Houston Texans: Defensive stud ready to star in 2019

Justin Reid is primed to adopt a top tier responsibility on the Houston Texans defense following his rookie season teaser trailer.

Having received a first-round grade heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, Justin Reid had to wait until the third until his name was called as the 68th overall pick as the Houston Texans selected him. He would go on to the defy the doubts of those that overlooked him with 88 combined tackles, three interceptions — including one he returned for a 101-yard touchdown — 10 deflected passes, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

The 22-year old shined as a leading sign of reassurance that the Houston project is heading in the right direction. Such is the Texans’ faith in Reid that they evidently felt equipped to progress without Kareem Jackson and Tyrann Mathieu, both of whom departed in the offseason after having been prominent figures last season. Their exit has now paved the way for the second-year safety to play a starring role in the secondary.

Hard hitting and fierce competitiveness are well balanced by mindful coverage and a veteran intelligence, as experienced safety Tashaun Gipson has learned since signing from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March. The 28-year old has already been able to validate not only Reid’s playmaking skill-set but also a notable astuteness. Gipson said, via Texans Wire:

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"“There hasn’t been a question yet — and I’ve asked him a lot of questions — he hasn’t not had the answer to one question.“For a guy being that young — I don’t think he’s even 23 yet — so, for him being this young and understanding the game, that’s the biggest part about it.”"

Reid, who had to undergo surgery on his left wrist in February, combined technically clean tackling with sound reads in becoming a key disruption for Bill O’Brien’s side.

A standout play saw him deny the Cleveland Browns’ Antonio Callaway a superb catch-and-run touchdown with a lightning recovery and bullish strip five yards from the end zone. Another exhibited his physicality as he led firmly with his shoulder to dispossess the Indianapolis Colts’ Eric Ebron and deny what had looked a certain touchdown.

A progressive attitude has meanwhile emerged as another impressive trait to his make-up, with Reid ready to embrace the challenge of taking his game to new heights.

"“It’s a great launching pad that I was able to have the success that I did last year, but I have to build on it,” he told the Houston Chronicle in March.“I have to continue to get better and better and be more impactful for the Texans’ defense and help us get more wins.”"

If his maiden year in the NFL didn’t underline his confidence, then expressing his desire to take on Antonio Brown certainly did.

Reid recently weighed in on the social media spat between the Oakland Raiders wide receiver and former teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster, explaining how he couldn’t wait to “smash” the ex-Pittsburgh Steeler. For a young player to welcome a duel with the best is evidence of one prepared to lead from the front.

https://twitter.com/jreid_viii/status/1115016774318284800

He could now also play an important part in helping rookie corners Lonnie Johnson and Xavier Crawford come to terms with proceedings at NRG Stadium. The Stanford product marks a reliable and ambitious addition to the Texans’ foundations, poised to resume his ascent as a rising star in the NFL come September.