Houston Pro Day: Which Defensive Lineman Caught Falcons Eye?
HOUSTON — The University of Houston held its annual Pro Day Friday morning for 15 prospects entering the 2022 NFL Draft. First Team All-AAC honoree Logan Hall was the most intriguing prospect auditioning in front of 29 NFL scouts. But Houston's defensive lineman David Anenih caught the eye of the Atlanta Falcons.
Following Houston's Pro Day at TDECU Stadium, Falcons' outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino met with Anenih privately. Anenih played five seasons at Houston, where he finished his collegiate career with 98 tackles, 20.0 sacks and seven forced fumbles.
Dale Zanine/USA Today Sports
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
"We had a great talk together," Anenih said. "We spent most of the time talking about the difference between a 3-4 defense and 4-3 defense. He liked my performance today. He liked the way I got off the ball. He liked my speed. We had a great conversation."
Anenih is one of the most solid defensive linemen in his class. And he is the ideal prospect for Falcons' defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who runs a 3-4 defensive scheme. Anenih said he is most comfortable playing for a team that runs a similar 3-4 defense to the University of Houston.
"This means a lot to me," Anenih said. "Since I was a kid, this is what I dreamed about. And it is finally here. All glory to God because my dreams are finally coming true."
The Falcons were one of two teams that met with Anenih following Houston's Pro Day. General manager Steve Keim of the Arizona Cardinals also talked with him one-on-one.
