Former Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork is visiting with the Texans in Houston, reports Mark Berman of Fox 26 (via Twitter).
The Texans are in need of a veteran nose tackle and Wilfork would be their top choice, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
Wilfork was effective during the Patriots’ Super Bowl run, grading out as 13th best defensive end in the league by Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). Wilfork is known more as a defensive tackle, and although he has the versatility to shift outside, that would be the role he is likely to play should he land in Houston.
Houston struggled on the interior of its defensives line in 2014, with Ryan Pickett and Jerrell Powe both grading out poorly as defensive tackle, ranking 65th and 76th out of the 81 players to line up for 25% of their teams snaps at the position (subscription).
McClain also points out the connection Wilfork has with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, with whom he won a Super Bowl as a rookie in 2004. McClain knows there are still a few teams interested, and that Wilfork is not close to making a decision (via Twitter). The Patriots are among those teams, and are reportedly interested in bringing him back.