Texans checked out Obi Melifonwu at UConn pro day
The Houston Texans are in search of a new starting safety now that Quintin Demps is gone.
The Texans were one of several teams that attended UConn’s pro day as they got a good look at safety Obi Melifonwu.
Jody Smith of Texans Wire raves about Melifonwu’s size and athleticism.
"At 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, Melifonwu combines superior size, impressive instincts, and strong ball skills. But at February’s NFL Scouting Combine, it was Melifonwu’s athleticism that really turned heads.In Indianapolis, Melifonwu ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, had a 44-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 11 feet, 9 inches. That broad jump was the second-longest in combine history and the vertical leap was only two inches short of the record."
After losing Quintin Demps this offseason, the Texans certainly need to add a safety in this year’s draft. Someone versatile like Melifonwu could help out new defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel and his defense in more than one way.
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The great news about Melifonwu is that his coverage skills will enable him to cover tight ends, running backs and possibly some slot receivers.
Because of Melifonqu’s large frame, whoever drafts him wouldn’t have a problem lining him up closer to the line of scrimmage in run support.
Melifonwu is projected to be drafted within the first or second round. The Texans will need to hope that he slips into the third or fourth round if they’re going to have a chance at snatching him up.