As the Texans draft watch series continues, we step away from wide receivers for a minute to take a look at another position that might come into play as free agency approaches.
If Mario Williams leaves in free agency, which is a distinct possibility, then the Texans will be in need of an impact edge rusher type to join the outside linebacker rotation.
A player that might fit that bill is Illinios defensive end Whitney Mercilus.
Do even a scant amount of research on Mercilus and you hear two things: "one year wonder" and "won't be able to play outside linebacker in a 3-4."
Really? How do people know this?
I remember when researching Aldon Smith last year that everyone was saying how he wouldn't be able to make the transition to 3-4 OLB. How'd that turn out?
Sure, Mercilus isn't quite as long and lean as Aldon, but there seems to be a thought process out there that in order to be successful as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, you must have established yourself in pass coverage at the collegiate level.
