Keep in mind that the Texans biggest hole this offseason was that at outside linebacker, and you will come away both unsurprised by their selection of Cheta Ozougwu and impressed that he'll have a real shot to make the team. The Texans outside linebacker depth chart coming into the draft like this:
↵↵↵1) Connor Barwin coming off a horrific ankle injury
↵
2) Uhh..Mark Anderson?
3) Daryl Sharpton?
4) ???
5) Profit!
Not exactly a recipe for success. Brooks Reed was taken in the second round to help satisfy the position, but that still leaves the Texans with quite a few question marks on the outside. While there was a reason Ozougwu was left on the board at the very end of the draft, players with tweener skillsets do tend to fit in well with Phillips' coaching philosophies, and if free agency is abbreviated, interrupted, or cut short, Ozougwu may have every chance to see some work as a situational pass rusher on the outside for Phillips. He excelled at Rice, picking up 198 tackles and 11 sacks in 43 career games.
↵In the meantime, he'll get to enjoy the perks of being Mr. Irrelevant. Added notoriety, parties in Newport Beach, the Lowsman Trophy. Not a bad way to spend your time if you're being locked out, eh?
↵