Dec 7, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Akeem Dent (50) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson (16) at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports
Akeem Dent, 6’1″ 239 Pounds, 27 Years Old
Akeem Dent came to Houston from Atlanta in exchange for quarterback T.J. Yates. After playing out the final year of his rookie deal, the Texans brought him back on a two-year agreement.
Some Background Info;
Dent has 27 starts in his career, including seven last season for Houston. The third round pick in 2011 has some valuable experience and gives the Texans some great depth at the interior spot of their linebacking corps.
What To Expect This Year:
Dent has never recorded an interception and has only two and a half sacks in his career, so don’t expect any game changing plays from the 27-year old. Instead, look for Dent to provide some quality veteran play off the bench whenever needed, while also providing a solid tackler on special teams.
Oct 31, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) scrambles from South Florida Bulls linebacker Reshard Cliett (16) during the second half at Reliant Stadium. Houston won 35-23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Reshard Cliett, 6’2″ 235 Pounds, 23 Years Old
Reshard Cliett was picked by Houston in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern Florida.
Some Background Info;
He played four years for USF and tallied 138 tackles and nine sacks for the Bulls. In his final season in college he had six sacks, which shows his versatility.
With a total of 18 tackles for a loss, there is a possibility that Cliett could be looked at as an option at the outside linebacker spot rather than interior. However due to his smaller height and less than 240 pound frame I believe for the time being Cliett will be used inside.
What To Expect This Year:
A sixth round pick is hardly guaranteed a spot on a roster, and it will be even harder considering the depth ahead of him at the inside linebacker spot. His ability to pressure the quarterback and the potential he shows there could be enough to justify keeping him on the roster above a higher priced veteran.
The safest bet will probably be that he makes the final roster but only makes the active game day roster in case of an injury.
Next: Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Outside Linebacker