[From today's Chronicle]Better late than never for DilesLinebacker having impressive camp despite his lack of credentials as seventh-round pick
http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5061644.htmlThe Texans have been praising rookie outside linebacker Zac Diles since early in training camp.
Diles, who starred at Kansas State but wasn't invited to the scouting combine, had a terrific debut on defense and on special teams in the loss to Chicago last week.
So why was Diles selected in the seventh round?
"He doesn't have prototypical size and speed," said Texans general manager Rick Smith, who drafted Diles.
"It got out on the Internet that I ran a 4.75 or a 4.8," Diles said.
"Does it matter?" Texans coach Gary kubiak asked.
Well, no, it doesn't matter when Diles was drafted or where he came from. The only thing that matters is that he has been a good fit in defensive coordinator Richard Smith's system.
"It's a great atmosphere to work in," Diles said about his smooth transition into the NFL. "Everybody's really helping me out.
"I've been able to get a lot of reps at practice. That's important because it helped me figure out what I was doing. As soon as you know what you're doing, it's a lot easier to play."
Two Texans — one coach and one player — have been mentors to Diles.
Linebackers coach Johnny Holland, a second-round pick, played linebacker for Green Bay.
"He's been phenomenal," Diles said. "He's a hell of a coach. Since he played linebacker in this league, he knows the ins and outs of the position. He's been unbelievable to work with."
Outside linebacker Danny Clark, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason, has been like a coach on the field for Diles.
"Danny helps me out tremendously," Diles said. "I hang out with Danny all the time off the field.
"He was a seventh-rounder when he came out, so we're like seventh-round buddies. DeMeco (Ryans) helps me out, too. Everybody's been phenomenal."
Diles hasn't been phenomenal, but he has been a pleasant surprise who has a legitimate chance to make the final roster.
"He works real hard, and he's been very steady," kubiak said. "We think we can count on this kid. He's got a long way to go, but he sure looks like he's going to be able to help us."
Rick Smith needed an outside linebacker who could excel on special teams when veteran Troy Evans signed with New Orleans.
"Zac's got good instincts, and that's especially important at his position," the GM said. "He's got good enough athleticism and speed. I'm pleased he was there in the seventh round because he's been a good fit for us."
Diles doesn't spend much time wondering why he was picked in the last round.
"I wasn't worried about all that," Diles said. "I was just happy to get a chance to play. Not everybody gets drafted. The way I look at it is that the Texans thought enough of me to draft me.
"I'm not really surprised I've been able to do well because that's what you strive for.
"Right now, I'm good, but I want to be great. You have to expect a lot of yourself. You have to work hard when you get this chance. If I came out here and just wished and hoped, I'd never get anything accomplished."
[email protected]
