Over the last few years, the level of play among the linebacking unit has been inconsistent. Jarvis Jones was a complete bust. Bud Dupree has been a major disappointment. That’s two first-round picks over the last five years that have been wasted on replenishing this group. TJ Watt, the 2017 first rounder had a solid rookie season and might buck the trend of poor first round OLB choices.
Both inside backer Vince Williams and Watt were second and third on the team in sacks with eight and seven, respectively. The team did surprisingly pick up the fifth year option on Dupree, who has 14.