Playing in between J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney has its benefits. Someone will get double-teamed, but who?
Second-year nose tackle D.J. Reader hopes to take advantage of playing off of two Pro Bowlers, who can't help but draw the attention of opposing offensive coordinators.
"They force a lot of plays to me," Reader said last month on Texans Radio. "Those guys are going to get it done. I can help them holding down the double team and don't let people get to them so I'm excited to just be able to have a great defensive line."
If Reader is the one drawing double teams, he is more than comfortable in that role too. As a rookie last season, Reader observed and learned from veteran Vince Wilfork. This year, Reader will step in as a starter for the All-Pro and his teammates expect a seamless transition.
"I expect him (Reader) to come out and play like he did last year," Clowney said. "He gave us big minutes last year. He played good. He's a great run stopper. It's only up for him. I think he's going to be one of the best interior run-stopper guys in this league. If he keeps playing the way he's playing, eventually it's going to show and he's going to be there."
Readers started seven games in 2016, as well as two postseason contests. He has the most starts by a rookie defensive lineman since J.J. Watt (16) in 2011.
The Houston Texans roster in photos.
DL, Mario Addison, #97
TE, Jordan Akins, #88
RB, Eno Benjamin, #20
DL, Thomas Booker, #56
RB, Rex Burkhead, #28
OL, A.J. Cann, #60
LB, Blake Cashman, #53
DL, Maliek Collins, #96
WR, Nico Collins, #12
WR, Brandin Cooks, #13
OL, Austin Deculus, #76
WR, Phillip Dorsett, #4
K, Ka'imi Fairbairn, #7
OL, Kenyon Green, #59.
DL, Rasheem Green, #92
FB, Troy Hairston, #34
LB, Jake Hansen, #49
LB, Christian Harris, #48
OL, Charlie Heck, #67
LB, Neville Hewitt, #43
DL, Kurt Hinish, #93
TE, O.J. Howard, #83
OL, Tytus Howard, #71
DL, Jerry Hughes, #55
P, Cameron Johnston, #11
TE, Brevin Jordan, #9
DB, Desmond King II, #25
LB, Christian Kirksey, #58
DL, Roy Lopez, #91
OL, Justin McCray, #64
QB, Davis Mills, #10
WR, Chris Moore, #15
OL, Jimmy Morrissey, #79
DB, Eric Murray, #23
DB, Steven Nelson, #21
RB, Dare Ogunbowale, #33
DL, Ogbo Okoronkwo, #45
DB, Jonathan Owens, #36
RB, Dameon Pierce, #31
DB, Jalen Pitre, #5
OL, Scott Quessenberry, #54
TE, Teagan Quitoriano, #84
LB, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, #44
WR, Amari Rodgers, #19
DB, Tremon Smith, #1.
DL, Taylor Stallworth, #90
DB, M.J. Stewart, #29
DB, Derek Stingley Jr., #24
DB, Tavierre Thomas, #37
OL, Laremy Tunsil, #78
LB, Garret Wallow, #32
LS, Jon Weeks #46
