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Houston Texans 2016 outlook: Position grades

By Randy Gurzi

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet sits on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Houston Texans helmet sits on the bench against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt participates in the Verizon #Minute50 “Game Winner” digital experience at Super Bowl City in downtown San Francisco prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt participates in the Verizon #Minute50 “Game Winner” digital experience at Super Bowl City in downtown San Francisco prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line: B

The defensive line is the strength of the entire team, so why not an A+? Simple, the team features a three-man defensive line and one-third of that unit was pretty much non-existent.

At defensive end Jared Crick held up his own, recording 48 tackles (37 of which were solo take downs) and two sacks. He may be one of the most underrated 3-4 defensive ends, as all he does is show up and do everything expected of him.

Opposite Crick is just the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, J.J. Watt. Again Watt dominated the league as he took opposing quarterbacks down 17.5 times while totaling 76 tackles on the year.

While Crick is a good 3-4 end, Watt is arguably the best defensive player in the league and an absolute anomaly as an end in this style defense.

These two deserve an A+, but the group is anchored down by the biggest mass on the team, Vince Wilfork.

If Wilfork wasn’t the size of a Volkswagon, no one would have even known he was there. Six solo tackles on the season were pathetic, and he spent more time talking about how much he loved his old team (the Patriots) than he did making plays.

Hopefully Houston can get over their crush on all things New England and move on from Vince. All they need to do is simply find a serviceable starter at this one position and it could make this the best defensive line in the league.

Next: Linebackers

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