Position analysis: Defensive line
Close friends off the field, J.J. Watt and D.J. Reader formed a powerful tandem on the Texans’ defensive line.
A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt dominated offensive tackles with his rare blend of power, quickness and deep repertoire of moves. Watt earned the stats and the acclaim that went with his production when he’s been healthy.
In three of the past four seasons, though, Watt has been placed on injured reserve with a major injury, including a midseason torn pectoral that required surgery last year before he was activated from injured reserve for two playoff games.
A massive former fifth-round pick from Clemson, Reader did the mostly unsung dirty work as an interior defensive lineman, grappling with blockers to clog up the line of scrimmage and allow players such as Watt and the Texans’ linebackers to run free to the ball. Reader was also versatile and mobile enough to play defensive end and make his share of plays.
Now, Reader is with the Bengals after becoming the highestpaid
nose tackle in the NFL with a four-year, $53 million contract. The Texans couldn’t meet Reader’s asking price because of other contractual considerations, including making Laremy Tunsil the highest-paid left tackle
in the game and saving up for quarterback Deshaun Watson’s eventual blockbuster extension.
How the Texans manage Watt’s workload and health at age 31 and adapt to Reader’s departure as a free agent are the two largest questions facing the defensive line.
“It’s no secret I love D.J.” Watt said. “He’s one of my best friends. He’s a great guy. I’m certainly going to miss him both in the D-line room, on the field and off the field just as a friend, having him up there in Cincinnati. But I also at the same time, I can’t be mad at him. There’s a whole bunch of reasons that he’s in Cincinnati now.”
The Texans drafted TCU defensive tackle and Elkins graduate Ross Blacklock in the second round, re-signed Brandon Dunn to a three-year, $12 million contract, and return Angelo Blackson and Charles Omenihu.
Blacklock could make an immediate impact with his strength and explosiveness.
A former Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Omenihu displayed flashes of potential as a pass rusher. He has been working this offseason to get stronger and add some bulk to compete as a run-stopper.
“In terms of the D-line room now we have, I love the D-line room,” Watt said. “Brandon Dunn, a guy you mentioned, he’s one of my favorite teammates. He’s a guy who always keeps it light, fun. He’s got great energy, he works extremely hard on the field, he plays well.
“We’ve got Angelo Blackson who — same thing, he plays his butt off on the field, a great guy in the room. I love our room. I love the guys we have in our room.”