DJ Swearinger: 'I've mastered Houston Texans defence'

DJ Swearinger has said that he has mastered the Houston Texans' defense ahead of his first season in the NFL.

The safety, who was picked in the second-round of this year's Draft, has featured in all four of the Texans' pre-season games.

The 21-year-old told the team's website: "I think I have played a lot of snaps. But it is great for me to get a lot of reps. The more reps, the more experience. It is good for me.

"I think I have mastered it to a tee. When we are playing dime and I'm in at free safety, I know what the d-line is doing, the linebackers and the secondary. And that is one of my goals. To know what the entire defense is doing, not just myself. I think playing multiple positions has helped me a lot.

"As a safety, you have to deliver that punch every time you come down on the run. Or if a receiver is coming across the middle you have to deliver that punch. It sends a message to the other team, and gets the energy going with your own team. It is good to be able to lay a hit."

Swearinger has made nine tackles during the pre-season.