ASU Football: Chris Young's role with the Houston Texans

For two seasons, Chris Young was one of the most underrated players on the Arizona State defense. Last season saw Young rack up 112 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Now, Young will take his game to the next level, as he signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Houston Texans shortly after the draft was over.

Young was one of three undrafted linebackers the Texans signed, along with Michigan State's Max Bullough and Baylor's Terrence Lloyd. Houston has gotten good contributions in the past from undrafted rookies including Arian Foster, Tim Jamison, Dennis Johnson and Justin Tuggle.

Young's main competition to make the team will be Bullough, who started at middle linebacker for three seasons for Michigan State and was named a Third Team All-American by the Associated Press in 2013.

Atop the Houston depth chart at middle linebacker sits Brian Cushing and Jeff Tarpinian, the latter only started three games last season so Houston is looking for consistency beside Cushing in their 3-4 defense.

Young has a good chance of making the Texans, especially with their need at inside linebacker heading into the 2014 season. With Houston's defense employing two inside linebackers, Young (obviously) has a better chance to see the field than if he had gone to a 4-3 defense.

Like with most undrafted free agents, Young will have to show his prowess on special teams if he wants to make the team. He showed a knack for finding the football while at Arizona State and that must translate to the next level on special teams and in the preseason.

Young's journey will start later this week when he takes part in the team's rookie mini-camp.