The 2019 offseason is in full swing with the commencement of the Super Bowl. The Houston Texans need secondary help and they should target Amani Oruwariye, here’s why.
To begin this season, theHouston Texanswere hoping for a breakout year from their secondary.Tyrann Mathieujoined the squad andJohnathan Josephwas back and this duo was expected to lead the team to new levels.
At corner,Aaron Colvinwas expected to help lock down the best receivers on the opposing teams along with Joseph andKevin Johnson. There were also some other younger guys that the team was hoping could develop into solid depth. But, as the season progressed, flaws in this unit were exposed.
The safety position played great, as the position was injected with some new faces and youth. Mathieu,Kareem Jackson,Justin ReidandAndre Halall played up to or beyond their expectations for the year.
It was the cornerback positon that did not live up to their expectations at all. Johnson was injured most of the season, Joseph seemed old, and Jackson plays better as a full-time safety. All in all, it wasn’t a great look for theHouston Texans.
During the Texans playoff game against the Colts, each and every cornerback on the team was exposed in man coverage. Which is why the cornerback position should be a top priority for theHouston Texansthis offseason.
Being that the Texans will be more inclined to use their first-round pick on a lineman to add protection forDeshaun Watson, I see them drafting a cornerback in the second round of the draft. Of the cornerbacks that will be available in that range, the Texans should be targetingAmani Oruwariyeout of Penn State.
Oruwariye can provide theHouston Texanswith youth, size and scheme versatility at the cornerback position. He is a 6’1″, 204 lb redshirt senior that plays up to his size in coverage.
The former Penn State cornerback totaled 51 tackles, 3 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble in his final season. So, as you can see he has a knack for being around the football. Overall, Oruwariye does a great job of using his length, strength and quick feet in both man and zone coverage.
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The skill that will attract theHouston Texansthe most is his ability to play press man coverage. He has great balance and great technique, which in combination with his strength allows him to be very disruptive at the line of scrimmage.
With these skills, it will take away the quick passes and allow JJ and company more time to get to the quarterback and wreak havoc. Now there are some concerns about Oruwariye’s long speed but that is something everyone will get to see up close at the annual NFL Combine. If he is able to run anything lower than a 4.55, he could be just what the Texans need.
Concerns aside, theHouston Texansshould be worried about selected Oruwariye in the second round. He has immense potential and combine numbers can sometimes be over-valued. Oruwariye’s career as a Nittany Lion speaks for itself.
Oruwariye would be a fantastic addition to theHouston Texansdefense and secondary. Would you like to see the team add him? Why or why not? Who else would you like to see the team target? Let us know below!
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