James Houston IV Makes PFF 2022 Top-5 Graded Rookies List

Former Jackson State and Detroit Lions linebacker makes Pro Football Focus' named in top-five graded rookies for 2023.

Kyle T. Mosley | Jan 19, 2023

James Houston IV Makes PFF 2022 Top-5 Graded Rookies List /

Rookie linebacker James Houston IV was a one-man wrecking machine for the Detroit Lions in 2022 when he was finally given the opportunity to play.

James Houston IV sacks Zach Wilson — Dec 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) throws the ball as Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) pursues during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The former Jackson State star stacked eight sacks in seven games after being elevated from the Lions practice squad for the Thanksgiving Day contest against the Buffalo Bills.

Houston sacked Bills quarterback Josh Allen twice and tied an NFL record in the process.

Pro Football Focus graded this season's rookies and listed James Houston IV at No. 4 on its PFF Top Rookie Grades for the 2022 season.

Houston's overall grade is 83.2, and he posted a pass-rushing grade of 88.3 as a rookie. His first seven sacks came on just 88 pass-rush reps. James had 16 QB pressures and a pass-rush winning percentage of 25%.

James Houston IV with the Detroit Lions — James Houston IV; Credit:© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

PFF Top-5 Graded Rookies

CB Sauce Gardner, Jets - 90.4
RB Tyler Allgeier, Falcons - 86.3
WR Garrett Wilson, Jets - 83.7
LB James Houston IV, Lions - 83.2
WR Drake London, Falcons - 83.2

Houston to HBCU Legends as advice to HBCU players preparing for the NFL, "Believe in yourself. Grind. Never take that you are lesser than somebody because of where you went or anything like that. Because when you step on that football field, it's all football. No matter where you came from, no matter your color. Just grind like it's not going to be another tomorrow."

James is a candidate for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and a possible alternate for the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl in Las Vegas.

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Published Jan 19, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: