Inside Linebackers The Houston Texans Should Target In Draft
By Travis Oquin
Oct 25, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony (42) sacks Syracuse Orange quarterback AJ Long (4) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Stephone Anthony (1st-2nd round) 6’3”, 243 – Clemson
Stephone Anthony is exactly what I like in an inside linebacker, always around the ball and very sound closing and wrapping up. Anthony can also cover sideline to sideline with a 4.56 40 speed that he showed at the NFL combine in February, the fastest of the inside linebackers. He also benched 23 reps at the combine, more than any other inside linebacker in this article.
Anthony is a sure tackler and a hard hitter, with excellent technique. He’s patient to react to the play instead of overplaying and jumping in too quick and getting swallowed up by the blockers or overrunning the play. He has a knack for staying clean of blockers to enable him to get to the ball. He’s also solid in pass coverage in the short zone areas.
To see what Anthony is capable of you need look no further than his game against Florida State in 2014, here.
Dec 29, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony (42) celebrates during the second half of the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony is a mature player and has also impressed in interviews, which may or may not equate to quality football players but definitely can show maturity and in some cases show focus and intelligence. An interview of Stephone Anthony at his Pro Day can be seen here.
Stephone Anthony is the only inside linebacker in this class that I would take in the first round. At 16, where the Texans currently sit, it might be a little too high for him and ideally the Texans would prefer to trade back to later in the first round, if they can find a trade partner and pick up an extra pick in the 3rd round, perhaps.
If he’s still available to them at pick number 51 in the 2nd, he’d be a steal.
Click NEXT