Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Justin Houston

by Jon Dove on Jul 2, 2011 12:00 PM EDT

More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers. However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player. We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.

Player: Justin Houston

Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Position: Linebacker

Competition: Mike Vrabel, Andy Studebaker

Chance of winning the battle: 40 percent

Thoughts: The Chiefs successful season had a lot to do with the improvements on the defensive side of the football. Arguably the biggest impact came from pass rush specialist Tamba Hali has he constantly created pressure in the backfield. However, Hali is going to be facing more and more attention and someone else needs to step up and help.

Justin Houston is a terrific athlete but will be facing a tough transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. He will need to learn to become more of a blitzer than a pass rusher which could take time to develop. However, his quickness and ability to create pressure will be tough to keep off the field.

As it stands, he will likely be competing with Andy Studebaker and Mike Vrabel for playing time. Houston possesses the most upside of this group and has the best pass rushing ability. He needs to enter training camp ready to work and learn because there is a real opportunity for playing time. I feel that even if he doesn't land a starting gig he will see the field in passing situations.

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Justin Houston is a terrific athlete but will be facing a tough transition from defensive end to outside linebacker

Not really, he played LB last year. He will need to work on doing other things than just rushing the passer but to start out with Houston should come in on our nickel packages to provide a rush opposite of Hali while he learns the SOLB position

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 2, 2011 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

This ^

That’s what I was gonna say. He was in a 3-4 at least part of his career. While there is obviously transition from college to NFL, he should know pretty well the position he is going to be playing.

*Pioli is my Idol*

by ChiefsFan4Life634 on Jul 5, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions