Justin Houston NFL Draft scouting report

by Dan Kadar on Mar 20, 2011 11:45 PM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

Justin Houston
6'3, 270 pounds | Outside linebacker/Defensive end | Georgia

Coverage: Because he spent his first two years as an end, Houston had minimal experience in coverage. As a standup rush end in 2010, Houston dropped back in zone some. Because of his athleticism, he doesn't get totally overmatched covering an area. However, he doesn't have the experience needed to play in man coverage.

Instincts/Recognition: Houston gets such a good jump because he's able time the snap count really well. Uses his jump to get the power advantage on offensive linemen. Will be a work in progress recognizing passing routes.

Pass rush: Houston's best asset as a pass rusher is his ability to get off the snap and to the edge. Is best rushing to the outside where he can get low and work under the tackle. Wasn't used a lot working the inside lane. Needs to develop a counter move. Hand usage could be better, which is a reason why he's better suited as a linebacker. Played as a standup rush end in Georgia's 3-4 in 2010. Played end previously.

Pursuit: Has good initial step and move which allows him to get outside the blocker. As good as his first step is, you'd expect Houston to have better closing ability. He's not as violent of a closer as you'd expect.

Run defense: Houston struggles against the run when he has to change direction in short areas. Is a little tight in the hips. Where he does do well here is locating the ball and getting after it. Has enough upper body strength to handle ball carriers in the open field. Is a solid form tackler.

Strength: If Houston is being considered as a linebacker, his strength is ready for the NFL. He just needs to figure out how to better use his hands to get the most out of his strength. If Houston is used as an end, he may have to get stronger in his lower body.

Final word: Houston is a good speed rusher when he gets a good jump off the snap. He has NFL size and enough athleticism to play outside in the 3-4. Against the run, Houston is only average and he's a work in progress in pass coverage. Had 17.5 sacks in his last two seasons at Georgia.

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Next Suggs, hopefully Ravens get him if we don’t go OT.

by AV23 on Mar 21, 2011 12:54 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed

I like this kid a lot. Justin Houston is active, exploisive and has a good feel for the game. I could see any numbers of teams showing an interest in him as a late 1st to early 2nd rd. pick. With Sergio Kindle’s health in question, Jarrett Johnson up in age and nothing opposite Suggs that will force DC ’s to be overly concerns from a pure pass-rush perspective, Houston could provide impact for the Ravens with his versatility as a player. The more I watch Justin Houston, the more I see that enthusiam and passion for the game. John Abraham is what I see when projecting what Houston can become as a player in the NFL.

I like Justin Houston much more than Ryan Kerrigan, a player touted to go higher in this draft. Houston’s much more of an athlete with his ability to coil, bend at a 45 degree angle and flatten out in pursuit of the QB. The kid played in a big-time Conference (SEC), so you know he has faced other elite players regularly. I would have no qualms with Justin Houston as the Ravens pick at 26.

by Ravens One on Mar 21, 2011 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup, Houston is turning into our favorite option right now.

"If only Flacco could put up numbers similar to Matt Ryan, or maybe just improve his stats year-to-year, he wouldn’t seem like such a wasted draft pick. It’s as if a young quarterback needs to put up better stats in his first three years than nearly every other quarterback to play in the NFL to justify a first round pick." - Amp

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 21, 2011 3:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Hmmm

odd, from what I have been hearing he’s a lock for 4-3 end

If you reply to a comment/post/fanshot of mine, I will more likely then not respond to it, unless you come off like a d-bag.

by DBroncs1414 on Mar 21, 2011 1:33 AM EDT reply actions

Houston

That’s really only because he showed up at the combine weighing 270 pounds. From what I read, he played the season around 255 lbs. So if he is drafted by a 3-4 team, he will have to lose the weight again. Him gaining weight means one of 2 things: Either he wants to show all the teams he is capable of being a full time 4-3 DE or he is trying is show he has little interest in playing in the 3-4. That part worries me as my Packers run a 3-4, and Houston will likely be available at #32. He is one of the draftees we are keeping a close eye on at APC.

Superbowl Champs Baby!!!!!

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Nuff said....

by Jabooty on Mar 21, 2011 6:28 AM EDT up reply actions

From what I’ve heard he doesn’t like dropping back into coverage which means he probably gained the weight to assure that he would be a DE and not an OLB.

by big_jay71 on Mar 21, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions