The Houston Texans announced Tuesday evening they had three selections to the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl in quarterback Deshaun Watson, receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
The Texans are one of the teams in the league that also makes public their Pro Bowl alternates. Here are the five Texans who have been sensational throughout the season but didn’t make the cut to be a part of the AFC roster.
1. OLB whitney mercilus
The 29-year-old edge defender was off to a fast start with four forced fumbles through the first five weeks of the season. However, Mercilus, much like the Texans’ pass rush, tapered off midway through the season. He also saw more double teams as defensive end J.J. Watt tore his pectoral muscle and teams keyed on the former 2012 first-round pick as the Texans’ only credible pass rusher. A second-team All-Pro in 2016, Mercilus has been on the cusp of getting more premier accolades. His alternate status shows once more how close he has come.
Who’s ahead: Ravens OLB Matt Judon, Broncos OLB Von Miller, Steelers OLB T.J. Watt
Chances to make the team: Fairly good given that Judon could be playing in the Super Bowl and Miller, who has had an injury plagued season and already named to eight Pro Bowls, may back out.
2. DT D.J. reader
The former Clemson Tiger has produced 2.5 sacks, 50 tackles, and six tackles for loss, all career highs, in his 14 starts. Coach Bill O’Brien and defensive end J.J. Watt have long credited him as a key part of the defensive line, and he has been able to demonstrate it during his contract season.
Who’s ahead: Bengals DT Geno Atkins, Steelers DT Cameron Heyward, Chiefs DT Chris Jones
Chances to make the team: Not good given that all three guys ahead of Reader are playing for teams that are out of the playoffs or will be by the end of divisional weekend. It would take injuries or an apathy towards the hoopla of Pro Bowl week for Reader to get an opening.
3. ls jon weeks
Weeks hasn’t been the problem for kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn’s missed field goals. A former 2015 selection, Weeks has had his chance to partake in the league’s all-star game. Baltimore’s long snapper has actually been to the Pro Bowl twice before.
Who’s ahead: Ravens LS Morgan Cox
Chances to make the team: Pretty good considering the Ravens might be playing in the Super Bowl or too burned out from losing in the conference title game to care to go to Orlando.
4. c nick martin
Martin signed an extension with the Texans early in the regular season, and Houston has reaped the rewards thus far. Quarterback Deshaun Watson considers Martin a brother, and the former Notre Dame product has worked very hard in the offseason and outside the lines to develop cohesion and chemistry along the offensive line. With how well the Texans’ passing game and running game have been in 2019, Martin is one of the reasons why.
Who’s ahead: Raiders C Rodney Hudson, Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey
Chances to make the team: Not good because both of those players will probably be available for the Pro Bowl. Unless the Steelers go on a magical run, there won’t be an opening for Martin.
6. ilb zach cunningham
The alternate tag is arguably a year late for Cunningham, as he was having the same prolific season in 2018 until he missed two games to injury. Those absences opened up Benardrick McKinney to make up ground and finish just two tackles shy of Cunningham’s team lead. In 2019, with the third-year pro having played every game to this point, he leads the team with 128 tackles, 26 more than McKinney. Cunningham also has a career-high 2.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and seven tackles for loss.
Who’s ahead: Colts LB Darius Leonard, Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower
Chances to make the team: It could happen if the Patriots are playing in the conference title game for the ninth straight year. Also, Leonard has been playing with injury throughout 2019 and might want to start his offseason early to recover and be fresh for the offseason program.
