NFL Draft: Houston Texans best 15 picks of all-time

Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) celebrates after recovering fumble New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) (not pictured) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

5. DeMeco Ryans – Linebacker, Alabama; 2006 2nd round, 33rd overall selection

Although all the talk was about the Texans owning the first NFL pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, it was actually the 33rd selection that turned heads that season. After posting 155 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception, DeMeco Ryans was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The linebacker from Alabama became one of the focal points of a defense that struck fear into their opponents.

Ryans started 86 games during his tenure in Houston and recorded 636 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Eventually he was replaced in the lineup and subsequently sent to the Philadelphia Eagles, the place former Texans linebackers go to retire apparently, but he was still an effective player throughout his tenure.

Ryans started every game he played for the Texans, and since going to Philly, has started all except one he has been active for, which illustrates the immense talent the linebacker has.

At 31-years of age, Ryan may be on the back end of his career, but with 32 tackles and a pick in 2015, he is still an effective player.

Next: The 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year