Top 10 Houston Texans

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The Texans began their on field existence in 2002.  Based on their limited history, their roster of great players comes from an admittedly small pool.  This list will look quite a bit different in a year or two.  When I do these lists, one of the guidelines I use is the player has to be active for the franchise for at least three years.  Look for De Shaun Watson and perhaps others to pop up when this list is revised, as for now, he’s what I’ve got.

10. Owen Daniels:  Daniels was a steady target for the Texans from the TE position for eight seasons.  During that time he caught 385 passes for 4617 yards and 29 TDs.  Owen also made two Pro Bowls during that time.  Daniels appeared in four playoff games for the Texans and caught 22 passes for 227 yards.  Daniels was a solid player for the Texans but probably won’t be on this list when it’s revised.

9. Matt Schaub:  While not spectacular, Schaub was a functional/good QB for the Texans for a few years.  Schaub spent seven seasons in Houston and managed to make one Pro Bowl.  His passing rating with the Texans was 90.9.  He threw for 124 TDs against 78 picks.  In two playoff games, Matt had a passer rating of 87.5.  In Jeopardy you’d find him under the category of “Journeymen Quarterbacks”.

8.  DeMeco Ryan:   Ryan spent six seasons playing linebacker for the Texans and was named to two Pro Bowls.  In 2006 Ryan was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year as well as to the NFL’s All Rookie team.  DeMeco led the NFL in solo tackles in his rookie season.  He was second in that category in 2007.  Ryan was one of a number of good, if not great players who’ve been employed by the Texans.

7. Jadaveon Clowney:  Jadaveon’s career started off slowly, but accelerated in the last three seasons.  Clowney has been named to the Pro Bowl from 2016-18.  Clowney picked up 9.5 sacks in 2017 and 9 sacks in 2018.  Jadaveon looks to be upwardly mobile on this list.  He may yet prove to live up to his billing as the number one overall choice in the 2014 NFL draft.

6. Mario Williams:  In some ways Mario Williams reminds me of Jadaveon Clowney. Mario was the first overall choice of the 2006 NFL draft.  Williams had a nice run with the Texans.  In all, Mario played 82 games with the Texans and recorded 53 sacks.  He even made two Pro Bowls.  Williams had his best season with the Texans in 2007 when he put together a 14 sack campaign.  All in all, Mario had a good, but not great run in Houston.

5. Duane Brown:  The history of the Houston Texans isn’t littered with great offensive linemen.  Duane Brown is an exception.  Brown played 9+ seasons in Houston being named to the Pro Bowl three times and All Pro once.  The fact he player left tackle increased his value.  David Carr probably wishes Brown had been in Houston when he was there.

4. Arian Foster:  Foster was the most productive back in Texans history.  Arian led the NFL in rushing in 2010 with 1616 yards.  His 16 rushing TDs also led the NFL.  In 2012 he again led the NFL in rushing TDs with 15.  Foster gained over 1000 yards in four of his seven seasons in Houston.  He also caught 255 passes good for another 2346 yards and 14 TDs.  Three Pro Bowl selections and one All Pro season (2010) add to Foster’s resume’s luster.. In four playoff games with the Texans, Foster gained 515 yards and five TDs.  He also caught 23 passes for 148 yards and a TD.  Foster was a real offensive force with the Texans.

3. DeAndre Hopkins:  DeAndre Hopkins is an amazing receiver.  He’s been a Pro Bowler and All Pro in each of the last two seasons.  Even before that he was very good.  In 2017 DeAndre led the NFL in TD receptions with 13. He followed that up with 11 TD catches in 2018.  In six seasons with the Texans Hopkins has 528 catches fo4 74 37 yards and 47 TDs,  DeAndre is currently DeShaun Watson’s security blanket and figures to have some more big seasons ahead.  Hopkins appears to be in the midst of a Hall of Fame career.

2. Andre Johnson:   As great as DeAndre Hopkins is, he’s still currently the second best receiver in Texans history.  (Though that could change.)  In 12 years in Houston, Johnson caught 1012 passes for 13,597 yards and 64 TDs.  Included in Andre’s awards were seven Pro Bowl selections and being named All Pro twice.  Johnson twice led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards.  Johnson’s best season was in 2008 when he led the NFL with 115 catches and 1575 receiving yards.  Johnson played in four playoff games for the Texans and his playoff line was 25-358-1.  Andre was one of the best receivers in the NFL since 2000.

1. J.J. Watt:    J.J. is the most dynamic player in Texans history.  Watt has been with the Texans for nine seasons but played in only three games in one season and five in another.  In 2011 Watt made the NFL’s All Rookie team.  In his five other full seasons he’s been named to the Pro Bowl and All Pro teams each season.  J. J. has played 104 games for the Texans and racked up 92 sacks.  He’s also forced 22 fumbles and recovered 13.  Watt has scored two defensive TDs, including one interception return of 80 yards.  Twice Watt has led the NFL in sacks with a career high of 20.5 in 2012.  Three times Watt has led the NFL in tackles for a loss.  Watt has even caught two passes for TDs.  Throw in three Defensive Player of the Year awards and an NFL Player of the Year award and you have one of the greatest players in the history of the game.