Houston Texans 5 Most Important Players of 2015

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates after making an interception during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. CB Kareem Jackson

Last season, the Texans were seventh in the league in scoring defense, and, with 20 interceptions (the third-most in the NFL), they also allowed the seventh-least net yards per attempt through the air. J.J. Watt was at the heart of the Texans excellent work in pass defense, but Kareem Jackson was also instrumental with his three interceptions and tight coverage.

With all due respect to Joseph, who is still going strong at 31 with a big contract of his own after snagging a re-worked deal this offseason, K-Jax has completely overtaken the veteran as the team’s best corner. In the prime of his career at 27, he fully deserved the four-year, $34 million deal he signed this offseason, as he has the versatility to play inside or outside. Not only does he bring a slight playmaking element to the Texans ball-hawking secondary, but he’s also as consistent as they come in coverage.

According to PFF, quarterbacks had as many TDs as picks when targeting Jackson, who allowed a meager 74.7 QB Rating into his coverage. It’s high time one of the league’s least burn-prone CBs received some praise for his work, and the news of his contract certainly allowed him to hit the national spotlight after largely going unnoticed in 2014.

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