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10 Underrated NFL players under 25 years old in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 04: Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates a interception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 04: Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates a interception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2. FS Justin Reid, Houston Texans

There’s going to be a different look when it comes to Bill O’Brien’s team this season and, in particular, on the back end of the Houston Texans’ defense. The team that started 0-3 a year ago and wound up winning AFC South with an 11-5 record had a pair of major shortcomings.

The club’s offensive line once again struggled to protect their quarterback. One year after giving up 54 sacks, Houston surrendered a league-high 62 quarterback traps — all of at the expense of two-year signal-caller Deshaun Watson

But the other issue when it came to this team was the play of the defensive backfield, especially at the cornerback position. Nevertheless, the team has made wholesale changes throughout the secondary. Corner Kevin Johnson was released by the organization and latched on with the Buffalo Bills. Versatile defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson left via free agency and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos, respectively. And safety Andre Hall opted for retirement after five seasons.

A year ago, the team used the first of its three third-round picks on Stanford University safety Justin Reid. The 22-year old performer spearheads a new-look unit that features veteran additions such as safety Tashaun Gipson and Bradley Roby.

Reid was Pro Football Focus’ 20th-highest graded player (subscription required) at his position (77.0) and comes off a rookie season in which he totaled 81 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 10 passes defensed.

Can the former Stanford Cardinal and his new teammates improve a defense that gave up the fifth-most passing yards in the league and allowed 28 scores through the air in 2018?

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