With the 220nd pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Texans select Cullen Gillaspia in the seventh round. Yes, fullbacks are still a thing I guess. Gillaspia is a fullback from Texas A&M who wasn’t invited to the combine, but participated in the Aggies’ Pro Day. If you missed Jay Prosch, here’s someone who can fill that hole in your heart. And with that pick the Texans are probably done drafting players for the day. They should be getting ready to start the phones to add as much undrafted talent as possible.<doc-sep>The Houston Texans have selected former Texas A&M fullback Cullen Gillaspia with the 220th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. This was the Texans' final pick of the weekend. Gillaspia (6-feet-2-inches, 232 pounds) is listed primarily as a fullback on Texas A&M's roster, but he is capable of contributing on both defense and special teams. He tallied five receptions for 52 yards during his senior season and also added in six tackles on special teams. He didn't make an impact in the stat sheet, but Gillaspia was named a team captain for all 13 games during his Junior season. This followed a sophomore season in which he was named the 12th man and given a scholarship by the school. Gillaspia, Texas A&M's 12th Man for 38 consecutive games, scored his first career touchdown with 22 seconds left to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against North Carolina State. On his final carry, in his final game wearing a Texas A&M uniform, he not only scored his first touchdown but also became the first 12th Man ever to score a touchdown. Gillaspia's score came on a 13-yard run where he shook off a North Carolina State defender and then bulled his way across the goal line. He finished the game with three carries for 20 yards. He also finished the game mobbed by teammates and revered by a jubilant Texas A&M fan base. Collegiate and draft profile information provided with assistance from Damon Sayles of 247Sports. Heading into this Draft, it was crucial that head coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Brian Gaine achieve multiple goals with limited picks. This roster deal with some major losses during free agency, including the departures of safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Kareem Jackson. To make matters worse, safety Andre Hal suddenly retired. This secondary needs some contributors, which the Texans have been looking to address. Adding Tashaun Gipson and Bradley Roby in free agency was one part of the process, but there is still plenty of work to be done. Addressing this need in the NFL Draft was critical, and there should be plenty of options available with the deep cornerback and safety class. One such option was former Central Michigan and Oregon State quarterback Xavier Crawford, who was added during the sixth round of the draft. Similarly, the larger concern for Houston was addressing the offensive line. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked more than any other quarterback in the league during the 2018 season (62 times) as the offensive line struggled with injuries and poor play. Tackle Seantrel Henderson missed his first season with the Texans, and he is a question mark heading into 2019. One of the 2018 starters at tackle, Kendall Lamm, has since departed for the Cleveland Browns. The 2019 NFL Draft is critical for O'Brien as he looks to get his team back into the playoffs after winning the AFC South. The Colts, Titans, and Jaguars have all improved in major ways, and finding immediate contributors is his top priority.<doc-sep>The Houston Texans have selected Cullen Gillaspia 220th overall in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. What’s his specialty? It’s a doozy so let’s take a look. The Houston Texans finished out the NFL Draft with their final pick in the 7th round this season by selecting Cullen Gillaspia, a fullback out of Texas A&M, 220th overall. In step with the theme of this season’s draft, the Houston Texans are actually fulfilling a need on the roster that actually has a vacant spot. Last season was the first in quite some time that the team did not have a full-time full back on the roster when the team decided to cut ties with Jay Prosch. I was beginning to wonder if it was the end of an era of this team having a fullback on the roster but with this draft selection, it goes to show that they aren’t. However, there’s a twist to this as Gillaspia is extremely versatile and can play multiple positions. This certainly warranted a look by the franchise; and, as a result, he’s now got an opportunity to make an NFL roster. He did visit with the team recently and he said one of the highlights was being able to meet Brian Cushing. Now, he’ll be seeing him on a daily basis as he’ll be working with him to keep him properly conditioned through the season. What’s up with Gillaspia? Let’s dig into this. Tangibles Gillaspia is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound fullback with 30.75-inch arms and 9.2-inch hands, is a speedster, being able to run the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the Texas A&M Pro Day. A native of Katy, he went to Taylor High, Gillaspia was an all-district linebacker/return specialist that entered the Aggies’ football program as a walk-on back in 2014. The rest has been history for Cullen, as he became the Aggies’ 12th Man, a tradition rich in history that he owned for 38 consecutive games from 2016-18. He fulfilled the position admirably, exuding leadership and doing whatever was asked out of the coaching staff. After long-time head coach Kevin Sumlin was ousted, incoming coach Jimbo Fisher transitioned him to fullback over the Spring and it yielded positive results. He caught five balls for 52 yards and rushed five times for 33 yards while posting two solo tackles on special teams of which one was on then-No. 14 Kentucky’s 10-yard line, when the teams faced each other back Oct. 6. The Aggies pulled out a gritty victory over the Wildcats 20-14 in overtime. He was also the chief blocker for running back Trayveon Williams — who was selected in the 6th round by the Cincinnati Bengals today — while on his way to rushing for 1,760 yards, an A&M Football record. Gillaspia finished up his campaign in College Station with 25 tackles, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two blocked kicks. He also was a two-sport athlete back in high school, not only taking on football but excelled at baseball as well. Those skills will be useful as he transitions his career to the pros. Cullen also made history for his school, being the first 12th Man to ever be drafted to the NFL. I know he, as well as all of those in Aggieland/Katy, are extremely proud of his near-improbable story. What the experts are saying Kent Lee Platte, who has seemed to have graded all of the Houston Texans’ prospects: With pick 220 in the 2019 NFL Draft, the #Texans select Cullen Gillaspia, FB, Texas A&M. Cullen Gillaspia posted a Great #RAS with Okay size, Great speed, Okay explosiveness, Great agility at the FB position. pic.twitter.com/8eTRHjeHxC — Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2019 Robert Land of the Houston Sports Talk Podcast: The #Texans get a RB from Texas A&M – just not Trayveon They draft Cullen Gillaspia He was also the 12th Man This is obviously a special teams pick – but his position is FB & I think this is just as bad a pick as Jay Prosch. They aren't worth wasting draft picks on, period — Houston Sports Talk Podcast (@HSTPodcast) April 27, 2019 John McClain of the Chron: FB Cullen Gillaspia, the Texans' seventh-round pick, was the Aggies' 12th man who earned a scholarship and played LB and RB. Bill O'Brien said he'll play fullback and expects him to stand out on special teams. — John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) April 27, 2019 Aaron Reiss of The Athletic: Part of why #Texans 7th-round FB Cullen Gillaspia got drafted: https://t.co/glUkWTcFHv — Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) April 27, 2019 The Bottom Line I’m sure the Houston Texans could’ve addressed other needs for the 7th round but I think Gillaspia could be a valuable asset with his speed, versatility, his ability to make plays as well as his leadership. He’s got a compelling story to tell and I’m sure it will inspire many, especially his future teammates. Bill O’Brien wants him to start out at full back immediately and help out on special teams so he already has an idea of how Gillaspia will fit in this system. Yes, the team could’ve addressed the running back and safety positions but they’ll be able to address those needs hopefully with the undrafted free agents. All in all, I’m okay with this pick as I’m positive he’s going to surprise us all with his performance. He wasn’t necessarily the pedigreed athlete but got to where he is today through grit, sweat, strain and even tears. Plus, with the departure of Alfred Blue to the Jacksonville Jaguars, there’s a spot open for a third back behind Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman. If Gillaspia plays his cards right, he could be that guy and it seems the Houston Texans fully expect him to. Want your voice heard? Join the House Of Houston team! Write for us! Gillaspia’s — similar to Lonnie Johnson‘s — is the type of success story that one most root for. We’ll have to see how he does in camp! Welcome back home Cullen.<doc-sep>The Houston Texans addressed running back with the selection of Texas A&M Aggies running back Cullen Gillaspia with the 220th overall pick in Round 7 of the 2019 NFL draft. Gillaspia played fullback for his final season at Texas A&M after spending his first three seasons as a linebacker. Gillaspia played 10 games and caught five passes for 52 yards and also carried five times for 33 yards and a touchdown. The Texans needed to do something to handle the loss of Alfred Blue in free agency. Blue was a bruising back and an adequate fill-in for starter Lamar Miller. It appears the Texans are at least filling Blue’s spot on the roster. The 6-2, 235-pound back is from nearby Katy and graduated from Katy Taylor.<doc-sep>
The Houston Texans made a surprising selection with Texas A&M Aggies fullback Cullen Gillaspia with pick 220 overall in Round 7 of the 2019 NFL draft Saturday. As has been the general theme with the Texans this year, in Gillaspia they added height and size. A somewhat baffling pick given their need for a third-down running back and a fourth wide receiver, given their offensive injury woes in the last few years. However, what the nearby Katy, Texas, product offers is yet more protection for quarterback Deshaun Watson. after two seasons of Watson getting hammered by defenses, the Texans have not only brought in two giant offensive tackles, but an experienced blocker in tight end Darren Fells from the Cleveland Browns, and now with Gillaspia filling up the vacant fullback slot, that’s another big man to block for Watson when needed, and potentially help create holes for the struggling run game. Speaking immediately after the draft, Bill O’Brien said in the press conference at NRG Stadium that they see Gillaspia as a fullback, but both he and Brian Gaine made a point to emphasize that he will add a lot to special teams. The Texans could look to Gillaspia as a potential offensive weapon at times, with 5 receptions and 5 rushes to his name during his senior season. He also has experience returning kicks and punts, although his time on special teams was primarily taken up by tackling given that for his first three years in college he was a linebacker. This takes us to the final reason why Houston likely chose him, Gaine’s favorite word: Versatility. With experience in so many different areas on the field, he has a good shot at making the final roster because he can be used just about anywhere if needed. Versatility is highly regarded by the Texans as is evident with both of their offensive tackle selections and their tight end pick. Overall, this pick is a smart move because while he isn’t yet a specialist in one specific spot, he will give Watson yet more protection, and can also fill holes in multiple different positions if needed. Grade: B