Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Outside Linebacker

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Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back David Cobb of Minnesota (37) is tackled from behind by South squad outside linebacker Lynden Trail of Norfolk State (97) in the third quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Lynden Trail, 6’7″ 269 Pounds, 24 Years Old

Some Background Info;

A  very interesting prospect who transferred to Norfolk State after he couldn’t crack the lineup at the University of Florida. He finished his career with 255 tackles and 19.5 sacks in his three season at Norfols State.

He also showed his versatility by catching three touchdown passes in 2013. Trail is an athletic player who actually played wide receiver during High School. He has shown a lot of passion and said he is willing to play whatever role his team wants him to play.

What To Expect This Year;

He is still a very raw player who went up against sub-par opposition in college. that being said, he could wind up being one of the steals of the undrafted free agent period for the Houston Texans.

Trail has amazing versatility, but with his size and speed, using him at the outside backer spot seems to be a perfect fit. I believe he makes the final 53-man roster, but still spends most of 2015 learning the NFL. I expect bigger things from him beyond this season though.

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Tony Washington (91) scores on a 58-yard fumble recovery return in the third quarter against the Florida State Seminoles in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated Florida State 59-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Washington, 6’4″ 247 Pounds, 22 Years Old

Some Background Info;

Another undrafted kid here, the Oregon product has experience playing outside linebacker as well as putting his hand in the dirt and playing defensive end.

His fit coming into the league was said to be as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and he found a team that could really use some help there. After posting 158 tackles and 14.5 sacks in his career for Oregon his stats may not jump out to you. But 13.5 of those sacks came in his final two years which shows he was starting to figure out his pass rushing moves and has some potential to work with.

What To Expect This Year;

My bet would be that he loses out on his opportunity to Lynden Trail, but if he shows similar promise than any of the guys ahead of him, the Texans may prefer the younger player in Washington due to upside. In the end, I expect Washington to find his way to the team’s practice squad in 2015 with an eye on developing for the future.

Next: Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Defensive Line

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