Houston Texans free agent steal Jeff Okudah is already impressing at OTAs
The Houston Texans embarked on the offseason with a strategic plan to bolster every aspect of their team, except for the quarterback position, which was already at its peak. They strategically added more firepower to C.J. Stroud's arsenal with the acquisitions of Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. Additionally, they made significant strides in fortifying their […]
The Houston Texans embarked on the offseason with a strategic plan to bolster every aspect of their team, except for the quarterback position, which was already at its peak. They strategically added more firepower to C.J. Stroud's arsenal with the acquisitions of Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. Additionally, they made significant strides in fortifying their defense, securing the services of Danielle Hunter, and drafting promising talents.
One aspect that may have been overlooked is the significant reinforcement the team has made in the cornerback position this off-season. This was an area that needed urgent attention. While they already had a top-three cornerback in the league, Derek Stingley, the support around him was lacking. To address this, the team brought in two players who were top 10 picks just a few years ago, signaling a potential turnaround in the defense.
The Texans got C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah for very cheap. Yet these guys can be big contributors to the defense. The two, along with Stingley and rookie Kamarri Lassiter, can be a great cornerback unit if all goes well. And, as far as what we have seen so far, Okudah is already making some big-time plays at OTAs.
In Week 2 of OTAs, Okudah has been seen playing great defense, knocking passes down, and just being a pest as a defensive back.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans was more than excited to get these guys in the building.
"What stood out most to me about Jeff and CJ is you see elite movers," Ryans said at OTAs. "You see why these guys were top-five picks. They have movement skills, are big fast, and have long corners that can run with anybody, and have had some ups and downs in their careers. This is their third team and short career, but as I have told those guys, I don't care what happened in the past.
"You can wipe the slate clean; it really doesn't matter how you can come out and help us. They have been here every day of the offseason program and have done a great job of being dialed in at the meetings and on the field. I am super excited to work with both guys."
The Texans have a spot open for the CB2 and CB3 positions. With the plays Okudah has been making, I wouldn't rule him out as the guy who could have the spot. Both of Henderson and Okudah could fight for those spots, as could rookie Lassiter. However, Lassiter could also play the nickel position, too.
Either way, the Texans, on paper, have a great cornerback room thus far. Now, we will see if that translates to the field or not. But, for now, it's pretty clear they can be good, and Ryans thinks so as well. And those two guys may not be very old, but they have already been through as seen a lot, from being at the top as big-time draft picks to being castaways, in a way. This is going to be a solid group.
Houston Texans sign cornerback C.J. Henderson to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million
The Texans are bolstering their defense.
