Every season teams look for guys who have what it takes to take on adversity or provide the team with much needed leadership. Examples of this are guys like Bengals Larry Ogunjobi, Kurt Warner ended up going from a nobody to winning the super bowl, and Terrelle Pryor. These guys were smart and good players who made an impact with the right team.
Fans love to see journeymen like Ryan Fitzpatrick or Tyrod Taylor. Players like these two inspire us as fans to never give up on our dream as they pour their heart out for the game they love. The passionate players make us fans love the game even more when we can cling on to people with the same passion as us. With that being said here’s 5 best one years wonders in Texans history
1.) Carlos Hyde, HB
Carlos Hyde was drafted in the second-round of the 2014 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers after a wonderful college career with the Buckeyes. With the 49ers he only rushed for 2,729 yards and 21 touchdowns. After being cut by the 49ers in 2018 he bounced between the Browns and the Jaguars where he rushed for only 172 rushing yards.
After a measly 2018 season, he bounced back in 2019 with the Texans where he put up his best numbers of his career with 1,070 yards rushing with 6 touchdowns. While averaging 4.4 yards a carry and 66.9 yards a game.
2.) Marcus Gilchrist, S
Marcus Gilchrist was drafted in the second round by the Chargers out of Clemson in 2011. He would play with the Chargers from 2011-2014. As a Charger he accumulated five interceptions, 26 pass deflections, three sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 246 tackles. He then signed with the Jets in 2015 where he had five interceptions, ten pass deflections, one forced fumble, and 137 tackles.
After his time with the Jets, he came to the Texans as a free agent and he had a great season with the Texans he showed he was still a great safety as he gave nightmares to offenses with one pick, one sack, 56 tackles, and 6 pass deflections. Gilchrist is one of the most underrated safeties in the league especially when he played for the Chargers.
3.) Tyrann Mathieu, S
After 5 seasons with the Cardinals where he accumulated two All-Pro selections and a Pro Bowl nod he decided to sign with the Texans on a one year deal worth seven million dollars.
Mathieu, a standout at LSU, had a rough background that he turned into fuel. Known partially for his twitter antics, speculation sits that he uses all hate to fuel his play. And it’s understandable. But more than that, don’t fix what ain’t broke. And in this case, it’s not broke.
As a Texan, he accumulated two picks, eight pass deflections, three sacks, 89 tackles, and five tackles for the loss. When he was on the field, he was a freak of nature. He was always playing, never off the field. Whether it was him playing in the nickel, strong safety, free safety, cornerback, or linebacker on blitz packages, he always gave his all.
He was truly a freak of nature on the Texans. He was able to lay the wood while also playing excellent pass coverage.
4.) Tashaun Gipson, S
Tashuan Gipson went undrafted to the Browns in 2012 from the University of Wyoming. Even though he went undrafted he became an immediate star with the Browns where he made one Pro Bowl in 2014 which he had six picks one forced fumble, eight pass deflections, and 52 tackles
In 2019, the Texans signed Gipson to help bolster the secondary where he made a huge impact with three interceptions, eight pass deflections, 51 tackles, and two tackles for loss. He is a great versatile safety and is currently playing on the 49ers.
5.) Terrance Mitchell, CB
Terrance Mitchell was drafted in the 7th round by the Cowboys in 2015 that didn’t last long though as we was cut the next season then was picked up by Kansas City where he played for 2 seasons. He was then picked up by the Browns where accumulated two interceptions, five forced fumbles, 22 pass deflections, 124 tackles, and 4 tackles for loss.
Last season, the Texans signed Mitchell to provide depth at the cornerback position and he came and had a great season with the Texans he proved he was the player he was at Cleveland as he put up one interception, three forced fumbles, 60 tackles, and ten pass deflections.