The Houston Texans have a promising edge defender in defensive end Charles Omenihu, but the problem for the former 2019 fifth-round pick has been finding his spot.
According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, the 23-year-old former Texas Longhorn is starting to find ways to be a consistent contributor to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s scheme.
“I talk with Charles all the time,” Crennel told reporters Monday. “We have a good d-line-head coach relationship because I’ve got a d-line background. So, I can talk to him about what I see and what I think he needs to do. I think Charles is beginning to find his spot and how he needs to play the game because of his length and what he brings to the table.”
Against the Indianapolis Colts, Omenihu provided the Texans with two combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups in the 26-20 loss at NRG Stadium Sunday afternoon.
“He can’t play the game the way, let’s say Whitney Mercilus. He can’t play the game the way Whitney Mercilus plays the game. He can’t play the game the way J.J. (Watt) plays the game,” said Crennel. “He has to find out what his way to play the game is, and I think he’s beginning to find that.”
On the season, Omenihu has collected seven combined tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two pass breakups and 11 quarterback hits through his 11 games, two of which he has started.
