Inside Linebackers The Houston Texans Should Target In Draft

Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker

prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

As the smoke begins to clear on the NFL free agency season, the Houston Texans 2015 draft needs and early round positional targets have become much clearer.

Following the free agent signings of Rahim Moore, Vince Wilfork and the re-signing of Derek Newton, it’s doubtful the Texans will spend an early pick on a safety or on the offensive or defensive lines, although they will look for depth in later rounds.

At inside linebacker, Mike Mohamed stepped up last year as a “cover” linebacker on passing downs.  The Texans also have Justin Tuggle who is still developing.  Neither is a starting caliber linebacker at this point, but can be competent reserves and special teams players.

This week, the Texans resigned Akeem Dent to a two-year deal.  Dent is a “thumper” in the mold of former Texan Tim Dobbins and is also a valuable special teams player.  Dent is a borderline starter but solid backup.

That leaves us with Brian Cushing who is coming off multiple seasons of knee injuries and various physical issues.  Nobody has ever questioned Cushing’s heart and work ethic to return from these injuries, but the fact remains neither we, nor the Texans know if he will ever be able to be the player he was before.

Given that the Texans do not have a rock solid #2 linebacker and they have no idea if Cushing will ever be the same and could end up a cap casualty in 2016, the Texans must consider drafting an inside linebacker high enough to project as a legit starter by at least year two.

So who might the Texans consider in the first 3 rounds?

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