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While the Houston Texans are devoid of Jadeveon Clowney in training camp, a rookie is getting his shot to play in training camp. Charles Omenihu — the Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 — is impressing, according to defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
“I think he’s been doing good. Chuck’s [Charles] came in, he’s listening, does his best to learn. I think he’s just going to continue to develop. He’s got a tremendous amount of talent. He’s a great player,” said Reader on Monday, via USA Today.
A fifth-round pick, Omenihu is more of a developmental project for the Texans. He’s a good one at that.
Omenihu’s promise as a prospect comes with his NFL-ready frame and athleticism that follows. At the NFL Combine, the former Texas Longhorn measured in at 6-foot-5, 280-pounds. He then proceeded to record a 4.92 40-time, 36.5-inch vertical, 115-inch broad jump, 7.48-second three-cone-drill, and 4.36-second twenty-yard shuttle; all impressive numbers for his size.
But, he has a downfall; his technique could use improvement. As NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says, he “steps off the bus with a physique that says NFL defensive end, but his skill-set and football acumen are still very raw.”
Luckily, according to Reader’s comments, he’s taking that rawness to heart by consistently working on his game. He’s even been watching and learning from three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt like a sponge.
As Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver says via USA Today, “He’s actively trying to get better at his craft and he is on 99 [J.J. Watt] like a sponge, to the point where I’m sure he’s probably tired of hearing his voice.”
For a player that has a “tremendous amount of talent” learning from Watt may mean Houston is building up yet another dominant pass-rusher.