Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Outside Linebacker

May 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebackers coach

talks with linebacker

(90) during rookie mini-camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Toro Times posititional series now takes a look at how the Houston Texans are looking at one of the premier positions of a 3-4 defense, the outside linebacker. The Texans have dedicated first round picks to this position in both 2012 and 2014, yet have gotten minimal return on their investment.

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Their most experienced linebacker, Brooks Reed, recently left for the Atlanta Falcons, which means the team will have one new full-time starter for sure. The real hope is that two new starters won’t have to emerge, as the team awaits the recovery of last year’s first overall selection, Jadeveon Clowney.

Even with Clowney and 2012 first round pick Whitney Mercilus on the roster, many mock drafts had the team going for a pass rusher in the first round of the NFL Draft. The team didn’t go this route, so it is possible they feel stronger about the position than most fans and pundits did during the offseason.

So, let’s take a look at who the Texans have on their roster ready to get after the quarterback in 2015.

Next: The Man Who Just Got Paid