad pick, though, but I don’t see him making any noise as a rookie.

Next: Another interesting back