Texans Pro Bowler Calen Bullock viewed as top 10 safety by NFL execs, coaches

In two seasons, Houston Texans defensive back Calen Bullock has exceeded expectations.

A third-round pick out of USC, Bullock was expected to become a third safety with range and potential to be a ball-hawking defender. The problem? Tackling. Bullock’s frame and pursuit angles were some of the weakest in Pac-12 play, resulting in him being considered a limited option at the next level.

Fast-forward to 2026 and Bullock is among the league’s best safeties. He’s excelled in creating turnovers with nine interceptions and 21 pass breakups, but the tackling side has become a plus. Last season, Bullock limited his missed tackle rate by over 60 percent, resulting in a Pro Bowl nod.

But do executives around the league view Bullock as a bona fide top-10 safety? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, yes. Bullock was the last name on the list, ranking him at No. 10 as the final name to make the cut.

“Bullock is one of the brightest young ball hawks in the league. He is a free safety in every sense, as he was lined up 8 or more yards downfield 86.8% of the time last season,” Fowler wrote. “And his nine interceptions over the first two years of his career got the attention of voters, several of whom put him in the top five.”

“Bullock is one of the brightest young ball hawks in the league. He is a free safety in every sense, as he was lined up 8 or more yards downfield 86.8% of the time last season,” Fowler wrote. “And his nine interceptions over the first two years of his career got the attention of voters, several of whom put him in the top five.”

Bullock’s range in the polls came erratically. Several votes netted him a top-two finish, while a few more placed him just outside the list. One main reason for growth and consistency for a raise with Bullock was his tackling sklls.

“He’s probably an adequate-to-average tackler, but his range is elite,” an NFL coordinator said. “So I value that superpower. I’d rather you take the ball away and just be an adequate tackler than the other way around.”

“He’s probably an adequate-to-average tackler, but his range is elite,” an NFL coordinator said. “So I value that superpower. I’d rather you take the ball away and just be an adequate tackler than the other way around.”

As a member of the NFL’s best secondary, Bullock has the chops to hang with the best. Every starter of the Texans‘ secondary from last season was listed as either a top 10 name or an honorable mention, as both cornerback Kamari Lassiter and nickel defender Jalen Pitre were the first names off both lists.

To read who the nine other safeties are ahead of Bullock and Pitre, Texans Pro Bowler Calen Bullock viewed.

The Texans’ rookies report for training camp next week. Veterans will report on July 28.