Getting to know your new Chicago Bears: Lamarr Houston
Oct 6, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) celebrates after sacking San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears have made several splashes in the free agent pool in the past couple of weeks and we at BGO thought we should let our readers know a little more about the new additions. Over the next several days I’ll be profiling the newest Monsters of the Midway and showing you what these guys are all about. First up, former Oakland Raider Lamarr Houston:
College Career: Lamarr began his college career in 2006 for the Texas Longhorns at defensive end before being moved inside to defensive tackle in his junior year. He appeared in 50 games with 33 starts for Texas, tallying 133 tackles (35.5 for loss) and 14 sacks. Houston really became a disruptive force on the interior of the line as a senior and recorded 60 of those tackles (17 for loss) to go along with 7 sacks, including a 10 tackle, one sack performance in the 2010 BCS National Championship against Alabama. His impressive combination of size and athleticism was on display at the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured 6-3 and weighed in at over 300 lbs. while posting 4.84 in the 40 yard dash and a 33.5 inch vertical. The Raiders took him with the 44th overall pick in that year’s draft.
NFL Career: Houston showed a lot of versatility during his four years in Oakland, playing in both the 3-4 and the 4-3. He also never missed a game for the Raiders, showing good durability. The nimble defensive lineman recorded 228 tackles, 16 sacks (including a career high 6 last year) and forced 4 fumbles during his time wearing the silver and black. While his sack numbers aren’t exactly eye-popping, he was among the league leaders in quarterback hurries with 41, showing he was more disruptive than the official stats indicate. Houston will play defensive end in Chicago, but definitely has the size that he could slide inside to defensive tackle if need be. At only 26 years old, I think this guy is primed for a breakout season in 2014.
What do you guys think? Is Lamarr Houston the answer to the Bears’ pass-rushing woes, or is he just an over-priced free agent bust? Let me know what you think in the comments section.