Eli Cox has been reunited with former UK offensive line coach Zach Yenser in Houston. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Eli Cox started 38 consecutive games in Kentucky’s offensive line to end his career and then had the second-best score among this year’s centers at the NFL Draft Combine.
The 6-4, 306-pound Cox is 24 years old, married and played both center and right guard at UK to showcase his versatility. He also played two years at Kentucky under offensive line coach Zach Yenser, who is now the offensive line coach for the Houston Texans.
Vince Marrow, Kentucky’s NFL liaison, was positive Cox would be picked in last week’s NFL Draft and was shocked when he wasn’t. However, Houston and head coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t waste any time after the draft ended signing Cox to an undrafted free agent contract.
According to Aaron Wilson, who covers the NFL and Texans for Houston NBC-TV affiliate KPRC2, the Texans gave Cox a three-year contract with $250,000 in guaranteed money. That’s a nice guarantee for any undrafted rookie but especially for Cox who was largely an unknown player when John Schlarman recruited him out of West Jessamine High School. Cox became a four-year starter at UK who played in 56 games with 47 starts. He started 13 games in 2022, 13 more in 2023 and all 12 last season. Twice he earned all-SEC honors.
Cox allowed just one sack in 2024 with 72 blocks at the point of attack and 10 knockdown blocks, grading out at 76 percent for the season and an assignment grade of 99 percent.
“Eli signed immediately, and Pop (Jamon Dumas-Johnson) signed immediately with Green Bay. I guarantee they got some pretty good sign on bonuses,” Marrow said. “When I talked to my guy in Buffalos, he told me Eli would go in the fourth or fifth round, and he was very shocked that he didn’t go then.
“So I guarantee you that those guys were very high priority free agents. I really really believe those guys will most likely make their teams, especially Eli because he should have been drafted.”
Yenser said Sunday night he was “very surprised” Cox was not drafted and was thrilled to add him and his versatility to his offensive line group.
“Eli was gonna make it regardless of where he went but I know that kid. He can play guard or center equally well,” Marrow said. “He reminds me of (former UK lineman) Luke Fortner (who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars) and that’s why I thought he would go in the fifth or sixth round. But the key is he’s somewhere where he has a serious opportunity to succeed. I guarantee you he is gonna make that team.”
The Texans entered the offense looking to upgrade the offensive line. They signed two players in free agency but also traded two linemen. Houston added one player in the draft but then wasted no time adding more depth with Cox.
Even though UK’s offensive line struggled last season, Cox allowed a career-low 14 pressures (12 hurries, two hits without a sack).
All 32 NFL teams will be holding rookie minicamps in early May when Cox will have his first chance to hopefully win a spot on this year’s roster.
2 Responses
Good luck to Eli man am I glad to have that set of lineman graduate. Its been a terrible line all 3 years.
Jessamine County Proud.