Pros, cons of Houston Texans picking Penn State football's Juice Scruggs in NFL Draft
Penn State football's Juice Scruggs was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The center was the second-to-last pick of the round, the 62nd selection overall.
He follows earlier Nittany Lion picks in cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (Pittsburgh Steelers, 32nd overall), who began the second-round action, and tight end Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars, 61st), who was chosen immediately before Scruggs.
The Texans traded up with the Philadelphia Eagles to nab Scruggs at the end of the second round − a bold and somewhat surprising move considering the Penn State lineman was pegged as a middle-round pick, at best, by most analysts.
"I wasn’t expecting it to be in the second round, which I’m so thankful," Scruggs said in a conference call with reporters Friday evening. "My agent told me, 'Be ready for third round.'
"(Then) I see that Houston number pop up on my phone and my heart just started racing. I’m at a lost for words right now. Kind of a speechless moment.
"I’ve been dreaming of this for so long ... it's officially here now."
Scruggs' story of recovery and redemption is impressive and still holds weight. Early in his Penn State career he broke a bone in his back and was nearly killed after being thrown from his vehicle in a one-car crash. His rehab took more than a year but he gradually worked his way back onto the field, then into a team captain.
Even more, the two-year starter became Penn State's most durable lineman last year, playing nearly every snap of every November game and the Rose Bowl.
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Penn State football center Juice Scruggs: The positives
While his drive and toughness are unquestioned, he also offers intriguing versatility. He's a proven Big Ten starter at both guard and center, showing impressive can't-move-off-the-ball strength at each.
He did not give up a sack last season in nearly 400 pass plays, according to Coaches by the Numbers.
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He's an iron man on the field. When injuries sapped the Nittany Lions' depth on the offensive line, he played nearly every snap at center over the final five weeks of their 11-2 season.
The concerns
Despite his unquestioned drive, does he truly fit as an NFL starter?
He may not be quick enough to be a full-time guard and, while steady, was never considered a dominating run blocker in college. He's struggled at times with his mobility against better competition, including footwork, speed and ability to recover as a pass blocker.
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Final thoughts
Scruggs' position versatility and durability will guarantee him a home with the hopes that he can develop into an NFL starter. He certainly has that kind of potential, in time, with the right team fit. He benefits from a mediocre draft class at center − providing a better chance for him to prove how his dependability and core strength can overshadow his athletic shortcomings.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on Twitter @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Houston Texans pick Penn State's Juice Scruggs in NFL Draft
