Early overtures to undrafted wide receiver pay off
The Texans were involved in a highly competitive situation following the NFL draft when they convinced former Limestone wide receiver Vyncint Smith to join them as an undrafted free agent.
At 6-3, 195 pounds with 4.36 speed in the 40-yard dash, Smith was a priority free agent for several NFL franchises intrigued by the former Division II college standout.
The South Carolina native chose the Texans over competing offers from the Bears, Giants, Vikings, Seahawks and Bills, signing a contract that included $35,000 in guaranteed money in the form of a $10,000 signing bonus and a $25,000 guaranteed portion of his base salary for his rookie year.
The Texans recruited Smith hard, including bringing him in for an official visit prior to the draft.
“If you’re going to wait until right after the draft to start that process, you’ve got no shot,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “You’re not going to be able to bring in anybody that’s really any good to possibly make your team.
“We had a list of priority free agents that might be out there, and you’ve got a chance to bring a guy like that in. Height, weight, speed and maybe can help you on special teams, see what he can do at receiver.”
As Smith tries to make the leap from a lower level of football, he’s adapting to the NFL quickly during a rookie mini- camp.
As an all-conference selection, Smith caught 49 passes for 849 yards and three touchdowns last season. He caught 153 career passes for 2,371 yards and 11 scores.
“I’ve been enjoying it,” Smith said. “It’s going great. I love the vibe here. I’m extremely happy to be a Texan.”
O’Brien is guarded on Allen’s status
Texans coach Bill O’Brien was noncommittal on offensive lineman Jeff Allen’s status one day after the right guard was placed on the reserve-physically unable to perform list.
Allen ended last season under the NFL concussion protocol.
O’Brien didn’t elaborate on Allen’s medical outlook.
“I’ll keep that between myself, (general manager) Brian (Gaine) and Jeff and the medical people here,” O’Brien said Saturday. “I think that’s the way we’ll keep it for now. We’ll let you know further details when it’s appropriate.’
A starter for the past two seasons after being signing to a four-year, $28 million contract that included $12 million guaranteed, Allen no longer counts against the Texans’ 90-man offseason roster limit.
Allen has two remaining years on his contract and is due base salaries of $5.75 million and $6 million in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The Texans signed two starting guard candidates during free agency: Zach Fulton and Senio Kelemete.
Stanford product may fill added roles
As a big, fast athlete who loves to hit, linebacker Peter Kalambayi has the attitude and background to excel on special teams.
At 6-2, 250 pounds, the sixthround draft pick from Stanford has run the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds and posted a 35½inch vertical leap.
Kalambayi is expected to be a core contributor in kick coverage and get a long look as a situational pass rusher.
“Just the opportunity to contribute for one, and obviously go down there and hit somebody,” Kalambayi said. “That’s what linebackers do and it’s just part of the job description.”
A team captain at Stanford, Kalambayi played in the ultracompetitive Pac-12 Conference.
“I think it’ll help a lot,” he said. “I’m used to going against fast people all the time. But again, this is the NFL, it’s a different level so I’ll have to attack this stuff now. I just want to show them that I love to work hard and I can pick up on defenses fast.”
Thomas could see expanded duties
Jordan Thomas wasn’t strictly a traditional tight end at Mississippi State.
The sixth-round draft pick operated as an outside receiver as well being utilized as an in-line blocker.
At 6-5, 270 pounds with 4.69 speed in the 40-yard dash, Thomas has the requisite size and athleticism.
He’s a willing, but raw blocker and is working hard to refine his technique.
“Positioning, that’s it,” Thomas said. “The coaches are helping us with that.”
Rice’s Stehling, Godber in camp
The Texans brought in former Rice quarterback Tyler Stehling and former Rice offensive lineman Peter Godber to their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
A Klein graduate from Spring, Stehling is 6-6, 225 pounds and passed for 2,529 career yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
He was the primary starter two years ago.
“It’s right down the road,” Stehling said. “It’s a great, great drive from college to here. Didn’t have to move anywhere, pack up or anything. I’m just excited to be here. However this shakes out, I’m just excited to get the opportunity to be out here.”
Aaron Wilson