This Undrafted Free Agent is Guaranteed to Make the Texans
By Michael Luciano
The Houston Texans didn't have a ton of draft picks to work with in the 2020 NFL Draft, but Bill O'Brien actually made some savvy picks, including adding TCU defensive lineman Ross Blacklock and Florida pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Among a tantalizing undrafted free agent haul, the one player who likely has the best chance of contributing to the Texans is former Horned Frogs offensive guard Cordel Iwuagwu, who ended up on the radar of NFL teams after showing off his athleticism at the NFL Combine and Shrine Bowl.
I interviewed @TCUFootball OG Cordel Iwuagwu (@Cord3l_64) for @TheDraftWire. He's been battle tested.https://t.co/7WB75sODCM#NFLDraft | #EarnTheChips | #GoFrogs
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 15, 2020
What stands out immediately about Iwuagwu on tape is his athletic ability and technical refinement. Unlike most young linemen, he understands how to get a good initial punch and has mastered hand placement and footwork. It's no wonder he was one of the best pass-blocking guards in the entire Big 12 given those traits plus a solid anchor in pass protection.
While his main concern was a lack of functional strength and ability to drive defenders when engaged as a run blocker, he partially answered those questions when he was one of the few lineman to handle Baylor defensive tackle and Carolina Panthers pick Bravvion Roy at the Shrine Bowl.
TCU LG Cordel Iwuagwu has VG explosion from his stance given his massive girth. Once he locks on to a DT, he keeps his hips dropped and feet grinding to create holes. If he can speed up his hands and maintain his balance in pass pro, he'll be a starter. #SnapScout pic.twitter.com/LZkVhmbtNf
— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) February 10, 2020
The Texans still aren't done building an offensive line that Deshaun Watson can trust, but throwing Iwuagwu into the mix could help give them some stability on the interior.