With training camp drawing ever nearer, Pro Football Focus has been continuing to build the hype around each NFL team, and the Houston Texans are no different.
In their latest round of rankings, PFF ranked Houston’s pass-rush as the fifth-best in the NFL, finishing below the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Philadelphia Eagles.
It is easy to see why they were ranked so highly. With J.J. Watt coming off of a comeback year for the ages during which he racked an AFC topping 16.5 sacks, Jadeveon Clowney (likely) returning to terrorize opposite Watt, and Whitney Mercilus looking to return to his formerly dominant self their pass rush does look imposing.
Throw in defensive tackle D.J. Reader who himself has improved significantly in recent years as a pass rusher and promising rookie Charles Omenihu and you’ve got yourself a somewhat frightening formula.
Of course, this is subject to change should, for example, Clowney opt to sit out some of this season as he waits on a new contract. However, it is worth noting that according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle this does not seem to be Clowney’s intention at the moment.
Then throw in the possibility that Mercilus struggles once again to return to his prior best, and Omenihu may need time to adjust and rise to the next level, and suddenly the sky is beginning to look a little more overcast.
Thankfully for the Texans, if they can keep a generational talent like Watt healthy if nothing else they will always have a viable threat in No. 99 to keep the opposing quarterback on his toes.
