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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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Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Reshard Cliett (59) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Reshard Cliett (59) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie redshirt, Reshard Cliett

A 2015 rookie selected in Round 6, Reshard Cliett missed his entire first season due to injury.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 222 Pounds
Age: 24
Career tackles: 134 (USF)
Career sacks: 7 (USF)
Career INTs: 0

Already a long shot to make the team as a late round pick, Cliett takes an even harder road now following a lost season. He didn’t jump out at USF and needs make great strides to make this roster.

Season prediction: Possible practice squad player

Sep 12, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Shakeel Rashad (42) knocks the ball loose from North Carolina A&T Aggies running back Justin Smith (22) during the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Shakeel Rashad (42) knocks the ball loose from North Carolina A&T Aggies running back Justin Smith (22) during the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Undrafted rookie, Shakeel Rashad

The Houston Texans liked North Carolina linebacker Shakeel Rashad enough to dish out a $10,000 signing bonus for the undrafted rookie.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 245 Pounds
Age: 22
Career tackles: 171 (UNC)
Career sacks: 4 (UNC)
Career INTs: 3 (UNC)

126 of his career tackles and two interceptions came for Rashad during his final season as a Tar Heel, which is the reason Houston felt strongly enough to give him a nice bonus to come try for a spot on their roster.

He looks to have the tools necessary, but may need some time to find his way at the next level. He has a real chance to push for a roster spot and perhaps ends up on the 53 man roster at some point, even if not to start the season.

Next: Houston Texans DL breakdown

Season prediction: 15 tackles

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