Regarding the NFL Draft, each franchise desperately searches for those diamonds in the rough. They are the unheralded heroes to a 53-man roster, the difference makers for teams in need of depth at a particular position. More importantly, they come at a fraction of the cost, which is why they are so highly coveted.
For the Houston Texans and many franchises across the NFL, talent in the form of undrafted free agents is signed to compete for a roster spot each summer. While there is certainly a high climb for these prospects to stick, there are plenty of instances of success.
Legendary Eagles offensive lineman Jason Peters, tight end Antonio Gates, defensive stalwart John Randle, and former Patriots wideout Wes Welker are just a few undrafted prospects who went on to have very successful careers in the NFL. All of the talents listed blossomed into superstars, but there has long been a place for these prospects as depth pieces as well.
For the Houston Texans, this year’s crop of undrafted free agents are all fighting for a chance to realize their professional dreams and recognize their potential. Listed below are each of the nine prospects signed following the 2023 NFL Draft.
- EDGE Ali Gaye
- WR Jared Wayne, Pittsburgh
- RB Xazavian Valladay
- OL Tyler Beach
- DB Darius Joiner
- OL Dylan Deatherage,
- P Joe Doyle
- WR Jesse Matthews
- OL Kilian Zierer
Which of these prospects have the best chance at making it to the final roster? Here are three candidates we believe have a solid shot.
Ali Gaye
You can never have too many pass rushers in the NFL, and former LSU edge rusher Ali Gaye represents another potential piece to the puzzle at a low cost. Considering that new head coach DeMeco Ryans oversaw a 49ers defense known for its defensive line rotations, it would come with little shock if the Texans decide to carry extra personnel at the position.
Gaye would represent a solid depth piece to an already much improved Texans defensive line. In three seasons with the Tigers, Gaye recorded 87 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and seven sacks according to Sports Reference. Though the stats aren’t mindblowing, Gaye was a constant disruptor at LSU and was quickly scooped up by the Texans following the draft.
Gaye’s size is perfect for an NFL defensive lineman at 6’6” and 250 pounds. If he can put on a solid showing at Texans training camp, there is little reason to believe that the team won’t keep him on as a developmental piece. That would be a win-win scenario for Gaye and the Houston Texans organization.
Tyler Beach
Performance in the trenches is a must for any successful NFL franchise. Insert former Wisconsin offensive guard Tyler Beach.
Currently listed as the third string on ESPN's Houston Texans depth chart, Beach certainly has a way to go if he wants a chance to stick on the final roster. With uncertainty surrounding the Texans' offensive line depth, there is a very real chance that with a solid summer performance, Bleach could be donning the blue and white.
At 6’6” and 308 pounds, Beach brings NFL size to the table and is polished in his technique. Add in his 40-yard dash time of 5.32 seconds and a shuttle time of 4.76, and you have a prospect with a solid blend of athleticism and speed, good for those necessary second-level blocks.
You can never have enough promising offensive linemen, and Beach represents one of those undrafted talents worth taking a flier on.
Xazavian Valladay
With the Houston Texans not addressing the running back position with one of their draft selections, all eyes were set on one of the bigger prizes in the undrafted free agent pool, former Wyoming and Arizona State running back Xazavian Valladay.
Valladay had an exceptional collegiate career, rushing for over 1,000 yards three times on 5.3 yards per carry, and capped off his senior season with a career-high 18 touchdowns (16 rushing, two receiving). With additional depth behind incumbent Dameon Pierce and free agent signee Devin Singletary in question, it could prove very likely that Valladay could sneak his way onto this Texans roster.
While speculation ran rampant surrounding possible additions of Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott to the running back room, the cheaper in-house option in Valladay could prove to be more appealing for the Houston Texans. With the running back market slowly dwindling, keeping around an in-house option could prove to be the smart play.