Houston Texans sign DT Ra’Zahn Howard after supplemental draft

After no players were selected in the 2016 NFL supplemental draft, the Houston Texans came to terms with draft hopeful Ra’Zahn Howard from Purdue

Without much media attention at all, the NFL held its supplemental draft on Thursday. The attention didn’t grow any afterwards because no players were picked this season.

One player who hoped his name would be called was Ra’Zahn Howard, the defensive tackle from Purdue. Fortunately for the soon-to-be rookie, it didn’t take long to find a home after the draft as the Houston Texans came to terms with the 310-pounder, who was happy to have a home in the NFL.

"“I’m geeked,” Howard said in a telephone interview via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I’m ready to get out there and show everybody what I can do and make the Houston Texans proud. I’m a big, athletic guy. I’m a disruptive nose guard. I want to make a name for myself at nose guard. I feel like I can come in right away and make an immediate impact. I can play all four positions on the defensive line, but nose guard is my best position.“I’m stout against the run. I’m explosive. I’m an athletic nose guard. I like lining up in the middle of the defense, but I’m versatile. I see myself doing big things in the NFL once I get myself established.”"

Howard said he believed the Texans were interested in him and thought they may use a mid-round selection to secure his services. He did admit that a poor pro day may have hurt his chances at being picked, but is excited to get an opportunity with Houston.

The former Boilermaker was unable to play his senior season because of academic problems and had to decide between transferring to a smaller school to play now, sitting out a year or going to the NFL.

must read: Texans games by difficulty - #7

In three seasons at Purdue, Howard recorded 47 tackles and three sacks. He joins a Texans team that is thin along the defensive line, but making the final roster could still be quite challenging for Howard.