The Houston Texans had a solid draft, but continued their success after the draft by signing some of the best undrafted free agents available, including Illinois State wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz and Oregon running back Noah Whittington.
They also had Syracuse’s Jack Stonehouse, who was one of college football’s top punters last season, but decided to waive him in favor of Kai Kroeger, a former starter for the New Orleans Saints acquired this offseason.
Sobkowicz has performed well so far in training camp with some impressive catches. However, with the amount of talent Houston has in their wide receiver room, it will be difficult for him to make the final roster.
Whittington, who started the last two seasons for the Ducks, has also been turning heads in training camp on offense and special teams, which could help him gain a roster spot.
For Sobkowicz, Whittington and others of the players fighting for a roster spot, Houston’s three preseason games will be critical for showing they belong in the NFL.
“With undrafted free agents, it’s a tough hill to climb for those guys to get out on the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “The thing for those guys is getting those game reps in preseason. That’s where you get to see most of those guys. Here, we get a lot of reps with our first and second unit, so they don’t see a ton of reps, but they’ll get their action in the game. I’m excited to see who shows up come game time.”
Houston’s first preseason game is on Thurs., Aug. 13, against the Los Angeles Chargers. Sobkowicz and Whittington will be two undrafted rookies to keep an eye on offensively throughout the game.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on undrafted rookies: ‘They have tough hill to climb in camp’
Reporting by Ariana Pensy, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ariana Pensy, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
