The Houston Texans entered the NFL offseason looking to improve in several roster areas, especially the offensive line. The Texans' frontline did an abysmal job at providing quarterback C.J. Stroud with protection last season, making upgrading the offensive line a top priority if head coach DeMeco Ryans' team wants to win another AFC South title in 2025.
After kicking Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green to the curb, the Texans' offensive line already looks different. Veterans like Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson will provide Stroud with experienced protection, while 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery could develop into a long-term fixture.
Even with the influx of new faces, the Texans' O-line situation is far from finalized, opening the door for one rookie contributor to crack the lineup.
Houston Texans UDFA OL Eli Cox Can Make Final Roster
The Texans added several undrafted rookies once the 2025 draft concluded, including former Kentucky OL Eli Cox. The 24-year-old blocker spent six seasons in the Wildcats' program, spending time at both right guard and center throughout his 55 appearances, which include earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2023.
Cox demonstrated plenty of talent throughout his Kentucky tenure, which is why the Texans didn't hesitate to throw the bag at him post-draft. His rookie contract is for three years and includes $250,000 in guaranteed money, which is more scratch than a lot of first-year UDFAs see.
Having said that, Cox will be worth every penny if his collegiate success translates to NFL results. The Nicholasville, KY native didn't allow a single sack while giving up 14 pressures in 13 games last season, finishing the year with a respectable Pro Football Focus pass protection grade of 74.2.
For comparison, veteran guard Tytus Howard is the only returning Texans OL starter who had a better mark than that last season (74.9). That isn't to say that Cox is already better than Houston's other options (he isn't), but it shows that he could at least make training camp a bit more competitive.
Jarrett Patterson is the Texans' starting center, barring any changes, but that doesn't mean Cox is without a clear path to the No. 2 job. The ex-Kentucky OL's main competition is recent free-agent signing Jake Andrews, who missed the entire 2024 campaign after tearing his meniscus during New England Patriots training camp.
If Cox steps up and takes advantage of any rust Andrews has, it might not be long before he's playing meaningful snaps with the Texans. That's why Houston fans should make an effort to keep an eye on the promising undrafted rookie during OTAs and throughout training camp.