2011 NFL Draft Results: The Houston Texans Select Safety Shiloh Keo

The newest member of the Houston Texans is Shilioh Keo after being selected 144th in the 2011 NFL Draft.  Keo is a safety from the University of Idaho.  The Texans acquired the 144th after trading down with the Redskins from the 105th pick.

My initial impression is that I love this pick.  Keo will not wow you with his measureables or his physique.  He is certainly not a poster player.  What he is a fantastic football player.

I wonder if Rick Smith and the Texans hired Deion Sanders or Mike Mayock as a consultant to help them scout this year.  Both Brandon Harris and Keo were favorites of the two NFL Network analysts on the DB day at the Combine.

Sanders and Mayock particularly loved Keo.  His straight line speed is not phenomenal (somewhere in the 4.6 40-yard dash range) but his footwork is amazing.  Keo was a punt returner for the Vandals, a position that he excelled at despite his speed limitations which shows his agility and quickness.

Keo was on Wade Phillips team at the East West Shrine Game, something that Keo noted during his conference call with the Houston media.  Phillips was obviously impressed with Keo who repeatedly volunteered for special teams duties, which is rare for all star games.

I know I’m beating a dead horse here, but this is proof positive that Wade is essentially controlling the defensive picks in the Texans draft room.

What is your opinion about Shiloh Keo?  Let your opinion be known in the comments, or hit me up on Twitter (@JakeBRB).