Mid-To-Late Round Pass Rushing Options For The Houston Texans

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Xzavier Dickson (47) tackles Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) in the first quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Xzavier Dickson, Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have players all over the NFL and continue to churn out NFL talent on an annual basis. Outside linebacker Xzavier Dickson is another player who can become a solid NFL player, in the right system.

He played linebacker in a 3-4 system for coach Nick Saban and has the size to play at the same spot in the NFL at 6’3″ and 260 pounds.

The knock on Dickson is that while he is a good pass rusher, nine sacks in 2014, he is only average against the run and never consistently dropped into coverage. This would make him a liability as a full time starter but playing as a situational pass rusher should be no problem.

There have also been questions about his fire and love for the game, but if defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel can find a way to reach him, he could be a real value pick.

It’s always hard to tell where a player will wind up being picked, but CBS Sports.com has him ranked as a 4th-5th round prospect.

Next: Former High Recruit With Some Potential