For any team, there will be a few outstanding defensive backs throughout its history. For a team with only a 22-year existence, the Houston Texans have had an astonishing number of strong defensive backs.
The defensive line is the first line of protection, even if the offensive line is the most critical part of the team. Great defenders at the line of scrimmage can frequently dictate the result of games by putting pressure on the opposing offense.
Here are our five Houston Texans Best Defensive Players Of All-Time
1 J.J. Watt
When it comes to Houston’s defensive line, Watt is the only player to ever win the honor for Defensive Player of the Year in the team’s history. When he was active throughout the first five seasons of his career, Watt was a force to be reckoned with. Watt, who started every game during that stretch, amassed an incredible 74.5 sacks. He also has 132 tackles for a loss, 15 forced fumbles, and an interception return for an 80-yard score of his own.
2 Ed Reed
You were probably going to get struck by Reed if you didn’t know where he was. Despite Reed’s extraordinary quickness and power, his ability to intercept passes and block punts was mostly due to his ability.
Reed has returned three punts for touchdowns in his career, and has blocked four punts. Both of these are NFL record-breakers.
3 Kareem Jackson
. With 13 interceptions, third in pass defense with 60, and three interceptions returned for touchdowns, this team ranks first all time in interceptions.
4 Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney’s iconic hit on Michigan Wolverine running back Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl shocked the sports world. 205 total tackles, 64 tackles for loss, 29 sacks, and 67 quarterback hits were some of his contributions throughout that time period.
5 Mario Williams
Before signing a record-breaking free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills, Williams would play in another 82 games, rack up 53 sacks and 241 total tackles over the following six seasons, as well as 11 forced fumbles and 93 quarterback hits.
