Houston Texans positional breakdown: Outside linebacker

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Tony Washington (91) recovers a fumble from Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) to score a touchdown during the second half in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Tony Washington (91) recovers a fumble from Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) to score a touchdown during the second half in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Sophomore number one, Tony Washington

Undrafted in 2015 out of Oregon, Tony Washington, Jr. has yet to make an appearance at the NFL level.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 247 Pounds
Age: 23
Career tackles: 158 (Oregon)
Career sacks: 14.5 (Oregon)

With injuries slowing down Clowney the door was open for one of the young guys to step in and make a name for themselves. Unfortunately for the former Ducks defensive end, a chest injury ended his season early.

He will have a tough road still to make the team, but could be a solid practice squad player.

2016 season prediction: Potential practice squad player

Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and linebacker Carlos Thompson (44) take to the field before the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) and linebacker Carlos Thompson (44) take to the field before the first half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Sophomore number two, Carlos Thompson

Another undrafted free agent, Carlos Thompson was able to get suited up and see action in two games as a rookie.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 243 Pounds
Age: 24
Career tackles: 2
Career sacks: 0

Thompson has good size for the position and it’s encouraging that he was able to get on the field some for the Texans, even if his production was low. Look for him to try and earn a more important role in 2016.

2016 season prediction: 15 tackles, 1 sack

Next: The rookies