PFF graded OT Kilian Zierer as Texans’ best UDFA

The Houston Texans’ highest graded undrafted free agent was none other than OT Kilian Zierer according to Pro Football Focus.

Where James Liipfert earns his keep as assistant director of player personnel and college scouting director is uncovering the gems in the late rounds, or players that fall out of the draft entirely.

According to Braxton Howard from Pro Football Focus, if there were a best undrafted free agent from the Texans’ class, it would have to be former Auburn tackle Kilian Zierer, who posted a 69.5 overall grade.

Zierer appeared in the first two preseason games, totaling 79 snaps at left tackle. Despite allowing four pressures, he managed to put up a respectable 76.0 pass-blocking grade. However, he finished with a run-of-the-mill 60.7 run-blocking grade.

The Texans could at least use Zierer for depth as they sort through availability issues across the offensive line. Zierer is also part of the Texans’ injury troubles as he is currently on injured reserve.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=601914802]

Texans bring back G Keaton Sutherland, place OT Kilian Zierer on injured reserve

The Houston Texans have signed guard Keaton Sutherland and placed rookie tackle Kilian Zierer on injured reserve.

The Houston Texans continue to tinker with their offensive line depth as they prepare for their preseason finale with the New Orleans Saints Aug. 27 at the Caesars Superdome.

The Texans signed guard Keaton Sutherland, who they previously had waived on Aug. 18.

As a corresponding move, Houston placed undrafted free agent tackle Kilian Zierer on injured reserve. The Auburn product left late in the second quarter of the 28-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Zierer saw considerable time playing tackle for the Texans in preseason with 79 snaps along with two special teams snaps. Zierer had been with the Texans since rookie minicamp.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=1416]

2022 Auburn football preview: Offensive Line

Will this be the year the offensive line puts it all together?

The offensive line has been one of the most criticized units on the roster for the past several seasons. However, with nine upper-classmen competing for spots it is also one of the most experienced units on the team.

Starters [autotag]Nick Brahms[/autotag], [autotag]Brandon Council[/autotag], [autotag]Keiondre Jones[/autotag], and [autotag]Austin Troxell[/autotag] all return and veterans [autotag]Alec Jackson[/autotag], [autotag]Kilian Zierer[/autotag], [autotag]Brenden Coffey[/autotag], [autotag]Kam Stutts[/autotag], and [autotag]Jalil Irvin[/autotag] are pushing hard.

Offensive line coach [autotag]Will Friend[/autotag] has his work cut out for him trying to find the best starting five to help pave the way for Tank Bigsby and the rest of Auburn’s running backs. While the group flashed at times last season, they need to become more consistent for Auburn’s offense to take a step forward.

Tight End Preview

Wide Receiver Preview

Running Back Preview

Spring Football Preview: Auburn’s offensive line settling into place

This group has a ton of experience but needs to improve in 2022

Auburn’s offensive line will be one of the most experienced groups on the roster next season.

The unit will have four six-years players, three fifth-year senior, one senior and two juniors. In total Auburn will have a combined 121 starts from that group.

That experience and leadership will be valuable for that team.

With that being said, the group has struggled the last few seasons and will need to be better in 2022 for the offense to take a step forward. Another area of concern is that Auburn has just five underclassmen on the roster.

Auburn made no secrets about their pursuit of several offensive lineman who were in the transfer portal and more high school recruits. The Tigers landed just one, true freshman Eston Harris.

Will Friend did a solid job piecing this unit together last season as multiple players suffered injuries but will need someone to take a step forward this season. Here is a look at the group.

2021 Auburn football player profile, overview: No. 77 Kilian Zierer

Can Kilian Zierer compete for a starting job?

Name: Kilian Zierer

Number: 77

Position: Left Tackle

Class: Junior

Height: 6’7”

Weight: 298 lbs

Hometown: Munich, Germany 

High School: N/A

2020 Statistics: Did not see any game action

Twitter: @Kili24_

Overview: Zierer had a nightmare 2020, the former top ranked JUCO offensive tackles was rehabbing a torn ACL when the pandemic hit, and the German tackle was stranded far from home. He did not see the field last season but with injury hopefully behind him he has the ability to become a wild card in the offensive line rotation. Auburn’s offensive line needs to play at a higher level and Zierer has the frame (6’7”) and footwork that coaches covet as a starting tackle.

[listicle id=20060]

Contact/Follow us @theauburnwire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion.