Houston Texans: 5 players with stock on the rise

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Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) and defensive end J.J. Watt (99) tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

3. John Simon, OLB

Another pass rusher finds his name here as outside linebacker John Simon has had a great start to the 2016 season. He played well as a rotational pass rusher last season, and even filled in as a starter for seven games.

This season, head coach Bill O’Brien decided it was time to get all his best players on defense at the same time. He has started Simon opposite Whitney Mercilus in each of the first two games while moving Jadeveon Clowney to the line as a defensive end.

Not only has Clowney looked more comfortable, but Simon is starting to excel in his new role. In Week 1 against the Bears he recorded five tackles and a quarterback sack. On Sunday against the Chiefs he added four more tackles and another sack and a half.

With so many good players already on defense, it almost seems unfair that Houston unearthed a gem in the former Baltimore Ravens fourth round selection.

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