Houston Texans: Undrafted Free-agent Analysis

Bubba Bartlett (TE/FB, Carroll College)

6’1” 237 lbs

Bartlett ranks just outside the top ten fullbacks of this year’s class in most lists. He has proven to be a willing blocker with fairly reliable hands. This will allow him to fill an H-back like role. However, unless he blows Kubiak away with something that didn’t show up in college, he will not make the team. The fullback position is set even if the Texans do not retain Vonta Leach as James Casey has bulked up for the role. The tight end position is also loaded up.

Jeff Maehl (WR, Oregon)

6’1” 184 lbs

Maehl became an extremely reliable target in the Oregon Ducks tremendous season this past year. Pulling in 77 receptions for over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs shows his production, but some give credit to the gimmick offense that he played in. He does not have the great speed that is looked for in a NFL receiver and would probably be best suited in the slot where he could use his good hands and sharp route running ability. He has a chance to compete with David Anderson for a roster spot, but will very likely end up being cut or placed on the practice squad.

Zac Pauga (FB, Colorado State)

6’0” 248lbs

TE/FB James Casey bulking up and Kubiak bringing in two lead blockers to compete might suggest that the team is willing to let FB Leach walk away in free agency thus opening a door for Pauga. Rated slightly lower than Bartlett, he has more experience as a receiver. However that likely won’t matter in the fullback camp competition as the Texans need a hammer in the back field to open holes for Arian Foster.

Pete Hendrickson (OT, Tulane)
6’7” 304lbs

This big man has the fairly lean body and quick feet that are coveted in zone blocking tackles. Though this local prospect played for a small school and has no real experience against top level opponents, he has a chance to compete for a spot on the practice squad. Both starting tackle spots as well as the swing tackle back up spot are locked in so Hendrickson would have to be a developmental guy.

Lestar Jean (WR, Florida Atlantic)
6’3” 211 lbs

Following the East-West Shrine game earlier this year, Todd McShay had nothing but praise to give for this big and athletic wide out. He has the ability to go deep or take a simple bubble screen to the house. Granted it takes time for wide receivers to transition to the NFL, but Jean may be a potential answer to the Texans search for a #2 option to Andre Johnson. Houston needs a reliable player that has enough speed for the opposing defenses to respect him, thus taking pressure off #80. Don’t bank on it but he has plenty of potential.

Terrance Toliver (WR, LSU)

6’4” 212 lbs

He ran a better than expect 40 yard dash, but his in-game speed will not terrify you. He went up against the best defenses in college football (those of the SEC) and produced. Although his stats will not blow you away, considering he had half of his team’s touchdown catches and more than a quarter of the receiving yardage, that’s pretty darn impressive. He has great size and run-after-the-catch ability as well as pretty good hands. At times one would think he should do better, but he has plenty of potential. He is another guy in a crowd of developmental wide receivers.

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Bryan Braman (LB, West Texas A&M)

6’5” 241 lbs

Possessing good height, Braman will have to transition from a college defensive end to an NFL 3-4 outside linebacker. He was well renowned for his athleticism in high school but couldn’t blow anyone away in college. He still maintains fairly good speed but he has a slight frame, playing at less than the 241 pounds that is listed. He will need to show something special as the Texans already have 3 of the 4 or 5 outside linebacker positions locked in. He will meet competition from this year’s Mr. Irrelevant ( Cheta Ozougwu) as well as veterans that will likely be added.

Adrian Taylor (DL, Oklahoma)

6’4” 302 lbs

There are concerns with Taylor as he has had multiple ankles injuries over the past two seasons. His production also fell off significantly last season possibly due to the injuries but more likely because of the loss of fellow DT Gerald McCoy. McCoy was good enough to go in the top 3 of the 2010 NFL Draft and no longer having such a great player next to him likely caused Taylor to have a drop in stats. He does show good hustle as well as an ability to hold his ground against the run, however he does not offer much against the pass. He is likely a 3-technique end, but he also has experience at nose tackle (his body type fits that of one in a Wade Phillips scheme). This versatility will certainly help him.

Jason Teague (CB, TCU)

6’2” 184 lbs

A contributor to TCU’s stellar defense, Teague has a great frame that will allow him to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and fight off blocks. He has shown fluidity and quickness, but his lack of deep speed and lean body show up as weaknesses in his game. Seeing as the Texans are in a state of flux in the secondary, he has an opportunity to earn a spot, however the team has loaded up the back end with young prospects so it will be a fierce competition.

Steven Friday (LB, Virginia Tech)

6’3” 240 lbs

Showing up his senior year, Friday posted 8.5 sacks as well as 15 tackles for loss. The athleticism and speed are there for him to be a successful player in the NFL, but he needs to learn a larger variety of pass rush moves. The transition from DE to OLB will take some time, but the potential is there. Seeing as the Texans have Mario Williams, Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed already at the position, the contest for the final spot or two will be a thing to watch.

John Graves (DE, Virginia Tech)

6’3” 286 lbs

As an undersized defensive tackle in college, he translates into a defensive end in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. Further fitting the role, he excels as a one gap penetrator which is what Wade asks of his lineman. He has tremendous athletic talent and the Texans might be able to pull it out onto the playing field. Considering his fit in the scheme, Graves has a chance to earn a back-up spot as a developmental player. The Texans have their starters set, and they will bring in veterans who are familiar with the 3-4, so the practice squad is a likely landing spot.

Maurice Rolle (S, Louisiana-Lafayette)

6’ 0” 198 lbs

Rolle has proven to the football world that he is a great athlete, running a 4.46 40 and posting a 37 inch vertical jump. The coverage ability is also there, possibly enough to contribute in nickel or dime situations. However, questions arise concerning health. Of the four seasons he has played he has not been able to play in every game due to injury - last season, he only played in six games. Also coming from a small school, he has very little experience against higher level opponents (injuries caused him to miss games against ranked opponents such as LSU, Nebraska and Oklahoma State). Also with a large group of defensive backs heading into camp, it is likely he will not make the cut.

Brett Hartmann (P, Central Michigan)

6’3” 224 lbs

Beating the stereotype of most punters, Hartmann proved at his pro-day how athletic he is, running a 4.68 FYD. His numbers in college weren’t mind blowing, but he will offer competition to the aging Matt Turk. Turk has maintained good relations with the club, but his average has dropped over the past few years. Seeing as Turk is 43, it might be time to move on to the younger Hartmann.

Mister Alexander (LB, FSU)

6’3” 231 lbs

Alexander has been two different players in his college career. In his first year playing, he showed a knack for getting to the quarterback, generating 5 sacks and a plethora of hurries. However last season, he turned into a usual linebacker that never really stood out. Some games he would produce, racking up as many as 8 tackles while in others he would disappear. Playing outside linebacker at the next level may be a problem for him for even though he shows good speed and burst, he does not have the size or strength to shed off blockers and get to the quarterback. The athletic potential is there, but he needs to put on weight and up his game during training camp to get a spot on the team.

By Derek Updegrove
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer