The Detroit Lions have been trying to expand James Houston’s game ever since drafting the speedy pass rusher in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The experimentation led to Houston initially not making the Lions roster as a rookie before erupting with eight sacks in the final seven games.
Throughout the last two offseasons, the Lions have given Houston extensive training and reps at the SAM linebacker position. It’s a pass-rushing role in Aaron Glenn’s defense, but it also entails a lot more coverage and read-react responsibilities than a straight EDGE rusher, which is what Houston thrived in as a rookie.
It has not gone well for Houston or the Lions. The 245-pound Houston doesn’t have the lateral agility or field vision to play in space. It’s also made Houston more tentative as a pass rusher when he does get turned loose.
That SAM experiment is apparently over. Head coach Dan Campbell indicated as much in his press conference prior to Monday night’s practice in Allen Park.
“Going to try to get (Houston) more back and end … he’s setting the edge or he’s rushing the passer,” Campbell said of Houston. That’s the textbook definition of EDGE, specifically defensive end, in Campbell’s vernacular and the Lions defense.
We might not see it immediately, as Houston is still dealing with a minor injury, however.