Texans sign Erik Austell, waive Jake Simonich
The Houston Texans made two roster moves on Friday as they released Jake Simonich and signed Erik Austell.
The Texans have announced that they’ve waived rookie offensive guard Jake Simonich and have signed rookie center Erik Austell.
The Texans had signed Simonich as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State University right after this year’s NFL draft.
Simonich had a chance to prove himself during the Texans’ rookie minicamp and OTA’s and it looks like Houston decided to move on from him.
The Denver Broncos just released Austell three days ago after adding an offensive lineman to their roster.
Austell went undrafted this year out of Charleston Southern University.
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Here’s a portion of what Austell’s NFL.com draft profile says:
"Very athletic. Plays with excellent lateral quickness. Takes effective angles on play-side, back-side and combination blocks. Has excellent timing on his work-up blocks to the second level. Has the foot quickness to mirror in space and make the necessary adjustments to land on his targets. Flexible and agile with cut blocking talent that would make Alex Gibbs happy. Displays adequate contact balance. Has good awareness pre-snap and post. Sees blitzes and responds. Always understands his assignment in the running game. Has footwork to maintain positioning in front of pass rusher."
It’s interesting that the Texans decided to add another center even though already have Nick Martin, Greg Mancz as well as Kyle Fuller, who they just drafted.
There is the chance that Houston may want to see what kind of player Austell can develop into as a guard.
Austell will get to show what he can do during next week’s mandatory minicamp.