3 Texans Players Who Will Be Rookie of the Year Candidates
By Tyler Kemp
After a fourth AFC South division title in the last five years, head coach Bill O’Brien and the Texans made some questionable moves during this offseason.
We all know about the DeAndre Hopkins trade, but it didn't come close to ending there. On top of that, following last year's trade for Laremy Tunsil, Houston was left without a first-round pick. But there's good news, Texans fans. Some of these 2020 draft picks are talented and will have a shot to win Rookie of the Year.
3. DB John Reid
John Reid out of Penn State has a chance to make an impact right away on Houston’s defense. While Reid is an undersized corner at 5-foot-10 and 184 pounds, he can work from the slot as Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Bradley Roby are expected to be on the outside. In the pass-happy NFL of 2020, Reid will get plenty of reps and opportunities to prove his worth in Houston.
2. LB Jonathan Greenard
The former Florida Gator had 9.5 sacks in his lone season with the team (he spent the previous three years with Louisville). With his transition to the NFL, he has the chance to flourish in Houston’s 3-4 defense. With JJ Watt and Whitney Mercilus getting attention from offensive lines, Greenard has a can capitalize on one-on-one opportunities. If he can make enough plays as an edge rusher alongside those two veterans, Greenard could be in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
1. DT Ross Blacklock
Blacklock checks in at an imposing 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds. In Houston’s defense, he can either work as a nose tackle or as a defensive tackle on the interior. With Watt already on the defensive line and the strange departure of Timmy Jernigan, the former TCU Horned Frog has a chance to slide into a regular role. He can play the run on early downs and rush the passer on third downs.