2013 Houston Texans Awards: Toro Times style
Rookie of the Year:
Dec 5, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) takes down Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) in the third quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
DJ Swearinger
While he did have a bit of a penalty spree there towards the end, DJ stepped in and showed he was ready to be an every down player. Aggressive, talented he isn’t afraid of anyone or anything. Well, maybe getting fined for high hits.
Future: Painful. Well, for the opposing teams. DJ has what it takes to be the guy offenses worry about after they plan for JJ Watt
Runner Up:
Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
DeAndre Hopkins
He almost lost out to the young tight end Ryan Griffin but in the end, I had to go with Nuk. He had some learning to do, but the flashes of greatness we saw give hope that under new management and a less “Where is number 80?” offense DeAndre can come into his own. He was held back more by the system in place then the fact he was in his first year in the NFL
Future: Andre Johnson has a protegee and a real threat as the number two receiver, this is a weapon just waiting to be unleashed.