The best thing that happened to Houston this season was Georgia moving to a 3-4 defense which fit his skill set perfectly. After having played as an undersized Defensive End the previous 2 years, with success, the chance to see him play and the experience he gained at a position where he will play in the pros will only serve him well.
And thanks to his ability to easily transition to the 3-4 in the NFL, likely, he should be in high demand come draft time, even maybe going as high as the Top 15 as a prospect.
Houston was suspended in the past for a reported substance abuse violation. He can deliver some big hits and drive through the ball carrier, and shows excellent instincts as a pass rusher and has a natural ability that cannot be taught. He’s versatile and has experience playing with his hand in the ground as a Defensive End and standing up as 3-4 Outside Linebacker. Houston comes through with pressure on the Quarterback in key moments and was one of the few players able to get to, provide pressure, and bring down Cam Newton.
Elite level pass rusher who in his first year as a standup linebacker excelled and should only get better, he has excellent timing on the blitz and top notch first step. Violent hands to ward off blockers and long arms to keep them off his body. His coverage skills are a work in progress and while he has enough athleticism to stay with backs and tight ends – he could struggle facing quicker, faster players on the next level.
He does gets decent drops in zone and generally keeps the man in his area in front of him. He has active hands and awareness allow him to knock down passes – needs some work on catching balls that are thrown into his body though.
Houston’s overall production is outstanding with 10 sacks on the season – up from 7.5 last season. Is also in on many tackles and generally will take the ball carrier down alone. He’s very strong and can take on most blockers and throw them off his body and gives good effort in pursuit, but does not have elite speed and range to track down quicker, faster offensive players.
He has improved in reading and diagnosing plays, locates the ball quickly and is rarely fooled by play action. Despite production, I’d would like to see more consistency and play every snap with the same power and effort as his best ones.
Houston is an elite pass rusher who is relentless coming off the edge. He has a great first step that allows him to get by most blockers and long arms and strong upper body that keep blockers off his body and shows the toughness and strength to set the edge versus the run and needs to continue to improve in this area. His coverage skills will need work, and it will probably never be a strong suit.
Houston is a player that does one thing exceptionally well at a position in high demand in the NFL. With so many teams playing the 3-4, he will be even more in demand and outside of Von Miller is the top 3-4 Outside Linebacker in this draft in my eyes.
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