Houston Texans OL Juice Scruggs Named Top 32 Centers by PFF

Juice Scruggs playing football in the pros is an internal victory after a car accident put his career in jeopardy while he was at Penn State.

Being considered an emerging player comes with hard work, long nights in the film room and constant repetitions in practice.

Both are a reality for the Houston Texans’ second-year player, and others on the outside are taking note.

Pro Football Focus ranked Scruggs as one of the league’s top 32 centers entering 2024, first appearing at No. 24 overall. Scruggs, who mostly saw reps at left guard last season, was considered a name to watch on the rise now. return to its natural position.

The second-round pick appeared in seven games for the Texans in 2023, and while he only recorded a 51.5 overall grade, he showed potential on the offensive line and will slide into the role of center in 2024.

Scruggs likely would have competed for the starting center job with Michael Deiter after training camp if an upper-body injury hadn’t sidelined him for nearly two months. By the time he was healthy enough to return, Deiter was stuck in that position as the left guard spot was plagued by injuries.

Houston drafted Scruggs because of his position flexibility. Primarily center, he saw some reps at guard in his final season with the Nittany Lions while helping the offense finish in the top 10 in rushing.

The Texans have options along the interior line if Scruggs has a better future at guard. Houston is hoping former first-round pick Kenyon Green can lock down the left guard spot, creating competition at center. If Scruggs wins the starting job, the Texans could turn to second-year lineman Jarrett Patterson, who started three seasons at Notre Dame.

The Texans return for the start of training camp in July. 18.