The Houston Texans are looking for pass rush help this year and they are having to find production from within. The Texans traded Jadeveon Clowney earlier this season and then lost All-Pro and former three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year to a torn pectoral muscle. That left a team looking to make a deep run in the playoffs without a premier pass rusher. Could a former Longhorn and day three draft selection provide a boost?
“I mean that was a good pick, and he’s done a lot of good things,” O’Brien told reporters Tuesday. “He’s a hard worker. He’s young. He’s still learning.”
Omenihu entered the league at a tweener. He’s a bit big to be a full-time edge rusher and not big enough to be a full-time interior one. Considering he’s received most of his snaps on the inside and works with defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, the Texans appear to be priming him to be a defensive end.
In the NFL, very few rookie defensive pass rushers rarely come into the league and dominate with several exceptions but not the rule in most cases. Omenihu is definitely the rule in this case. He has appeared in 12 games this year and recorded three sacks, five quarterback hits, 11 total tackles and two forced fumbles.
With Watt unlikely to come off the injured reserve list, especially given the depth at the position, Omenihu has every opportunity to earn a spot among the starters. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next up on the schedule for Houston Omenihu is going to have opportunities to gain some momentum heading into the playoffs.
The Bucs and Jameis Winston have allowed 43 sacks this year, which is the worst of Jameis career. Building the confidence of the young pass rusher can only help him as he continues his good start to the year. The Texas prepare for a Saturday matchup with the Tampa Bay Bucs.