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**Radical** · 03-16-2011, 07:24 AM

Justin Houston, one of the hot hybrid outside linebacker/defensive ends in the NFL draft, is set to meet with the Atlanta Falcons late next week, according to his representatives.

Houston, who skipped his senior season at Georgia to enter the draft, is considered the 28th ranked player in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. He was an All-SEC outside linebacker last season, but is considered a scheme-fit for the Falcons at defensive end.

The Falcons pick 27th in the first round and have been looking at defensive ends and offensive tackles.

The Falcons like Houston’s ability to make plays in the opposition’s backfield. He had 10 sacks and 18 ½ tackles for loss last season. Houston’s 20 career sacks rank seventh on the school’s all-time list.

Houston bench pressed 225-pounds, 30 times at he NFL scouting combine, which was the fourth highest total in the linebacker group.

However, he has his detractors.

“Justin Houston from Georgia isn’t as consistent as I would like to see,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “But he’s another guy that people are looking at.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that team will always on the lookout for pass rushers.

“You want to make sure that the quarterback is under duress and that he’s not able to sit back and feel comfortable in the pocket,” Smith said. “We always are trying to improve our pass rush. I think that we do have some young guys that will continue to develop, but that is always an area where you can improve.”

–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog

LINK

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Somewhere out there, gdawg just creamed his pants. I'm still in the belief that the Falcons take the best WR or DE they think is available barring anything happening with FA. Assuming TD believes this guy has the right motor and urgent play style he looks for in DEs, we may see this guy in a Falcons uniform sooner rather than later.

Swift Is a Die Hard · 03-16-2011, 08:11 AM

Don't see us drafting him . He would be a nice fit for a Wade PHillips defense

bF™ · 03-16-2011, 03:56 PM

i'd be happy with him or torrey smith

The Falcon Jedi · 03-16-2011, 08:41 PM

He played in the SEC, he's a local product. I wouldnt mind giving him a shot.

**papachaz** · 03-20-2011, 11:52 AM

(03-16-2011 08:41 PM)The Falcon Jedi Wrote: He played in the SEC, he's a local product. I wouldnt mind giving him a shot.

but not with the 27th pick

TallDrink26 · 03-20-2011, 04:15 PM

My limited knowledge on him has been from mostly highlights but I wasnt really impressed and just seemed he was a one trick pony using always an outside speedburst and if engaged then would only try to power through. I want Kerrigan somehow someway

Penumbra · 03-20-2011, 06:20 PM

So,...Eric Sidbury is a possible Dimitroff bust.

**Radical** · 03-21-2011, 02:00 PM

(03-20-2011 06:20 PM)Penumbra Wrote: So,...Eric Sidbury is a possible Dimitroff bust.

I've never heard of a 4th round pick being a bust... but it is hardly like we've given up on him.

Penumbra · 03-21-2011, 09:24 PM

Just testing the waters here and you are right on.

Someone suggested Sid doesn't play on special teams but looking back at games from last year he was out there, #90 on STs. It's this "process" and that must mean they're building for the future.

g-dawg · 03-25-2011, 04:55 PM

(03-16-2011 07:24 AM)Radical Wrote: Somewhere out there, gdawg just creamed his pants. I'm still in the belief that the Falcons take the best WR or DE they think is available barring anything happening with FA. Assuming TD believes this guy has the right motor and urgent play style he looks for in DEs, we may see this guy in a Falcons uniform sooner rather than later.

I changed my pants.....thanks for asking Blush