Houston Texans: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
Things are going to be weird for the Houston Texans defense in 2021 since they gave J.J. Watt his wish when the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year asked for his release. Since 2011, Watt has been the most recognizable face on the franchise and even though he hasn’t put up the numbers we are used to seeing in recent years, he was still the vocal leader that everyone rallied around.
With him gone, they will be hoping for more from Charles Omenihu and they also added Maliek Collins in free agency. That gives them a capable front-line, even if they’re not as powerful as they were with Watt.
As for their edge rushers, Houston has Whitney Mercilus on one side and added Shaq Lawson in a trade with Miami. Lawson has yet to live up to his first-round status and is on his third team as he looks to rebound. As for Mercilus, he has been a solid player for years but will be 31 this summer.
That means the Texans could use a young player waiting in the wings and that could be Joseph Ossai. A product of Texas, Ossai is listed at 6-3 and 245 pounds. He’s better suited as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense and could be a perfect fit for the Texans.