x
Breaking News
More () »

Texans place big emphasis on undrafted free agents

With no picks in the first two rounds of this week's NFL draft, the Houston Texans will need to add talent in other avenues. General manager Brian Gaine is a big believer in using the time immediately following the draft to find useful players.
Credit: Jeremy Brevard
Aug 9, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Houston Texans helmet lays on the bench during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

With no picks in the first two rounds of this week’s NFL draft, the Houston Texans will need to add talent in other avenues. General manager Brian Gaine is a big believer in using the time immediately following the draft to find useful players.

Gaine addressed the issue of undrafted free agents and why he’s a big fan of prioritizing signings after the seventh round ends. He gave a lengthy and detailed response to the question in his pre-draft press conference.

“This is a large point of emphasis for our scouting staff and we put a great deal of time into the priority free agent process,” Gaine declared. “We’ve had examples on our team. One notable from last year, obviously, was Dylan Cole.”

Cole emerged as a rookie starter at linebacker despite being undrafted out of Missouri State. He proved quickly to be far more valuable and NFL-ready than many who were drafted at his position.

Gaine continued,

“We’ve had other notables in the past. Ka’imi Fairbairn, our kicker. Joel Heath comes to mind. These are guys that we got in the undrafted free agent process and they made our team. I would say it started with having a vision for the player. When we would scout that player – and some of those guys that we got that were undrafted free agents, perhaps we had a draftable grade on but then they just happened to go undrafted and we pursued them. So, for me, I call that the eighth round. We’re always trying to extend the draft.”

Many of this year’s prospect visits have involved players who are widely projected to be undrafted free agents. Gaine is clearly laying the groundwork for a big haul after Saturday’s seventh round concludes.

Before You Leave, Check This Out