4 under-the-radar Houston Texans who will impact 2020

Houston Texans: 2. Jacob Martin, Linebacker

In terms of seeing Jacob Martin as an underrated player on the Houston Texans, some of it comes from the lack of snaps he’s had since joining the team as a part of the trade that sent Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks in 2019.

Martin is only 24 years old and has played in the NFL for the past two seasons, with 16 games as a member of the Seahawks and 14 games last season as a member of the Texans. Last season with the Texans, Martin had one forced fumble, 3.5 sacks and six solo tackles. Martin also totaled three tackles for loss and seven QB hits.

I’m guilty of overlooking Martin at times, but this upcoming season for the linebacker is his opportunity to do some productive things as a member of the Texans for a second straight season, plus the Texans have a new defensive coordinator in Anthony Weaver.

Pro Football Focus graded Martin at 56.5 last season, and during his rookie season in Seattle, his PFF grade was 66.5.

What will be the part to focus on with Martin is his overall snap count and playing time with the Houston Texans in 2020. The 6’2, 242-pound Martin — if he sees more time on the field — will make more of a name for himself, but he’ll have to battle to share time this season with Brennan Scarlett, who is currently at the top of the depth chart for one of the middle linebacker starting roles.

Martin might not jump off the page in name recognition, and his stats due to playing time aren’t the highest, but year three in the league could mean more success for the inside linebacker of the Texans if he gets more time on the field.