Charles Omenihu is supposed to be a project for the Houston Texans. Coming out of Texas, he boasted the measurables (6-6, 275) and athleticism perfect for a 3-4 scheme; but he was more of a big-bodied run-stuffer without technically proficient skills as a pass-rusher.

When Omenihu hit an NFL gridiron, however, it was a completely different story. The Texans employed him as a rotational pass-rusher, where he thrived; tallying a strip-sack, two combined tackles, a quarterback hit, and Pro Football Focus’ best rookie-grade of the week (90.1) in his debut.

What made him so effective? Power, and a more developed pass-rushing plan than previously seen in his Longhorn tape.

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The play above was Omenihu’s best of the day, considering it was his strip-sack. On third down, Houston decides to rush five with a Brennan Scarlett blitz from inside linebacker. Scarlett (who had a fantastic game) does an excellent job to help move Gardner Minshew to Omenihu’s end, but take a gander out how the rookie gets there.

Omenihu attacks right tackle Jawaan Taylor with the force of a great typhoon, bursting out of the gate then placing his right arm on Taylor’s chest. With his length and power, Omenihu drives the right tackle back, briefly places both arms on his chest to kick him into the quarterback, then uses his left hand to strip the ball.

Omenihu’s first sack was the only time he got to the quarterback. However, throughout his rookie debut, he was effective in creating pressure with his power to force Minshew to improvise.

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Here Omenihu doesn’t get a sack, but his pressure off the edge makes Minshew scramble, then throw an incomplete pass with two minutes left in the game. Notice that he doesn’t attack with the same power; instead, he’s able to create pressure by swiping the left tackle’s hands (Will Richardson).

Richardson initially won the leverage battle above, but that win was taken away by Omenihu’s hand swipe to left-hand placement on his upper chest and the other on his arm. Due to Omenihu’s length, bend and hand placement, he’s able to disengage from the block and go after Minshew.

Omenihu didn’t see many snaps on the run-stuffing unit — considering Houston’s depth at linemen to stop the run — but when he did, he was able to hold his own. For example, this Leonard Fournette run-stuff alongside Zach Cunningham.

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There isn’t anything flashy going on here for both sides. Jacksonville runs a power play with an Andrew Norwell (LG) pull block. Omenihu is tasked with packing in to shed the right guard’s block while linebackers flow in.

The right guard didn’t stand a chance as Omenihu performed a punch and swipe move to shed the block to find Fournette along with Cunningham who came powering in. High-quality run-stuff from the rook.

Omenihu’s first game as a Texan saw him receive 30 snaps (44%). Though he didn’t see the field all the game, he made an impression that should lead to more playing time down the line, starting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.