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After going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, Ohio State safety Orhian Johnson has landed on his feet, agreeing to an undrafted free agent contract with the Houston Texans. Johnson was rated as the No. 18 best strong safety prospect (though he played free safety primarily in college) and the 459th best prospect overall, per CBSSports.com. He joins Ohio State classmates Zach Boren and Travis Howard as having inked UDFA deals with the Texans.
"If you're expecting a starting safety out of a late round/undrafted free agent, what the heck is wrong with you? If you're just hoping for a guy who can compete relentlessly, making your special teams/practice squad better, and has real potential to develop into an aggressive, lengthy weapon in your secondary, Orhian Johnson is your guy." - LGHL's Luke Zimmermann
Johnson's got great NFL size and athleticism to match. He's flexible enough to possibly bulk up and play strong safety at the NFL level, but was also an effective weapon at free safety while in college. He plays fast and even if he's just relegated to special teams initially, he can make an impact for the team that brings him on board.
With only one year in famed former Florida/current Ohio State strength and conditioning coach Mick Marotti's system, Johnson will still need some additional NFL conditioning to take the wear and tear of a full 16 game season. If he improves his awareness and works as hard as he's capable of with his playbook, it's possible Johnson catches on and makes a career out of it.
The Texans' secondary has historically never been strong during their franchises tenure. Former Bengal Johnathan Joseph has brought stability to the fold, and the addition of Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer Ed Reed certainly helps. Still, given the lack of real depth at both safety spots, if Johnson brings his a-game in minicamps, it's not at all impossible that he earns a spot with the club or is signed to a practice squad deal at the end of the summer.
Pro Day results
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215 lbs.
40 yard dash: 4.52
Vertical jump: 38 1/2
20 yard shuttle: 4.28
Johnson had 39 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 12 games played last season. He played in all 38 Ohio State games over his final three seasons in Columbus.