The Houston Texans had one of the busier 2025 NFL draft experiences. General manager Nick Caserio and the Texans left Lambeau Field with nine promising rookies in their possession, highlighted by potential game-changers like wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, as well as offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery.
A general manager's work doesn't end at the NFL draft, though. A plethora of undrafted prospects will be signed in the coming days, and the Texans have already joined the action by throwing a bag toward a standout offensive lineman.
Texans Sign UDFA C Eli Cox to 3-Year Contract, $250,000 Guaranteed
The Texans entered to NFL offseason looking to upgrade their offensive line, which included trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green. Although Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson were signed in free agency, and Ersery was drafted with a second-rounder, more depth is needed to give the C.J. Stroud-led offense its best shot at success.
That's why the Texans signed Kentucky center Eli Cox to a three-year contract after going undrafted this weekend. NFL insider Aaron Wilson is reporting that the contract includes a whopping $250,000 in guaranteed money, which is fairly significant for a UDFA rookie.
The fact that the Texans gave Cox all that guaranteed money indicates they're optimistic about his future.
#Texans three year deal for Kentucky @UKFootball center Eli Cox includes $250,000 guaranteed, per a league source @KPRC2 https://t.co/lJMR2cVfdn
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 27, 2025
It likely won't take Texans fans long to become fans of Cox. The Nicholasville, KY native brings a combination of size (6-foot-4, 306 lbs) and athleticism (2nd-best score among this year's centers, per NFL Next Gen Stats), which could have him competing for a 53-man roster spot in training camp.
One thing the Texans' coaching staff will love about Cox is his versatility. The 24-year-old blocker played snaps at both center and right guard throughout his Kentucky tenure, opening up the possibilities for how head coach DeMeco Ryans can use him.
The 2024 campaign saw Cox allow a career-low 14 pressures (12 hurries, 2 hits without a sack) in 13 outings. He played to 74.2 pass protection and 59.9 run blocking grades on Pro Football Focus, while also earning third-team All-SEC honors to conclude his collegiate career.
For now, it looks like Cox will compete with Jerome Carvin to be No. 1 C Jarrett Patterson's backup next season. Carvin has been with the Texans since joining their practice squad in November, however, he didn't end up playing a single game last season.
It won't be long before Texans fans learn about what Cox can do on the gridiron. All 32 NFL teams will be holding their rookie minicamps within the first two weeks of May, meaning Houston's incoming rookie class is at least one week away from hitting the practice field.