5: Benardrick McKinney, Inside Linebacker
A season removed from the Pro Bowl, Benardrick McKinney might not have had the numbers in 2019 that landed him in Orlando but was still vital to the defense. Second on the team in total tackles with 101, he continues to show his value as a leader of the defense.
The former second-team All-Pro selection still has his best days ahead of him, and the Texans will lean on him and Zach Cunningham.
4: Justin Reid, Safety
With the departure of Johnathan Joseph in the offseason, it is safe to say Justin Reid will be the undisputed leader of the Houston Texans secondary unit in 2020.
The secondary is going to be the biggest question mark on the defense, but it’ll be Justin Reid’s job to lead that unit. With a handful of tough early season games, Reid will have a chance to shine against strong offenses in 2020.
With his torn labrum behind him, expect big things from Reid in 2020 and beyond as a member of the Houston Texans.
3: J.J. Watt, Defensive End
The Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient being this high might be a shock, but J.J. Watt still garners respect from opposing offensive coordinators. While only playing two full seasons in the last five years due to a myriad of injuries, Watt is looking to get back to his old ways.
Last season in eight regular-season games, Watt totaled four sacks, and now with 96 career sacks, he is just four away from 100 for his career. Deep playoff runs have eluded Watt in his first nine NFL seasons, and he is going to want to put an end to that while he still has gas left in the tank with the Houston Texans.