Second-round picks don’t spend two full seasons on the bench in today’s NFL. Players drafted that high are selected for a reason: to start, often immediately. And then there’s Blake Fisher.
On a woeful
offensive line, Fisher remained under lock and key, buried as the backup option. He’s been hidden, veiled as the proverbial break-glass emergency backup. The media doesn’t ask why. It only wonders, quietly.
At this stage, there are only two explanations. Either Fisher isn’t good enough, or he isn’t nearly ready. Neither is encouraging.
Blake Fisher and his infamous No. 57, announced each time he checks in as an eligible receiver, has been deployed as a sixth offensive lineman in “heavy sets” to improve the Texans’ putrid run game. Houston technically averages less yards per attempt when Fisher is in, but nevertheless that has been his role. He has led the league with 52 snaps as the extra offensive lineman. The next closest player is Pittsburgh’s Spencer Anderson with 38.
On multiple occasions, Fisher could have stepped in to be a start on the offensive line. He was passed up as a starter time and time again for veterans. The second that Trent Brown came back from his knee injury, Fisher was relegated to this TE role of his.
Now, the bubble wrap is off. Brown and rookie Aireontay Ersery are both injured and expected miss the Saturday’s massively important matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fisher did step in at the end of the Raiders game to play 19 snaps at left tackle for Ersery. To hit credit, he did not allow a single pass rush or hurry while in the lineup.
Without enough parts to spare, Houston will finally be forced to thrust Fisher into a starting role… on primetime TV. His assignment? Stop Tuli Tuipulotu, who has the third most sacks in the NFL (tied with Danielle Hunter) at 13.
Fisher has waited in the wings long enough. This is his first real chance to start a meaningful game at his natural position: tackle.
His success and potential elevation to be the full-time starter could have major implications for the team. For one, the Texans wouldn’t need to fill the vacant tackle role this offseason after Brown hits free agency. Fisher as the tackle would leave the right guard spot as the only major role on the offense being vacated. Additionally, his fairly team-friendly deal would mean the team could invest their strapped capital in other roles this offseason. Namely, on their QB or DE entering the last years of their contracts.
Who knows, if Fisher surprises us it’s all gravy. But, teams’ don’t play bad players… especially those they drafted high. There’s a reason Fisher hasn’t played much thus far in his short career, and we are going to find out shortly.
