When it comes to the Detroit Lions‘ pass rush, most people think of Aidan Hutchinson and everyone else is an afterthought. That’s understandable, considering Hutchinson produced 121 pressures last year according to PFF, and the next closest Lions defender was Alim McNeill with 43.
But last year, the Lions were missing one of their most dynamic pass rushers for most of the season. James Houston, who had 8.0 sacks in just seven games in his rookie season, only played two in 2023 after breaking his ankle early in the season.
However, Lions scout Patrick Mularkey believes Houston is primed to return in 2024 and make another big impact for Detroit’s defense.
“Now he’s back healthy and I think he’s going to be a very good partner in crime with Aidan Hutchinson coming off the edge,” Mularkey said on the Swartz Talkin’ Sports podcast last week.
Mularkey, who has been in the Lions’ personnel department since 2014 and is currently the team’s “southwest” area scout, called Houston the best player he has “drafted” when asked about a viewer question. .
“That was an under-the-radar type of person,” Mularkey said. “Not many teams knew (him) or were very fond of him. I gave it my name. He put my stamp on it. We take him and him as a rookie, and we think of him as a developing guy. A guy who had traits, but it would take him a couple of years to really get going. But the guy came into the picture.”
Houston was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of HBCU Jackson State. As a senior in college, when he transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge defender, he was an absolute terror, producing 16.5 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles.
The Lions could use even a fraction of that production from Houston in the future. Last year, despite all of Hutchinson’s success, the Lions finished just 23rd in sacks.
Last week, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said the expectations are for Houston to not only show the potential of his rookie season, but to take advantage of it.
“We’re hoping he comes out and, I don’t want to say he’s the James Houston of old, but the James Houston that we know is actually going to take another step,” Glenn said.
That probably includes becoming a more complete player. Houston’s athletic abilities as a pass rusher are undeniable, but the young defensive lineman will be forced to also improve as a run defender and learn how to establish the edge, which could be a challenge for the 6-foot-1, 245-foot pass rusher. .
Houston will also face tougher competition this year. Not only will 2022 second-round pick Josh Paschal get another year of experience, but Detroit signed CFL star Mathieu Betts and former first-round pick Marcus Davenport in free agency.
Still, it would be hard to ignore how disruptive Houston was in 2022. And considering all the resources the Lions used to improve their secondary this year, it’s reasonable to think Houston could break out again this season.
I highly recommend watching the full interview with Mularkey. He provides a good story of what life is like for an area scout, gives good first-hand accounts of why he thinks this front office is special, and explains why it’s so important to Lions rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo.
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