Houston Texans defensive line coach Anthony Weaver “doesn’t like to sugar coat” the young players. As he says, “they have to earn it.” But, if he has to name a bright-eyed standout, he goes with defensive end Charles Omenihu.
“I hope he doesn’t read this, but he comes in with the right mindset daily,” Weaver told reporters Monday.
The Texans selected Omenihu with the 161st pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. As a senior at Texas, he won the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Award; as he recorded 18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and a forced fumble on the year.
At 6-5, 280-pounds, with a 36.5 inch vertical and 115-inch broad jump combine showings, Omenihu comes with little doubts about size and explosiveness.
But, he’s a raw prospect. As NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says, “Omenihu steps off the bus with a physique that says NFL defensive end, but his skill-set and football acumen are still very raw.”
Luckily, Omenihu happens to share a locker room with three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt — who’s coming off of the fourth 16-plus sack season of his career.
Omenihu is taking advantage of that.
“He’s actively trying to get better at his craft and he is on 99 [J.J. Watt] like a sponge, to the point where I’m sure he’s probably tired of hearing his voice,” Weaver said.
Even though the former Rowlett High School product logged an offside penalty as his lone appearance in the stat sheet in the club’s 28-26 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the preseason opener, Weaver still believes Omenihu can achieve greater heights.
“He gets it,” Weaver said. “I think he has a bright future ahead.”
