Linebacker (8)
OLB: Whitney Mercilus, Duke Ejiofor, Brennan Scarlett, Jacob Martin, Jonathan Greenard (R); ILB: Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole, Benardrick McKinney
News from the Houston Texans this offseason is they have added Jonathan Greenard to the depth chart as an edge rusher during the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and most likely he’ll be battling his way for a good amount of playing time this season.
There is some nice depth at outside linebacker for the Texans, and Whitney Mercilus is here for the long haul, and there is Jacob Martin, who could have his breakout season if he earns more playing time.
The inside linebackers are solid players, it is just none of them jump off the page screaming superstar, and that is fine, but this group will have to play tough and stop the rush to help this defense be productive.
The sleeper pick here is Jan Johnson as he’s had to battle his way onto a roster since joining the collegiate level at Penn State. He was originally a walk-on there, and now he’s basically that at the professional level too as he was an undrafted rookie free agent. He might not make the 53-man roster, but the practice squad could be in his future.
Linebacker could bring some questions at the start of the season, but the unit will be key to any success the defense will have in 2020.