10 Year History of 26th Pick in the NFL Draft

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) points as he is introduced prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2012 – Houston Texans – Whitney Mercilus

Mercilus has the perfect name for an attacking outside linebacker. The Texans hope Mercilus can live up to his name long term. Mercilus has played in all 32 games since he was drafted getting 6 sacks his rookie year and 7 this past season. Mercilus started at OLB and will be transitioning to Romeo Crennel’s version of the 3-4 this year. He could be impacted by the drafting of Jadeveon Clowney #1 overall but would continue to see field time along with fellow OLB Brooks Reed. Mercilus is talented but not enough that it would preclude the drafting of Clowney. He is setup to be another solid, if unspectacular player for the Texans, though a breakout season or two, of over 10 sacks and a few disruptive plays, would not be surprising.