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Houston Texans positional breakdown: Defensive line

By Randy Gurzi

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle D.J. Reader (48) reacts during the third quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle D.J. Reader (48) reacts during the third quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie Nose Tackle – D.J. Reader

The final draft pick for the Texans this season could prove to be the biggest steal. Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader has the perfect size and uncommon athleticism for a big guy to eventually become a force as a nose tackle in the NFL.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 327 Pounds
Age: 21
Career Tackles: 72 (Clemson)
Career Sacks: 4 (Clemson)

Reader was a great athlete in high school as proven by his basketball skills. He then went to Clemson and was a backup defensive lineman and a member of the baseball team as well.

He played along the line with some very talented Clemson linemen, and finally earned his way to the starting lineup.

He did have a little hiccup on the field as he took time away from the team to start the 2015 season, but returned in October looking rejuvenated and fresh. He should be able to win the main backup nose tackle spot behind Wilfork this season.

Season prediction: 20 tackles, 2 sacks

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Joel Heath (92) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) celebrate their sack of Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Joel Heath (92) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) celebrate their sack of Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Undrafted Defensive End #1 – Joel Heath

The Texans seem to be high on the upside of Michigan State undrafted free agent Joel Heath.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 293 Pounds
Age: 22
Career Tackles: 60 (Michigan State)
Career Sacks: 4.5 (Michigan State)

He may end up being a numbers crunch, but the players ahead of him haven’t shown enough to lock up a roster spot. Currently he is far down the depth chart, but could change that with a solid training camp.

Season prediction: Practice squad member

Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Ufomba Kamalu (47) throws down Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback Fredi Knighten (9) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Hurricanes won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Ufomba Kamalu (47) throws down Arkansas State Red Wolves quarterback Fredi Knighten (9) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Hurricanes won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Undrafted Defensive End #2 – Ufomba Kamalu

Former Miami Hurricane Ufomba Kamalu comes to the team with the ideal size to play end in the Texans’ system, and had a solid career for the Hurricanes.

Vitals
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 295 Pounds
Career Tackles: 94 (Miami)
Career Sacks: 8 (Miami)

He isn’t considered a pass rushing threat at the NFL level, but could blossom into a run stuffer with his power. He moved to the U.S. as a freshman in high School and has a real chance to make the final roster for the Texans due to his fit as a 2-gap defender.

Season prediction: 10 tackles, 3 for loss

Next: Top 30 moments in Houston Texans history

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