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Texans 2014 UDFAs

htownfan32 said:
Whoop!

I love this pick-up. He was the most reliable receiver on the A&M team last season. Gave Manziel a safety blanket and was an excellent slot receiver.

Dude worked his way up from being a walk-on to making the team. Used to be on the Women's Basketball team as a practice squad player for them.
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What?
 
#Texans have signed Marcus Williams, CB from North Dakota State.
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I know that name well. This guy went off on SHSU in the FCS National Championship game a year ago with two picks on a big time stage. This is a solid pickup for us.
 
Playoffs said:
#Texans sign Michigan State ILB Max Bullough.
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Scouts takes
10. MAX BULLOUGH, Michigan State (6-3½, 248, 4.75, 5-6) – Three-year starter at MLB with a Wonderlic of 31 and 30 reps on the bench press. "Kind of the team's leader," one scout said. "All intangibles, not as good of a football player. Taller and plays tall. Average speed. But he lines everybody up and gets everybody under control." His grandfather Hank was the Packers' defensive coordinator from 1988-'91 after playing 20 games at guard for them in the late 1950s. "His reputation and his name will help him a lot so he'll probably get drafted (late)," a second scout said. "I'd take him as a free agent because he's smart and plays hard." Added a third scout: "Try-hard overachiever. Tough kid. Typical Big Ten guy." From Traverse City, Mich.
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IDEXAN said:
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Bullough was a four-year contributor and three-year starter at middle linebacker, finishing with 299 tackles (18th in MSU history) and 30 ½ for losses (11th). He was All-Big Ten first team and an MSU captain the past two seasons and a third-team All-American as a senior, quarterbacking a defense that led the nation in total defense for most of the season.
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This guy is a better athlete than he's given credit for. He has a real chance at making this team.
AnthonyE said:
I know that name well. This guy went off on SHSU in the FCS National Championship game a year ago with two picks on a big time stage. This is a solid pickup for us.
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Williams is the UDFA I'm excited about. Not only did he dominate at his level (7 pick 6's & 2 KR TDs), but he stepped up against better competition. ND State upset FBS schools on the road to open the past 3 seasons. In each game, Williams came up with an INT. Like Bullough, Williams was coached by Crennel at the East West Shriner game.
 
Insideop said:
I'm pretty surprised at some of the players that went undrafted like Skov and Bullough among others. I know it happens every year so I shouldn't be surprised, but I often wonder why they drop and other players I don't think will be drafted often go in the mid and later rounds. Guess the GM's and Coaches are smarter than us. :thinking:

Anyway, has anybody heard anything about where Isaiah Lewis went? He's a SS that played with Bullough at Michigan St. Was hoping the Texans would pick him in the later rounds but he's another one that dropped to UDFA status.
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Don't forget about Antonio Richardson (OT). He was projected to go early 2nd to early 3rd & didn't get drafted at all. Anyone know why?
 
I've got really high hopes for Max Bullough. I enjoyed watching him play last season. I think he'd fit in next to Cush as our 2 down thumper. That is, if he can get back to where he was last season. He kinda disappointed me showing up overweight to the East-West Shrine Game.
 
Not surprised to see that Bullough is getting the big headlines, but don't sleep on Chris Young. He was a playmaker at ASU and I had him graded as my top sleeper at ILB in this draft.
 
WolverineFan said:
Not surprised to see that Bullough is getting the big headlines, but don't sleep on Chris Young. He was a playmaker at ASU and I had him graded as my top sleeper at ILB in this draft.
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This makes me happy.

That ILB spot had me worried. I'm glad we got Bullough and if Young is another guy who could come in and shore up that position, I would be happy.
 
I want to see Cushing outside in base. I think he's a great fit outside opposite Clowney. He can rush and he would be a plus from that position in coverage. I'd play him right over the TE and then move him inside in nickel and dime.

Move Reed inside and let those guys fight it out for the starters roles. Maybe find more help on the waiver wire.

Either that or leave Reed outside because I just don't believe we can start Clowney and Mercilus at OLB. I think both are weakside edge rushers you want getting up the field and I'd prefer Clowney to play that role. I don't think Mercilus can play over the TE. Would much rather leave Reed outside as he can at least be serviceable there. Maybe mercilus can go to ILB. Mercilus is one of only two guys currently on the roster to be listed as just a LB without the inside or outside distinction.
 
xtruroyaltyx said:
What?
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Which part confuses you? He was a scout team player for the Women's Basketball team. Emulated other teams' offenses during their practices. Someone saw him during the summer, urged him to tryout for football. He walked on as a slot receiver and became Manziel's Wes Welker.
 
Bullough wasnt on my my radar but after hearing so many positive things about him I went and looked him up.

He's making the team.

He has a really good chance if starting or at the least getting playing time and being a special teams player.
 
WolverineFan said:
Not surprised to see that Bullough is getting the big headlines, but don't sleep on Chris Young. He was a playmaker at ASU and I had him graded as my top sleeper at ILB in this draft.
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Did you scout Brock Coyle from Montana? I think he's the protypical lb of the future, an over sized safety that never comes off the field. He went to seattle UDFA and if he doesn't make their squad I hope we scoop him up. Does everything well and is extremely quick. Bullough reminds me of the second coming of idiot cannonball, constantly shooting the wrong gap with his hair on fire.
 
NastyNate said:
Did you scout Brock Coyle from Montana? I think he's the protypical lb of the future, an over sized safety that never comes off the field. He went to seattle UDFA and if he doesn't make their squad I hope we scoop him up. Does everything well and is extremely quick. Bullough reminds me of the second coming of idiot cannonball, constantly shooting the wrong gap with his hair on fire.
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I did not. I'm aware of him because I took a good look at Jordan Tripp, but did not focus on Coyle much at all. I know he had a tremendous pro day.
 
I wish the Texans would give fellow Gamecock alum Victor Hampton a look. He would be an upgrade at nickel CB.
 
Credit goes to some dude in the comments section of BattleRedBlog.



Nathan Slaughter

STRENGTHS Very well put together for his size. Has a 44 1/2-inch vertical jump. Displays top-end, finishing speed in the return game and can pull away from the pack (returned three kickoffs for TDs as a senior). Tracks the ball well over his shoulder and is a reliable catcher. Scraps and battles for extra yardage after the catch. Gritty blocker. Flashes explosive, playmaking ability. Nice vision and creativity after the catch. Rare speed to scream off edge in blocking situations.

WEAKNESSES Small and a bit straight-linish, gearing down to cut. Ran a simple route tree and does not separate with much savvy. Drifts in his routes. Could stand to do a better job stemming and setting up defensive backs. Was not challenged by Lone Star Football Conference competition.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7-Priority free agent

BOTTOM LINE Possesses rare speed and leaping ability to factor immediately in the return game and bring additional value as a slot receiver. Unique athletic traits could allow him to overcome lack of size.

Chris Boswell

STRENGTHS Very good leg strength to convert consistently beyond 50 yards, with 13 career 50-yard-plus field goals. Consistently drives the ball through the end zone on kickoffs. Has proven he can handle pressure. Works at his craft. Confident approach. Outstanding career production — Rice career record-holder in many categories. Four-year starter.

WEAKNESSES Marginal rise, lift and hang-time on kickoffs. Tends to line the ball with a low trajectory. Could stand to hasten his approach (8 career missed extra-point attempts). Has a quirky follow-through.

DRAFT PROJECTION Priority free agent

BOTTOM LINE Tall, right-footed, 3-by-2 kicker with NFL starter-caliber leg strength and kickoff potential.

Chris Martin

STRENGTHS Good overall mass and weight-room strength. Flashes some straight-line power and nastiness to finish blocks. Has enough strength to hold the point of attack.

WEAKNESSES Tight-crotched, short-stepper with limited blocking range. Has short arms and plays short-armed with limited extension and reach. Has a soft punch and is more of a grabber than a puncher. Does not play strong in the run game. Overextends and falls off blocks easily. Feet tend to die on contact. Marginal balance — spends too much time on the ground.

DRAFT PROJECTION Priority free agent

BOTTOM LINE A big-bodied, grabber lacking the length and agility ideally suited to handle the edges and the core strength desired on the inside. Has a chance when he plays square and has an angle, but athletic limitations could always be restricting.

Matt Feiler

STRENGTHS Outstanding size. Good upper-body strength. Can control and steer blockers when he gets his hands on them. Flashes pop in his punch.

WEAKNESSES Not a natural bender. Limited explosion and balance. Spends too much time on the ground. Marginal arm length and agility to cut off the rush and handle edge speed. Late to hit a moving target.

DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent

BOTTOM LINE Top-heavy, thick-bodied, short-armed plodder best in a phone booth. College left tackle who needs to move inside for a man-blocking, power-based offensive line to fend for a roster spot in the pros.

Anthony Denham

STRENGTHS Outstanding size and overall length (body and arms). Can climb the ladder to secure the ball. Effective outside-the-numbers/red-zone target.

WEAKNESSES Marginal play speed. Does not sell his routes and gives up break points. Struggles to beat the jam, and most catches are contested. Does not keep working to uncover or show much awareness for zones. Disinterested, lackadaisical blocker. No special-teams value.

BOTTOM LINE Long-limbed, high-cut possession receiver must learn what it means to be a pro to stand a chance to realize his potential. Very raw size prospect. Was invited to the combine as a tight end and proving he could project to the position in spring workouts could enhance his draft status.

Chris Coyle
http://www.houseofsparky.com/2014/5/7/5686078/2014-nfl-draft-profile-te-christopher-coyle

Strengths: Coyle has always that play-making potential that he showed off in that 2012 game against Illinois. It’s performances like that may make teams want to take a flier on him. He is quick for a tight end, running the 40-yard dash in as a little as 4.86 seconds.

Weaknesses: He regressed a little in 2013 after a standout 2012, seeing his receptions, touchdowns and yardage numbers all drop. He is undersized for a tight end, and will likely need to put on some weight to help with his blocking.

Outlook: NFL teams will be wary to take him after disappointing in his senior season after showing so much promise in 2012. He is quick, but other tight end prospects are quicker. Teams in need of tight ends will likely spend one of their precious seven picks on a higher-upside player.

Max Bullough

STRENGTHS Terrific football intelligence. Keys and diagnoses quickly, understands run fits and spills willingly. Physical — good take-on/tackle strengh between the tackles. Pursues hard. Good tackler when he’s able to square up ball carriers. Two-year captain with outstanding football character. Leads vocally and by example. Football is in his blood and approaches the game accordingly. His 30 bench-press reps were tied for most among linebackers at the combine.

WEAKNESSES Average athlete. Not explosive. Tight hips (exposed in space). Limited foot speed, lateral agility and range. Can be late to the perimeter. Struggles in man coverage and is stiff dropping/turning in coverage. Non-explosive athlete: His 31-inch vertical and 9-foot, 3-inch broad jump were among the worst posted by linebackers at the combine.

DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 4-5

BOTTOM LINE Big, tough, experienced, durable, competitive Mike linebacker who was a heart-and-soul type for the stingiest defense in college football. Like a coach on the field, Bullough is a throwback talent whose instincts and technique will have to compensate for athletic limitations for him to win a starting role.

Marcus Williams
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/...marcus-williams-north-dakota-state-cornerback

Strengths

Williams was ridiculously productive at North Dakota State. He has an eye for the ball and was an absolute ballhawk. He was also productive on kick returns. He is very good at mirroring wide receivers in coverage and knows how to be physical without drawing flags. He has solid instincts and can play press or off-man coverage. He is the type of cornerback that may give up a catch but will not give up much YAC (similar to Cary Williams). Williams is a nasty hitter when given the chance. He also plays the ball in the air with patience and confidence.

Weaknesses

Williams does not backpedal and likely was not coached on it. The technique is almost mandatory at the NFL level and he will need serious coaching on that aspect. He dominated small school talent, where he was clearly the most talented defensive player in the conference. He tends to sometimes forget about the ball in coverage and fails to turn around to avoid flags or produce another interception. He has average to mediocre speed and fails to catch up at times if he’s beat on a long ball. He will bite on fakes at times.
 
Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock
Bester likely to become a fan favorite in camp, McClung as well.

Slaughter is the flash guy. Just an early guess but Id expect Travis Labhart to push Mike Thomas for slot role. McClung will excite, though

It depends on what Bill O'Brien wants out of the slot position. McClung is the most exciting, but not as dependable as Labhart.

Slaughter accels well on bubble, drags, etc. Shifty and fast in the kick return game.

Nathan Slaughter: 4.3 speed, doesn't always show on film. Willing over the middle. Insane vert / speed / broad. Tests off the charts.
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Labhart doesn't have long speed or acceleration. Dependable slot receiver.

Labhart catches naturally with his hands. Quick in and out of his breaks. Has a nasty, quick cut block. Willing blocker for teammates.

Travis Labhart: Great jab step, best route runner out of the 4. Makes precise cut off inside foot. Finds holes in zone. Killer out & up.
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McClung doesn't like to block & he's got a hop in his route before cuts. He'll have to polish this aspect up. Similar to Jacoby Jones

Anthony McClung: Highly productive, real shifty. Instant acceleration, very quick. Quick get off. But crucial drops / mistakes in games.
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I wouldn't expect Bester to make the 2014 #Texans roster, but an ideal candidate for the P Squad. Tons of upside. Immediate YAC ability.

Out of the 4 WRs Bester has the potential to be a star, but he has a lot of developing to do. Similar to a shorter Justin Hunter.

Lacoltan Bester: Scored 17 TDs in 1 season at junior college before transfer to Oklahoma. Quick accel off line, elusive in space. Very RAW
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Texans are reportedly bringing in 4 UDFA WRs. Lacoltan Bester / Anthony McClung / Travis Labhart / Nathan Slaughter. Here's my thoughts:
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Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock
Chris Young is a slow ILB with limited range, very limited range. He's a 2 down ILB. I'd be surprised if he makes the 53.

Chris Young doesn't separate well from blocks. Smart tackler that always goes lows & takes out the legs. He helps vs run. Decent blitzer.

IF Max Bullough plays like the games of his that I saw in 2012, he's a no-brainer, ILB for the #Texans. 2013 Bullough is a push.

Bullough took smart angles & good straight line speed. For whatever reason his 2013 film wasn't as impressive. 2012 Bullough makes the 53

In 2012 Max Bullough had decent coverage, got off blocks w/ ease & force vs RBs. Could fight thru double teams &/or shoot gaps. Instinctual

Max Bullough & Chris Young are 2 guys that will come in and copete at ILB as well. Here's some thoughts on those two. #Texans

Chris McAllister is built & plays more like an ILB in Crennel's 3-4. None of his game is intriguing as a pass rusher. ILB could translate

Lloyd has the ability to flatten, but winning is the key. He has so much too develop, he wouldn't be a priority P-squad player IMO. Jack OLB

Terrance Lloyd gets out of position far too often & bites on ball fakes. Decent edge rush, 1 dimensional. Gets manhandled at times. Light

Terrance Lloyd & Chris McAllister were both DEs at Baylor. Both fit at different positions in Crennel's defense. Lloyd as OLB McAllister ILB

Henry could be used as a pass rush specialist, very shifty. Has to add weight. 238 lbs at pro day. Could earn 1 of 8 PS spots & add weight

Cory Henry: Quick get off. Leverage & fight. Made tackle 40 yds downfield. Good off arm pressure. Decent edge speed & dip. Agile & elusive.

Ankrah has strength, but needs to increase full body strength to win w/ more than technique. I expect him to make the 53 man #Texans roster

Jason Ankrah plays w/ leverage & very active. Low pad level, beautiful, natural swim. Arms & legs always moving. Can set the edge.

Jason Ankrah & Cory Henry are the most intriguing of the guys I pegged as 3-4 OLBs.

#Texans bringing in several LBs and DEs. Watching them to see how they should transition in Romeo's 3-4. DEs / DTs / ILBs / OLBs .

Feiler is a wildcard if they plan on moving him to OG for the Texans. He wouldn't be asked to kick wide. Learning curve vs potential. ??

Matt Feiler routinely crosses legs vs speed. Good tech & base vs bull rush. Good quick kick. Played OT, but 32" arms. Weak LOC as well.

Forsch doesn't anchor well & almost always lunges in pass pro. IMO, he'll be released w/o invite to the PS.

Kevin Forsch & Matt Feiler both should play inside in camp. Forsch struggles w/ the bull rush in pass pro. Mauler in run game, weak vs pass.

Bryan Witzmann & Chris Martin are both likely to stay at OT. Witzmann can make the 53 IMO. Martin could be a steal in 1-2 yrs of p-squad.

Martin has a good level base, lunges on insides move, raw w/ technique flaws. Opens hip inside or outside at times. Tons of upside.

Chris Martin: Former TE w/ good base. Bites hard on inside move. Weakness vs shiftiness. Has to improve hand placement. Tons of potential.

Witzmann showed the most potential, IMO, of the UDFA OTs. Level of comp is always an issue, but looked at home vs Nebraska.

Bryan Witzmann: Has a mean streak. Plays w/ quick feet & good leverage, especially for 6'7. Mammoth mauler w/ good feet.

Bryan Witzmann / Chris Martin / Kevin Forsch / Matt Feiler. Here's some of the O-linemen trying to earn a spot on the 53 & where I project

Studied some more on the #Texans UDFAs last night. I'll finish up later this evening. Here's some thoughts.
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Little trivia - Jason Ankrah and Alec Lemon played against each other in the Maryland State high school championship game.

Btw - hadn't seen it mentioned in the forum yet. Lemon took his college # back, he's now #15. EZ is now #17.
 
Slaughter:

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

Guys like Ty Hilton and Julian Eldeman. Their ability to impact the game from different positions across the offense, as well as in the return game are things I can do as well.


What system fits your style of play the best?

Teams that spread defenses out and get athletes in space suit my style of play, such as the Patriots, Saints, Broncos and Colts.
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http://nfldraftdiamonds.com/draft-diamonds-prospect-interview-nathan-slaughter-wrkr-west-texas/
 
michaelm said:
That doesn't necessarily eliminate Webster from being his father, though...
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No, technically, it doesn't. But Webster isn't his father.
With a little Googling I found this...
Upon retirement, Slaughter devoted more time to his family. He and Stacey, who teaches at St. Lawrence Christian Academy, live in Missouri City, Texas. They have four children: Shanelle, who just began her freshman year at the University of Texas-San Antonio on a track scholarship; Saschelle, who's 13 years old; Shantelle, 8; and Webster III, 6.
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Note that the article was written in 2005 which should make the 6-year-old son around 15 these days.

This tells me that's not Webster Slaughter's son.
 
ILB Max Bullough
(on what he learned yesterday) “A lot. We’ve been learning a lot ever since we got here. Obviously, just trying to get started with the new playbook, the new defense, getting to know the guys, the teammates, the coaches. I think that’s as big as anything when you come into a new place. Obviously, learning the playbook and things like that, but getting to know the guys around you; who you play next to, who you’re playing against and the coaching staff obviously is new here and new to all of us.”

(on his first impressions of everything the first day of rookie mini-camp) “Everything has been good since I’ve been here. It’s been an exciting experience for me. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. The coaching staff obviously is a great coaching staff. The guys have a lot of experience. The people I’ve been playing with, my teammates, they’re great. They’ve been through similar things as I have. That’s what’s cool when you get to this part of the process. Guys have been through the same things. Guys have been through high school, college and now we’re all kind of moving forward.”

(on what it was like to go undrafted after all the success he had playing college) “To be honest with you, it’s not about how I got here. It’s not about what I did in college. It’s not about any of that because none of that matters for any of us now. Whether you’re me or anyone else, what’s important now is I’m in Houston doing things that I think are positive, moving myself and this team forward and trying to implement myself in this program the best way I can.”

(on if Hank Bullough is his grandfather) “My grandfather, yes sir.”

(on how tough it was to go through the draft process and not get drafted) “To be honest with you, I’ve really moved on from anything except these last few days in Houston. It doesn’t matter how any of us got here. What matters is we’re here. We’re trying to be coached as well as we can. We’re trying to get to know each other, trying to learn the playbook, especially for a guy in my position. I’m just trying to do the things I can do to move forward as a player and as a team.”

(on his relationship with his grandfather and what he’s meant to him) “My grandfather has been great for me. He’s been a guy that’s been a leader, a role model for me, someone that’s been through a lot of the similar things I have, in terms of playing football around the game. (He) knows a lot about it. Knows the stresses of it, the pressures, the positive and negatives. Him and my whole family combined have been a great resource for me, whether it’s at Michigan State, high school and now that I’m trying out in the pros.”

(on carrying on the family name and how special that is moving forward) “It’s a name that I’ve been honored to carry, obviously since I was born. At Michigan State, it held a lot of weight and that’s something I’m used to. I look at it as a positive, as an advantage; I can go to people that understand what I’m going through, as opposed to a stresser.”

(on what other advantages he has with the football lineage in his family) “I think it’s tough. Obviously, I have talking to (his grandfather). But I think for the most part that’s where it ends, in my opinion. I’ve been around the game a long time. I understand the game. I have a love for the game like they do, so that’s instilled in me since I was a young kid. But really once you get to this level, the college level and at this level; it’s about what you can do for us now, what you can put on film. Your film is your resume and that’s something that I’m taking part in now.”

(on if he agrees with the notion that his football IQ could set him apart from others) “I’ll definitely say that learning the game of football is something that I enjoy. I think that’s something that’s good for me because I enjoy the game. I enjoy the chess match of it, the X’s and O’s of it. When you enjoy something, you do it and you look farther into it and that’s as simple as it is with me. Yeah, I was around football for a while, but I didn’t know anything about football going into Michigan State. I didn’t know anything when I got there. Everything was new to me. Now it’s just about learning new systems.”

(on his thoughts on his opportunity playing linebacker with the Texans) “I mean, to be honest with you my whole focus, everything that is in my mind is do what I got to do in the next half hour to be ready for the next meeting, and take notes in the next meeting, do whatever I have to do to be the best player I can be. And then give myself a shot. We are all here trying to make this team no matter how you got here and that is what I’m excited to be a part of. I enjoy the competition. That is something that I have always loved.”

(on why he thought Houston was the best opportunity for him) “Like I said, the way I got here whether it was a first round draft pick, undrafted, or whatever it was, I’m here now and that is what’s important. I’m trying to make the Texans a better organization.”

(on what he’s trying to prove to the coaches during mini-camp) “I think you have to show that you are going to be a professional, you have to show that you are willing to work hard, that you are going to pay attention and focus and be coachable. That is one thing in the NFL, I think Coach O’Brien has stressed. You have to be coachable and someone who can take in information and translate that and perform on the field. And be a good teammate. It’s always different environment whether going to a new classroom as a kid, or a new team, or a new coach. You have to get to know the people around you and that is how you are going to be the best unit you can possibly be.”

(on his off-the-field issues in the past) “I think anytime you are in this situation you focus on your positives as a player, you understand your strengths, and then you attack and try to overcome any weaknesses or try to make those strengths for yourself. I’m in this position now because of whatever I did in the past, or what I didn’t do in the past whether it be good or bad, but at the end of the day we are all here doing the same thing, we are in the same meeting rooms, and we are trying to become Houston Texans come fall.”

(on why he was suspended at the Rose Bowl) “I’m not talking about anything in the past. I’m looking forward to the future with the Texans.”

(on what he knows about LB Brian Cushing) “I admire a lot of the players around the NFL, all the players, all the veterans, they’ve been through a lot, they kind of know the deal. As rookies, we don’t really know what is going on, we don’t know the playbook, we don’t know what the relationships are like, we don’t know even how to act in certain situations. I have a lot of respect for all the veterans. They’ve been here, they’ve done it, they understand the work ethic, they understand little intricacies of the game we may not know as rookies. I’m looking forward to being around all the veterans and learning things from them.”

(on what it was like to line up next to Jadeveon Clowney at his first practice) “It’s been great lining up against everybody. There are a lot of great players around here no matter how they got here. I’ve just been focusing on trying to do my job, trying to do what I can do be focused, to be prepared, to pay attention and line up and be ready for the next play.”

(on what it’s like learning from Mike Vrabel) “I think it’s always great when you can learn from a coach who obviously has the experience and the excitement and shares that emotion with you. I think that is something the next player is going to have innately. He’s been, along with all of the coaching staff, they have all been very helpful and trying to teach us in a way we understand, a way that we can learn and it’s different for each player and I’ve had a positive experience with Coach Vrabel thus far.”
 
Playoffs said:
ILB Max Bullough
(on what he learned yesterday) “A lot. We’ve been learning a lot ever since we got here. Obviously, just trying to get started with the new playbook, the new defense, getting to know the guys, the teammates, the coaches. I think that’s as big as anything when you come into a new place. Obviously, learning the playbook and things like that, but getting to know the guys around you; who you play next to, who you’re playing against and the coaching staff obviously is new here and new to all of us.”

(on his first impressions of everything the first day of rookie mini-camp) “Everything has been good since I’ve been here. It’s been an exciting experience for me. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. The coaching staff obviously is a great coaching staff. The guys have a lot of experience. The people I’ve been playing with, my teammates, they’re great. They’ve been through similar things as I have. That’s what’s cool when you get to this part of the process. Guys have been through the same things. Guys have been through high school, college and now we’re all kind of moving forward.”

(on what it was like to go undrafted after all the success he had playing college) “To be honest with you, it’s not about how I got here. It’s not about what I did in college. It’s not about any of that because none of that matters for any of us now. Whether you’re me or anyone else, what’s important now is I’m in Houston doing things that I think are positive, moving myself and this team forward and trying to implement myself in this program the best way I can.”

(on if Hank Bullough is his grandfather) “My grandfather, yes sir.”

(on how tough it was to go through the draft process and not get drafted) “To be honest with you, I’ve really moved on from anything except these last few days in Houston. It doesn’t matter how any of us got here. What matters is we’re here. We’re trying to be coached as well as we can. We’re trying to get to know each other, trying to learn the playbook, especially for a guy in my position. I’m just trying to do the things I can do to move forward as a player and as a team.”

(on his relationship with his grandfather and what he’s meant to him) “My grandfather has been great for me. He’s been a guy that’s been a leader, a role model for me, someone that’s been through a lot of the similar things I have, in terms of playing football around the game. (He) knows a lot about it. Knows the stresses of it, the pressures, the positive and negatives. Him and my whole family combined have been a great resource for me, whether it’s at Michigan State, high school and now that I’m trying out in the pros.”

(on carrying on the family name and how special that is moving forward) “It’s a name that I’ve been honored to carry, obviously since I was born. At Michigan State, it held a lot of weight and that’s something I’m used to. I look at it as a positive, as an advantage; I can go to people that understand what I’m going through, as opposed to a stresser.”

(on what other advantages he has with the football lineage in his family) “I think it’s tough. Obviously, I have talking to (his grandfather). But I think for the most part that’s where it ends, in my opinion. I’ve been around the game a long time. I understand the game. I have a love for the game like they do, so that’s instilled in me since I was a young kid. But really once you get to this level, the college level and at this level; it’s about what you can do for us now, what you can put on film. Your film is your resume and that’s something that I’m taking part in now.”

(on if he agrees with the notion that his football IQ could set him apart from others) “I’ll definitely say that learning the game of football is something that I enjoy. I think that’s something that’s good for me because I enjoy the game. I enjoy the chess match of it, the X’s and O’s of it. When you enjoy something, you do it and you look farther into it and that’s as simple as it is with me. Yeah, I was around football for a while, but I didn’t know anything about football going into Michigan State. I didn’t know anything when I got there. Everything was new to me. Now it’s just about learning new systems.”

(on his thoughts on his opportunity playing linebacker with the Texans) “I mean, to be honest with you my whole focus, everything that is in my mind is do what I got to do in the next half hour to be ready for the next meeting, and take notes in the next meeting, do whatever I have to do to be the best player I can be. And then give myself a shot. We are all here trying to make this team no matter how you got here and that is what I’m excited to be a part of. I enjoy the competition. That is something that I have always loved.”

(on why he thought Houston was the best opportunity for him) “Like I said, the way I got here whether it was a first round draft pick, undrafted, or whatever it was, I’m here now and that is what’s important. I’m trying to make the Texans a better organization.”

(on what he’s trying to prove to the coaches during mini-camp) “I think you have to show that you are going to be a professional, you have to show that you are willing to work hard, that you are going to pay attention and focus and be coachable. That is one thing in the NFL, I think Coach O’Brien has stressed. You have to be coachable and someone who can take in information and translate that and perform on the field. And be a good teammate. It’s always different environment whether going to a new classroom as a kid, or a new team, or a new coach. You have to get to know the people around you and that is how you are going to be the best unit you can possibly be.”

(on his off-the-field issues in the past) “I think anytime you are in this situation you focus on your positives as a player, you understand your strengths, and then you attack and try to overcome any weaknesses or try to make those strengths for yourself. I’m in this position now because of whatever I did in the past, or what I didn’t do in the past whether it be good or bad, but at the end of the day we are all here doing the same thing, we are in the same meeting rooms, and we are trying to become Houston Texans come fall.”

(on why he was suspended at the Rose Bowl) “I’m not talking about anything in the past. I’m looking forward to the future with the Texans.”

(on what he knows about LB Brian Cushing) “I admire a lot of the players around the NFL, all the players, all the veterans, they’ve been through a lot, they kind of know the deal. As rookies, we don’t really know what is going on, we don’t know the playbook, we don’t know what the relationships are like, we don’t know even how to act in certain situations. I have a lot of respect for all the veterans. They’ve been here, they’ve done it, they understand the work ethic, they understand little intricacies of the game we may not know as rookies. I’m looking forward to being around all the veterans and learning things from them.”

(on what it was like to line up next to Jadeveon Clowney at his first practice) “It’s been great lining up against everybody. There are a lot of great players around here no matter how they got here. I’ve just been focusing on trying to do my job, trying to do what I can do be focused, to be prepared, to pay attention and line up and be ready for the next play.”

(on what it’s like learning from Mike Vrabel) “I think it’s always great when you can learn from a coach who obviously has the experience and the excitement and shares that emotion with you. I think that is something the next player is going to have innately. He’s been, along with all of the coaching staff, they have all been very helpful and trying to teach us in a way we understand, a way that we can learn and it’s different for each player and I’ve had a positive experience with Coach Vrabel thus far.”
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I like this guy a lot and I was hoping the Texans would draft him in the middle rounds. To get him as an UDFA has the potential to turn out like Foster did when they signed him as an UDFA. I know he's not the most athletic but he plays with a lot of heart and toughness. Hope he makes the 53 man roster. Was hoping they'd sign his teammate too from Michigan St., Isaiah Lewis, SS.
 
Somebody had a good enough rookie minicamp...

James Palmer ‏@JPalmerCSN
#Texans invited DT Julius Warmsley for try out. now have signed him. 1st-team All-Conf USA. Led Tulane in TFL (18.5) 3rd in sacks (6.0).
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Dave Zangaro ‏@DZangaro
Warmsley was in rookie camp as a tryout player. He's a 6-2, 296-pound nose tackle from Tulane.

According to agent @Alliance_Sports DT Julius Warmsley has signed with the #Texans
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Brian T. Smith ‏@ChronBrianSmith
#Texans released WR Nathan Slaughter, DL Tyrone Ezell. Waived/injued OT Chris Martin.

Signed WR Lacoltan Bester, DE Julius Warmsley
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PDS ‏@PatDStat
Tough to see Chris Martin go at OT for the #Texans. Ended up in a boot after day one.
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.
 
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[IMGwidthsize=400]http://www.stateofthetexans.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MWilliams.jpg[/IMG]
--stateofthetexans.com

From FCS, DB Marcus Williams trying to make Texans
The Bison have won the last three Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) championships, while amassing a 43-2 record since the beginning of 2011, Williams’ sophomore season. Williams arrived at North Dakota State the year before and started as a freshman, eventually setting a school record with 21 career interceptions and an FCS record of seven interceptions returned for touchdowns. He had at least one pass defended in 41 career games. He’s a ballhawk.
...
“That’s in the past,” he said. “I enjoyed everything I did when I was in college and what North Dakota State brought for me to just become a great player but now I’m looking forward to just being a Texan and learning how to be a pro and learn from older guys from what they see and how they do things and just follow their lead.”
...
“I like to attack the ball at its highest point,” Williams said. “That’s how I play. That’s how I’ve always played. That’s how I learned. And that’s how you play corner: when the ball’s in the air, you go get it and you make sure the receiver don’t.”
...
No matter the competition, Williams’ numbers were impressive but they’re also a thing of the past. He’s no longer a whale busting open the glass bowl of the FCS. Now, he’s a guppy, swimming in the vast waters of the National Football League after being signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent.
...
“I feel like it’s a great accomplishment for guys that don’t get much attention as the D-1A schools but I mean, for me, I’m just trying to play ball,” Williams said last week during OTAs. “Just come out here, compete at a high level and just keep learning. I’m young, I’m a rookie. I’m trying to learn from the older guys who have been here before but I think it’s nice. I’m from a small school and they all respect that. I’m just looking forward to big things now.”
...
“Just focus on what you have to do,” he said. “Don’t worry about what’s going on with everybody else or what everybody else is doing or how somebody else is practicing. Just worry about what you have to do and what you have to do to be a good teammate and what you have to do to make this team.”
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I think Marcus best hope is to make the PS.
Also, I think he has a better shot at safety rather than as a CB.
 
[IMGwidthsize=450]http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/640/WG/WGQLSNDXUMOEDPQ.20130907211559.jpg[/IMG]

AtlanticSportsMgt @AtlSportsMgt
Tim Jackson signs with the Texans! @GoHeels @HoustonTexans @BR_UNCTarheels @TarHeelFootball
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6'4", 292 lbs. DL from North Carolina
4.9 40 yard dash
20 Yrd Dash: 2.84
10 Yrd Dash: 1.68
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 32
Vertical Jump: 28
Broad Jump: 08'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill: 7.90
 
Playoffs said:
[IMGwidthsize=450]http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics33/640/WG/WGQLSNDXUMOEDPQ.20130907211559.jpg[/IMG]

AtlanticSportsMgt @AtlSportsMgt


6'4", 292 lbs. DL from North Carolina
4.9 40 yard dash
20 Yrd Dash: 2.84
10 Yrd Dash: 1.68
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 32
Vertical Jump: 28
Broad Jump: 08'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle:
3-Cone Drill: 7.90
Click to expand...

Played as a DT. Not a bad pick up in my mind. He wasn't going to WOW you with his play, but he was a solid part of UNC's defense.

We may project him as a DE here though?
 
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