Why Undrafted?: Max Bullough, LB, Michigan State
By Charlie Campbell, @draftcampbell
Michigan State’s Max Bullough spent the past few seasons as one of the most consistent linebackers in the Big Ten, and the Spartans featured one of the best defenses in the nation in 2013. Darqueze Dennard was the most high profile player, but Bullough was the leader, heart and soul of the stop unit. He was a consistent producer and good run-defender in conference action. Like all college linebackers, Bullough needs work on his pass defense for the NFL, but the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has good length to run with tight ends downfield.
For an undisclosed reason, Bullough was suspended from the Rose Bowl, his final college game. He performed well at the East-West Shrine, but the nature of his off-the-field issues was not released. Many felt that Bullough would be a mid-rounder given his instincts, size and tackling ability. However, he fell undrafted. WalterFootball.com has learned the reason Bullough went unselected was because of the off-the-field issues that caused the suspension. They are said to be significant toward impacting his long-term possibilities.
Bullough signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. It was a great fit for him as the organization could use a run-stuffer at inside linebacker to pair with Brian Cushing. That has been a weakness for Houston since trading DeMeco Ryans. If Bullough can clean things up off the field, he has a shot at making the Texans’ roster and developing into a role player for run defense.
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