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Houston Texans: Reviewing 2018 rookie draft class

By Jair Lopez

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 04: Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates a interception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 04: Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates a interception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 25: Brock Osweiler #8 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass as Jesse Davis #77 blocks Duke Ejiofor #53 of the Houston Texans in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 25: Brock Osweiler #8 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass as Jesse Davis #77 blocks Duke Ejiofor #53 of the Houston Texans in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Duke Ejiofor

Houston Texans found a bargain in the sixth round in outside linebacker Duke Ejiofor. A shoulder injury made him tumble all the way to the bottom of the 2018 NFL Draft, but Ejiofor proved early that he was going to make an impact wherever he was placed. Ejiofor was playing on defense and special teams early in the preseason and he was able to prove he was a steal in the sixth round.

Ejiofor is simply an advanced player as a rookie in terms of a pass rusher and understanding how to use his length and leverage to beat offensive lineman. He was living in the backfield in the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs and making life difficult for one of the better right tackles in the NFL, Mitchell Schwartz.

The Texans have been using him more of on passing downs to get after the quarterback, and he has been able to play alongside the other talented pass rushers the Texans have on the roster. He only has eight tackles, two passes deflections, and a sack but his impact has been felt beyond the box score. Ejiofor suffered a shoulder injury against the Denver Broncos, but if he is to return to the field, he’ll be a player to follow as he continues to get more experience under his belt.

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