Former Georgia standout Justin Houston tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine in February, according to a story first reported Tuesday by Fox Sports and also reported by numerous media outlets.
Houston, who was suspended for two games by Georgia in 2009, is projected to be a late first- to second-round pick in the NFL draft, which will be held Thursday through Saturday.
Houston’s agent didn’t return telephone calls seeking comment.
There already were mixed reviews on Houston in NFL scouting circles, but this revelation likely will not help his draft status.
Some teams see Houston as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Others see him as a defensive end with skills to rush the passer.
“There were some weeks where he was quiet,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said recently. “There were some weeks where he was dominant. I think this: Instinctively as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, he might struggle a little bit.”
During Georgia’s Pro Day on March 22, Houston acknowledged that he knew teams had mixed reports of his productivity. He attempted to show a crowd of 48 NFL scouts and executives that he wasn’t a slacker.
“After every drill, I sprinted an extra five yards to show them my motor,” Houston said.
Kiper believes that Houston would flourish as an end in a 4-3 scheme. “That’s where he can shine,” he said. “That’s his best spot.”
The Falcons have heavily scouted Houston, but general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the franchise would continue to steer clear of “the challenging soul” during the draft process in their post-Michael Vick era.
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