Houston Texans positional breakdown: Inside linebackers

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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1Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans Brian Peters (52) makes the tackle on New York Jets punt returner Jeremy Kerley (11) during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
1Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans Brian Peters (52) makes the tackle on New York Jets punt returner Jeremy Kerley (11) during the first quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Former CFL player, Brian Peters

Brian Peters has made the rounds during his short football career as he played for and indoor league team in Iowa and then in the UFL for Omaha. He then made a trip to Canada to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 235 Pounds
Age: 27
Career tackles: 17
Career sacks: 0
Career INTs: 0

In 2015 Peters finally made it to the NFL thanks to the Minnesota Vikings, who placed him on their practice squad. Eventually the Texans signed him to their active roster and Peters recorded 17 tackles for his new team.

Season prediction: Possible practice squad player

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Max Bullough (53) sits on the bench after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Falcons 32-7. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans inside linebacker Max Bullough (53) sits on the bench after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Falcons 32-7. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The technician, Max Bullough

The son of a Michigan State linebacker, Max Bullough followed his fathers footsteps as a Spartan before becoming a member of the Houston Texans.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 249 Pounds
Age: 24
Career tackles: 31
Career sacks: 0
Career INTs: 0

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Bullough is known for his smarts more so than his athleticism. While he won’t pop with his speed or strength, he was considered to be an extension of the coach on the field while at MSU and hopes that his technical skills will translate into eventual NFL success.

After posting 30 tackles in 2015, Bullough has a real chance to make the jump in 2016 and he may be the one person who can convince the team to move on from veteran Akeem Dent if he can show enough improvement.

Season prediction: 35 tackles, 1 interception

Next: The hopefuls

Schedule