Staring OLB Opposte Hali

Andy Studebaker - LB - Chiefs

Andy Studebaker is expected to have the "inside track" on the Chiefs' starting outside linebacker job opposite Tamba Hali this season.
Studebaker has been Mike Vrabel's understudy for the past two seasons, but overtook Vrabel on passing downs for much of last year and had 2.5 sacks. Studebaker is now the heavy favorite for early-down work. He'll be pushed by Cam Sheffield and third-round pick Justin Houston for the nickel rushing role.


http://www.rotoworld.com/sports/nfl/football?r=1

I agree he probably will be, only because of the lockout. I would be a little disappointed if Houston isn't taking the majority of the snaps by the end of the year. But I am very interested in Sheffield. Before he got hurt last year, he was looking like one of our better draft picks... and that was a real good draft class. I think him and ILB Micah Johnson are a few dark horses in the LB competition.

Houston playing the majority of the snaps would mean Tamba Hali had a knee amputated. He's gonna be very situational this year.

Houston will play opposite Hali.

Studebaker will start and Houston should finish the year. But I agree Sheffield and Johnson could be dark horses. LB will be an interesting position to watch this year for sure.

Houston will be the eventual starter at OLB, probably before the season ends.

Is everyone predicting a switch to the 4-3? Houston will not start a game in the 3-4 as long as Hali is healthy. And if he does, the Chiefs will be the worst run defense in the league. I know everyone had a hard on for Houston, but remember, he went in the 3rd round, not the first like some people here predicted he would. And smoking pot was not the only reason he fell that far. He's more or less a one trick pony. And that one trick is the same one that Hali excels at, rushing the passer.

Houston has to start.

[quote="BigRatt"]Houston has to start. I dont think they drafted him in the 3rd just to be a 1 down player.

I don't see our other 3rd rounder (Allen Bailey) starting either

Bailey is a hard worker, I think he will develop into a solid player. Houston with Crennel coaching him could be a stud in a year or two.

Studebaker will most likely be the starter but I believe that Houston will play in nickel and 3rd down situations.

I agree with both those statements

Houston might start out one dimensional like most great pass rushers, but he will get better at everything else as the years go on.

I completely agree with that. the only way to get better is by experience.

I think Houston plays more than people think. This guy is a straight up baller and just might be the steal of the draft.

Sheffield. I'm calling it.