Here's a look at how the Texans distributed playing time among their outside linebackers.
Whitney Mercilus: 767 snaps, 72.2 percent
Brooks Reed: 751 snaps, 70.7 percent
John Simon: 219 snaps, 20.6 percent
Jadeveon Clowney: 142 snaps, 13.4 percent
Ricky Sapp: 22 snaps, 2.1 percent
Jason Ankrah: 16 snaps, 1.5 percent
The distribution of playing time among the Texans' outside linebackers didn't wind up being what they expected this season. Clowney, the first overall draft pick in 2014, was listed as the Texans' starter over Mercilus, but in Clowney's absence due to injuries, Mercilus showed he deserved the starting role. He finished the season with 50 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. Reed becomes a free agent in March. He had 41 tackles, three sacks and an interception during season. The Texans brought Simon on board in October. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the Ravens in 2013.
