Houston Texans: 7 Mid To Late Round Sleepers To Target
By Travis Oquin
Oct 4, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Max Valles (88) returns an interception for a touchdown as Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Jaryd Jones-Smith (75) chases in the second quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Max Valles – Outside Linebacker
6’5”, 251 – Virginia (5th – 6th round)
As we discussed in our outside linebacker article, one of the more difficult positions to fill in the NFL is the 3-4 outside linebacker as teams normally have to convert a player from a hand in the dirt defensive end. Max Valles however played in one of the few Division 1 programs that runs the 3-4 defense at Virginia.
Valles is raw and is also just scratching the surface of his ability. He is a player that could have used another season in college but chose to come out as a redshirt sophomore.
At his size Valles ran a 4.83 40-yard dash, but also showed a 36-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump. On tape, Valles looks like a player that needs more coaching but has a chance to become a much better NFL player than a college player.
Valles already possess a trait that will endear him to Texans fans with 9 batted balls this past season. Valles to this point, is getting by on just his athleticism. But if the Texans fail to fill their need at OLB in the early rounds, Valles is a player that has the athletic ability to develop into a star. Here is Valles against Pittsburgh.
Next: A Linebacker With A Hell Of A Motor