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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Inside linebackers

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) is tackled by Houston Texans inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the second half of a football game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Akeem Dent (50) and inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) celebrate a defensive stop during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Akeem Dent (50) and inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) celebrate a defensive stop during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Valuable backup, Akeem Dent

Akeem Dent won’t wow anyone with his athleticism or size, but the former Atlanta Falcon has smarts and is always where he is supposed to be. Most importantly, he brings experience as he has started 29 games in his five-year career.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 239 Pounds
Age: 28
Career tackles: 121
Career sacks: 2.5
Career INTs: 0

A third-round pick for the Falcons in 2011 out of Georgia, Dent was traded to the Texans for quarterback T.J. Yates in 2014. He started seven games during his first season in Houston and another two last season while playing in 27 games.

Dent has been a decent player that does his job whenever asked. He may not bring the same playmaking as Cushing, or the same strength as McKinney, but he is the most experienced backup at the position and that goes a long way.

The veteran linebacker is also a consistent performer on special teams.

Season prediction: 21 tackles, 2 for a loss

Next: Fighting for a spot

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