Can Houston Texans UDFA LB Make 53-Man Roster?

The Houston Texans could have a surprise addition to the team after training camp.

Jeremy Brener | Aug 2, 2024

Sep 29, 2022; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Max Tooley (31) reacts to a tackle for loss in the first quarter against the Utah State Aggies at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

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Houston Texans

The Houston Texans' roster stands at 90 for the moment, but by the end of training camp, the list must dwindle to 53.

Undrafted free agents usually make up a majority of the cuts, but a few always find a way on to the roster. For the Texans, that could be BYU linebacker Max Tooley, according to Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine.

"Max Tooley's path to making the Houston Texans' roster lies in his ability to play special teams and his pass coverage," Ballentine writes. "Being a bottom-of-the-depth-chart linebacker in the league usually entails playing just about everywhere on special teams. At 6'2" and 225 pounds with a reasonable 4.58-second 40-yard dash, Tooley should be able to contribute in that department. Tooley also had solid ball production for a linebacker at BYU with seven career interceptions and eight pass breakups. He's already earned a shoutout from veteran safety Jimmie Ward for the skills he's shown in camp. It doesn't hurt that his primary competition for a roster spot might come from fellow rookie Jamal Hill, who was only a sixth-round pick."

Tooley recorded two tackles in the Texans' Hall of Fame Game last night against the Chicago Bears, which shows that he is getting looks from the coaching staff.

If Tooley can continue to improve throughout the rest of training camp, he could build a solid case to be included in the final 53.

Stick with TexansGameday for more FREE coverage of the Houston Texans throughout the offseason.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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Published Aug 2, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.