Jared

Crick

Crick entered his senior season with late first- to early second-round grades from NFL scouts. He tore his pectoral in 2011, however, and required surgery. Crick was probably never naturally explosive enough to be a realistic top-32 selection, but he is cutout quite well to spell J.J. Watt in Houston’s 3-4 scheme. With a relentless motor at 6-foot-4, 279, Crick is tough to move at the point of attack and recorded 20 sacks in his college career.

Crick can now do his normal weightlifting routine and feels he’ll be prepared sufficiently in two weeks. “I’m not there yet, but I’m getting there,” he said. “I’m almost there.” Crick entered the 2011 season with late first- to early second-round grades from NFL scouts. The injury has kept his draft stock in limbo, but he could jump back into the early portion of day two.

This is a solid number for the 6'4" 279 pound defensive line prospect and likely means Crick is fully healed from a severe pectoral injury that forced him to miss most of the season. Crick ran an official 4.99 forty at the Combine while participating in other drills. He played heavier at Nebraska but his versatility and motor will specifically intrigue 3-4 defenses.

Crick will begin his career behind Antonio Smith and J.J. Watt, but he’s Smith’s heir apparent. “I think (Crick) will come in and get into a rotation,” said Smith. "... He’s a hard-nosed football player. He plays hard.” Crick will have to beat out Tim Jamison to be the Texans’ No. 3 defensive end as a rookie.

Crick, who measured in at 6-foot-4, 279, did well just to compete in Indy after tearing his pectoral muscle last year. He was mediocre in the vertical (31") and broad jump (8-foot-8), showing limited athleticism. Essentially a smaller version of Adam Carriker, Crick is shaping up as a middle-round prospect.

It’s not a surprise after he was held out of Saturday’s session. Denver will also be without DE Zach Kerr (knee).

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Crick needs surgery. The Broncos signed DT Ahtyba Rubin to take his place on Friday morning. Crick didn’t play Week 1 and was rather terrible across 938 snaps last season.

Veteran Antonio Smith held that spot the previous five seasons but left for Oakland in free agency. Crick, a 2012 fourth-round pick, played 277 snaps last season, accumulating a meager 20 tackles. The Texans were high on Crick two offseasons ago, but he hasn’t been a playmaker on limited snaps. He has zero career sacks or forced fumbles. The Texans will draft some line help.

An unsung hero on the defensive line, Crick has been a solid run defender opposite J.J. Watt the last two seasons. “Jared Crick, tough guy, tough football player,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He plays through injuries, has been a good guy for us the last two years.” With a ton of defensive line talent in the free agent and draft pools, Crick could come at a discount. He will turn 27 in August.

Crick was a 2012 fourth-rounder by the Texans. He started 31 games the past two seasons as the bookend to J.J. Watt in Houston, but Crick still couldn’t manage to do much damage with all the one-on-one matchups. Crick has 5.5 career sacks and figures to compete for a sub-package role.