Experts Believe Texans Took A Steal in Charles Omenihu
https://texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8162
This article was published on State of the Texans
With their first pick on Day 3, the Houston Texans selected Charles Omenihu with the 23rd pick in the 5th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Omenihu, a Texas native, played 4 years with the Texas Longhorns and won the Big 12 Defensive Linemen of the Year as a senior. Omenihu offers great value at the pick and many consider him as a steal. In some mocks, Omenihu was predicted to go as high as the late first and early second round. In fact, The Draft Network ranked Omenihu as the 46th best player in the draft and the 7th best defensive linemen in this stacked DL class. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report ranked him the 15th best edge rusher above the likes of Ben Banogu (who was selected in the second round).
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com emphasized that Omenihu was built like a defensive end who has the necessary techniques for the position. In addition, Omenihu showcases a stronger body that has allowed him to rush with power and great speed. In addition, Zierlein states that Omenihu has the “traits and potential to become an eventual starter” with further development and honing on skills. In addition, Omenihu has great ankle flexibility has led to greater agility, allowing him to excel in run defense and rush past offensive linemen. However, Zierlein writes that Omenihu’s “ skill-set and football acumen are still very raw”. In addition, he lacks instincts and consistency, which is inhibiting his success. His body control and balance need refining. In addition, Omenihu needs to elevate his hand usage to properly attack offensive linemen. Lastly, Omenihu needs to work on fluid movement in order to be able to sack mobile quarterbacks
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller labeled one of Omenihu strengths as have the perfect size and length for his position. In addition, Omenihu’s versatility as a defensive player makes him more valuable. His speed and power, as well as his arm length, allows him to gain separation from offensive linemen. Also, his upper body strength and arm strength is very advantageous, “keeping him free from offensive tackles”. Lastly, Omenihu is very athletic, giving him the potential to develop and the ability to achieve a very high potential. However, some of his weaknesses include his inflexibility, which is a disadvantage as an EDGE rusher. He also can sometimes allow blockers to take advantage of his size and “surrender his frame”. He also can sometimes be noted as not putting forth “great effort in non-pass-rushing situations.” However, Miller states that although Omenihu has a variety of weaknesses, he is very versatile and provides great run support. He is a great player for the Texans and he can thrive under Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt.
Brad Kelly of The Draft Network tabs Omenihu as an NFL player with an ideal frame with athleticism and flexibility. In addition, Omenihu is able to rush past blockers using both his outstanding length and proper hand usage. He is also an effective run blocker by being able to get off blocks. However, a weakness of his is that he often has trouble understanding a play, making him ineffective at times. Additionally, Omenihu lacks awareness and has durability issues. However, Omenihu has a very high ceiling and, through development, can improve to be a long time starter in the very talented Texans defensive line.
Most experts and scouts would agree that Charles Omenihu is a great value pick for the Texans, helping them greatly in the future. Growing under perennial Pro Bowlers like Jadeveon Clowney and JJ Watt, Omenihu has plenty of space to grow, learn, and achieve his full potential.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/charles-omenihu?id=32194f4d-4556-5785-8e80-6ad02cc085e2
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2824222-charles-omenihu-nfl-draft-2019-scouting-report-for-houston-texans-pick
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/charles-omenihu