Texans No-Name Players Who Can Steal A Starting Spot

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, Outside Linebacker, 6’7″, 269 Pounds, 24 Years Old

Again, it is all about size here with linebacker Lyndel Trail, and his size makes him stand out in a crowd. Taller than most linebackers at 6’7″, he carries nearly as much weight as the defensive ends in this scheme at 269 pounds.

With his speed coming in under five seconds on the forty yard dash and his broad jump being 32.5 inches, he shows that he has athleticism to go along with his size. Another thing the Texans like about the rookie is his long arms, which came in at 34 and 7/8″.

Trail showed he also knows how to use that length as he deflected 18 passes during his three collegiate seasons. Pairing a pass deflecting artist with “J.J. Swatt” could be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

While Trail is behind two starters who were picked in the first round, one of those picks, Jadeveon Clowney, is recovering from serious knee surgery. Even if Clowney returns in time for the first game of the year, he may need to be worked back slowly.

The fact that time is there for the taking means a player with unlimited potential could take advantage of the available snaps.

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