Who Are the Top 10 Houston Texans of the Decade?

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 15: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans tries to tackled Whitney Mercilus #59 of the Houston Texans after an interception during the first half at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

8. Whitney Mercilus

(2012-2019): 114 games played, 50 sacks, 211 tackles, 63 TFLs, 13 forced fumbles, 2 INTs

From the day he was drafted in the first round out of Illinois in 2012, this stud OLB — Whitney Mercilus — has backed up his namesake with merciless pass rushing for eight seasons. Though he has never been the star of the defensive group due to other star players playing beside him, Mercilus has been as consistent as anyone not named J.J. Watt.

This season has seen Mercilus take more of a leadership role after key injuries have taken other stars off the field, and he has responded admirably. His first two career interceptions have both come on the goal line in critical moments, adding on to his 6.5 sacks on the season. His total of 50 sacks is third in Houston Texans history, only behind Watt and Mario Williams.

The premier pass rusher has started 88 games in his career and only missed time in 2017 when he tore his pectoral muscle five games into the season. Otherwise, he has been the image of consistency as mostly a secondary sack artist and played his role perfectly.

Mercilus has never been named to a Pro Bowl, but was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 2 of the 2019 season.

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