Houston Texans: Overview of Recently Signed Undrafted Free Agents
One of the Texans most documented needs going into the draft was at inside linebacker, a position they didn’t address very well. With the departure of two players from last year and Brian Cushing‘s health issues it seems likely that MaxBullogh, the Michigan State product, or Chris Young from Arizona State will get a solid chance at playing time this season.
Michigan State linebacker Max Bullough headlines the Houston Texans group of undrafted free agent signings Photo Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Many draft analysts had Bullogh going anywhere from the third to fifth round, so the Texans have to be happy to have signed him. Draft analyst Bryan Fischer has Bullogh listed as the tenth best undrafted free agent in his recent list.
He isn’t an elite physical talent, but makes up for it with his constant motor and instinctive technique. Young is a bit undersized and not a great cover guy, but his production in college was excellent, and could possibly play either inside or outside linebacker.
The D-line is a place the Texans really stacked up on this offseason. With one of the most powerful D-lines They’re also giving chances to defensive ends Jason Ankrah from Nebraska and Cory Henry from Florida Atlantic. DTs Austin Brown from Miami of Ohio, Sullivan Grosz from Cal-Poly, and Leon Minto from Johnson C Smith also got signed this week.
Ankrah is a bit of an odd player as he lacks the size to be an elite defensive end and the speed to be a linebacker. He plays hard and has solid technique, but his physical limitations may end up being a dealbreaker.
Cory Henry is versatile and has played at defensive end and linebacker. He is quick and agile, but could use a bit more power behind his game. Austin Brown missed a season with a back injury but his pro day numbers are fairly impressive, and he has the physical traits to be an NFL contributor.
Grosz has a lot of experience, starting every game all four years in college. He will need to adjust to the speed of the NFL game if he wants to make the Texans roster. Minto had great productivity in college, but will need to prove himself against more talented competition.
Finally, the Texans added cornerback Marcus Williams out of North Dakota State. Williams has solid skills as a zone corner or safety, but really struggles when it comes to one-on-one man defense. He has a lot of experience as a return man, giving him possible value on special teams.
All of these guys have a lot to prove, and it’s possible that none of them end up making the roster. They’ll need to work their tails off if they have any hope of showing the Texans that they deserve a spot. Special teams and practice are the places these guys will need to shine, and hopefully at least one or two of them will be able to make it at the NFL level, and maybe even become the next unknown star.