Biography: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior. Totals last year included career numbers of 68/22/8 after 22/7/1.5 as a junior.

Positives: High-revving interior defensive lineman whose game is on the rise. Breaks down well, plays with good knee bend, and is resilient. Effectively collapses to the outside defending the run, keeps his feet driving on contact, and works his hands well. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step and displays a lot of explosion in his game. Fluid if asked to twist or stunt and has an adequate change of direction.

Negatives: Rumbles about the field and not effective in pursuit. Marginal closing burst. Must be quicker disengaging from blocks once engaged at the point of attack.

Analysis: Coming into the season, NFL scouting services gave Houston a free agent grade. Houston elevated his game significantly last year and has now moved into the middle rounds. Houston is a hard-working lineman who would be best as a one gap tackle on a four-man line. He offers a nice degree of upside and should see action as a rookie.

Projection: 2-3