Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Outside Linebacker
By Randy Gurzi
Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Travaris Cadet (39) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker John Simon (94) during the first half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
John Simon, 6’1″ 257 Pounds, 24 Years Old
Some Background Info;
Simon was a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, but managed only seven games and four tackles with the team before being let go. He wound up with Houston, most likely to reunite with Texans linebacker coach Mike Vrabel, who worked with Simon at Ohio State.
He played in 11 games last season for Houston and was credited with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
What To Expect This Year;
He has more experience than Ankrah and most the other options on the bench, while still having youth on his side. I expect Simon to be a special teams stud while also working to spell the starters at the outside spot.
Aug 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Kourtnei Brown (93) pressures Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Kourtnei Brown, 6’4″ 253 Pounds, 27 Years Old
Some Background Info;
The 27-year old Kourtnei Brown finds himself on his sixth team after trying with the San Fransisco 49ers, St.Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions.
The undrafted former Clemson kid has yet to get into an NFL game and thus has never recorded any statistics at all.
What To Expect This Year;
This could very well be the final shot as 27-years old is starting to becoming too old to try and crack an NFL lineup. If Brown shows some spark in training camp and the preseason he could surprise people, but I don’t expect him to survive the final cut.
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