James Houston Seeking Lions to 'Trust Me Enough' to Play More

James Houston wants to become every-down NFL player.

Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston does not just want to be utilized in specific pass-rush situations. 

Like many young players, the 2022 sixth-round draft pick wants his team to trust in him enough to play on every down and in many more situations. 

“For me, I’ve got to get on the field,” Houston said, via the Detroit Free Press. “I don’t know what that looks like, but I got to figure something out. Just like last year, it was just like they didn’t really know where to put me. I feel like it’s kind of similar, the same way. They don’t really know where to put me, and so I’m kind of that guy, hopefully I can be a chess piece and not too much of a liability."

The hope is that Houston can develop additional aspects of his game, in order to be utilized in a variety of different situations. 

In his rookie campaign, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn deployed the pass-rusher in specific situations, namely on third down. 

With added work in the film room, the 24-year-old is hoping to be deployed more in his sophomore season. 

Houston noted, "That’s really my goal, to get the team to be able to trust me enough to get to that point.”

Glenn noted that Houston would need to develop additional aspects of his overall game, most notably against the run. 

“It’s clear to him that, man, in order for me to take that next step, I have to be able to be a damn good player against the run in base, against the run in sub,” Glenn explained. “When it comes to rushing the passer, when I’m working with somebody else, I have to be really, really good at being able to work with somebody else, as far as any games or things like that." 

The ability to combat opponents making adjustments will be key for the former HBCU standout. 

"That’s what’s going to take him to the next level, and not just be somebody on the edge," Glenn explained. "Because at some point they’re going to know exactly who you are, and they’re going to be able to defend you just cause they know exactly what you want to do.”

Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard explained to reporters that the coaching staff does not want to limit Houston's potential as being a pass-rush specialist. 

“Everybody knows what James is capable of doing athletically, but when you get out there with those other 10 men, it’s a lot more than just athletic ability,” Sheppard said. “It’s buying in, doing things within the framework of the scheme. And, that’s kind of the things we’ve been working on with him over the course of the offseason, is you’re not just going after the quarterback. 

"This is an actual play where you have actual responsibility," Sheppard continued.
So, just making sure he hones in on the little things. Because James is a very heady player actually."