With Organized Team Activities (OTAs) under way, there are many eyes upon the rookies selected in the NFL Draft. But there’s another select group that the coaches are paying a little extra attention to as well: the undrafted free agents (UDFAs). Although these players didn’t have their names called in the draft, they still have a chance to make an NFL team. In this article, we will be focusing on three undrafted free agents that will make the Texans roster.
Making the Team: Houston Texans Undrafted Free Agents
Dylan Cole – Linebacker – Missouri State
It’s hard to believe that Dylan Cole didn’t get drafted. Cole wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but had a monster performance at his Pro Day. The linebacker, out of Missouri State, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times. He also recorded a 39 inch vertical jump and a 10.5 feet broad jump. If Cole had attended the Combine, he would’ve been the second fastest linebacker and would’ve had the most reps on the bench press.
Numbers from the Combine or Pro Day don’t necessarily translate into NFL success, but they can make a player seem more valuable. Cole was a tackling machine in his time at Missouri State, racking up 457 total tackles (40.5 for loss), as well as five sacks and three forced fumbles. His agility and speed makes Cole a better fit as a coverage linebacker as well; he finished with 21 pass deflections and five interceptions.
Eli Ankou – Defensive Tackle – UCLA
Eli Ankou is another player who missed an invitation to the Combine but performed well at his Pro Day. Ankou benched 225 pounds 30 times and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.21 seconds. After redshirting his freshman year and missing most of his second season with an injury, Ankou finished his college career with 91 tackles (eight for loss), one sack, and three pass deflections.
With the status of the position due to Vince Wilfork‘s retirement still up in the air, the Texans are focused on bringing in extra defensive line depth and Eli Ankou can be a great addition.
Malik Smith – Safety – San Diego State
Malik Smith has been a productive safety for the San Diego State Aztecs. Smith didn’t start in his freshman year but did, however, play as a true freshman before earning a starting spot his sophomore year. The young safety finished his college career with 211 tackles (11.5 for loss) and a forced fumble. Smith also registered 32 pass deflections and eight interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown.
Though not invited to the Combine, Smith impressed at his Pro Day. He ran a 4.58 second 40, put up 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and registered a 34 inch vertical jump. In comparison to safeties who participated in the Combine, Smith would have ranked 12th in the 40-yard dash and tied for first in the bench press. While he will likely not get a shot at a starting spot, Smith still adds some good depth at the safety position that the Texans definitely need.
