Could this be the season that multiple undrafted free agents make the Houston Texans’ roster?
With the Texans’ rookie minicamp about to be underway, sights turn past the eight draft selections and toward the dozens of names inked to contracts with a shot at making the 53-man roster in September. And while it seems unlikely that a team built to win now would keep even one undrafted free agent, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has always let the competition play out on the field.
Making the active roster wouldn’t be the weirdest thing for the franchise. The greatest running back to ever set foot in Reliant Stadium was an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee who by the end of the draft was begging for a chance to become a free agent rather than locked into a team as a seventh-round pick.
No, there’s likely not an Arian Foster 2.0 on this squad, but it doesn’t hurt for the Texans to leave all options open. And yes, Ryans will make sure that the best players get on the field, regardless of draft location and salary.
So, could an Azeez Al-Shaair clone be waiting to prove his value on Friday during rookie minicamp? Let’s meet the 12 undrafted rookies.
Oregon RB Noah Whittington
While the Texans needed to address the need for a running back, they waited until after the picks to swoop up Whittington from Oregon. A two-year starter, the 5-foot-8 and 190-pounder rushed for 829 yards and six touchdowns in his final season with the Ducks while averaging over 6.3 yards per run.
With David Montgomery, Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan and British Brooks all in lockstep, Whittington will need a promising training camp to even be considered as an option.
Illinois State WR Daniel Sobkowicz
Even though he’s a small-school prospect, Sobkowicz has stepped up in big-time moments. During his four seasons with the Red Birds, the 6-foot-3 pass-catcher finished three 1,000-yard seasons, including a 1,141-yard campaign en route to a FCS national title appearance in 2025. He also finished with FCS-leading 19 touchdowns touchdown receptions.
Stanford CB Collin Wright
Wright might end up actually being the best option among undrafted prospects to make the squad. Expected to be a nickel corner and a special teams contributor, Wright totaled 33 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown in nine games. He’s also a willing tackler against the run, so a shift inside feels like an ideal fit.
Iowa State OT James Neal III
Neal was a surprise non-draft pick on Day 3, but instead joins Cole Popovich’s crew for the summer. With the Cyclones, Neal started 32 games between three different positions. The flexibility could make him a name to watch as a late addition to the roster.
Syracuse P Jack Stonehouse
Given that Tommy Townsend left in free agency, Stonehouse might have the inside track on becoming the Texans’ long-term answer at the position. Last season with the Orange, Stonehouse averaged 47.1 yards per punt, which ranked in the top 10 in college football. He’ll battle it out with Kai Kroger for reps.
South Dakota State OT Sam Hagen
A two-year starter for the Jackrabbits, Hagen was viewed as one of the top FCS offensive linemen. At the NFL level, he’s expected to shift inside to guard.
Missouri CB Stephen Hall
Hall is largely unknown after being limited in the SEC. In his two seasons with the Tigers, he recorded 26 tackles and three pass deflections. Before that, he started one season at Washington State. His best chance of making the squad will likely come from special teams depth.
NC State DE Sabastian Harsh
A transfer from Wyoming, Harsh finished his final college season with 41 tackles, seven tackles for loss and thee sacks. He’s still learning how to play football, as he began his career just four seasons ago.
Yale RB Josh Pitsenberger
Pitsenberger will likely be the least likely to make the squad, but given his background, you can’t entirely rule it out. A former team captain for the Bulldogs, he rushed for 1,571 yards and 19 TDs during his final season.
Tennessee DL Dominic Bailey
Another multi-purpose defender, Bailey could be that tweener-type, similar to former starter Denico Autry. Last season in Knoxville, Bailey posted 27 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble. There’s plenty to like with his upside.
Colgate WR Treyvhon Saunders
Saunders was much like sixth-round Lewis Bond during his time in college. He finished as Colgate’s all-time leader in receptions with over 230 and posted over 2,000 yards. He will be on an uphill climb as an FCS talent to make the active roster.
Incarnate Word WR Jalen Walthall
Another FCS standout, Walthall, finished with 2,595 yards in two seasons as the Cardinals’ leading receiver. He also totaled 155 receptions, including back-to-back years of over 70 receptions. A Houston product, Walthall will definetly have fans pulling for him.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Who are the undrafted free agents looking to make the Texans’ roster?
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
