FanPost

A Look Back: Justin Houston

I was reading an article on the Herschel Walker trade and it mentioned the 2011 draft trade that the Atlanta Falcons did to acquire Julio Jones. They traded the farm to Cleveland to move up. An amazing trade that has worked out well for the Falcons (when healthy) and not so well for the Browns (Phil Taylor and Brandon Weeden).

What does Justin Houston have to do with that trade?

Quite a lot actually because it was that trade that allowed the Chiefs to acquire Houston.

It was my first time watching the NFL draft ever and so I was excited. The Chiefs were coming off their first playoff berth in 4 years and had the 21st overall pick. Everyone was expecting them to draft Phil Taylor out of Baylor to be that force in the middle of their 3-4 defense (a position that would be fixed the following draft with Poe). The time to pick had come and the Browns traded up from their 26th spot to the Chiefs 21st pick. Taylor got picked right where he was projected but to the wrong team.

Before I continue I just want to give a little background on Justin Houston. He played college football at Georgia (makes me wanna puke just thinking about my favorite Chiefs player playing college football at my sworn rival) and was projected to be taken by the Saints in many mock drafts. He then tested positive for weed at the Combine that caused him to drop (I wonder how many teams regret letting that bother them).

The Chiefs would select bust and Thomas Jones' punching bag Jonathan Baldwin with the 26th overall pick.

The Browns moved up and gave their 27th (turned 26th because the Ravens failed to get their pick in on time) and 70th to select Phil Taylor.

Justin Houston would go on to finish his rookie year with 5.5 sacks after seeing hardly any playing time so that he could become a complete OLB and not one dimensional. I remember during preseason the man had a tent in the opponents backfield constantly. Now he is one of the best at his position and desperately needs to get re-signed (that or he gets the tag).

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.