The Texans are signing former Purdue defensive tackle Ra’Zahn Howard, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Howard went undrafted in today’s supplemental draft, making him a free agent.
Howard’s deal includes a signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter), which implies that at least one other team had interest in the Purdue product besides the Texans. Howard is currently tipping the scales at 317 pounds but hopes to report to training camp at 310 pounds.
Many viewed Howard as the strongest player out of this bunch and early projections had him going somewhere between rounds five and seven. However, Howard apparently flopped in a recent workout for NFL teams, prompting one GM to label him as “undraftable.” Apparently, 31 other GMs agreed, but Rick Smith did see him as deserving of a 90-man roster spot.
Howard, who stands 6’3″ and 310 pounds, was suspended for academic reasons in January and had actually announced last month that he would transfer from Purdue. However, he changed his mind about attending another school, choosing instead to make a run at the NFL. Howard appeared in 24 games across three years for the Boilermakers, posting 47 tackles and three sacks.