The Houston Texans Are Hoping Their Defense Can Crack The Top 10 In Yards Per Game Allowed In 2019.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Houston Texans. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
D.J. Reader, Defensive Tackle:
D.J. Reader, 24, started all 16 games for the Texans defense last season, for the first time in his career. His final line was 23 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and two sacks. Over the last two seasons Reader’s play has been pretty consistent. Assuming that the Texans don’t draft a rookie high, in this month’s draft, I like D.J. to have his most productive season in the NFL.
Fantasy Recommendation:
When you think of the Texans defense, the first name that comes to mind is JJ Watt. Due to that, players like Reader go well under the radar. Anytime I can get someone with consistent production across from JJ I’m buying. While Reader may be owned, it shouldn’t cost you more than a late round pick to acquire him.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Dunn, Defensive Tackle.
Whitney Mercilus, Linebacker:
Whitney Mercilus, 28, started only nine games for the Texans defense last season. He hasn’t started a full 16 games since his second season in the NFL, which was 2013. His production was down last season, finishing with a line of 22 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, and four sacks. The 14 quarterback hits are very encouraging going into next season. What also helps is that he’s playing along side Zach Cunningham, Jadeveon Clowney, and Benardrick McKinney. All of these guys are expected to continue their production from 2018, thus helping Mercilus’s production as well.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Anytime you can get a player who’s the forgotten man in a strong linebacker group, you take it. He should be available on the wire, if not, it should take a late round pick to get him, maybe a mid round pick from a savvy owner.
Honorable Mention: Jadeveon Clowney, Linebacker.
Bradley Roby, Defensive Back:
Former first-rounder, Bradley Roby, 26, singed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Houston Texas, last month. Roby started 15 of 16 games last season for the Denver Broncos defense. He ended the season with 45 solo tackles, and one tackle for loss. While he battled injuries last season, he’s going to get a chance to turn it around on this Texans defense, that lost some pieces this off-season. I’m expecting Bradley to be the Texans nickel back this season, due to his play making ability, thus making him a great buy low candidate.
Fantasy Recommendation:
If he can stay healthy I think he will be a great add for IDP owners. He should be available on the wire, if not, shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick to land him.
Honorable Mention: Tashaun Gipson, Safety.
Conclusion
If the Houston Texans defense hopes to crack the top 10, in 2019, they will need their new additions to step up. I don’t see this defense dropping off much from last season. Ranking these buy lows in order of priority, it would be Whitney Mercilus, Bradley Roby, and D.J. Reader. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Indianapolis Colts.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
