Top 10 Houston Texans

The Houston Texans began their on-field existence in 2002. Based on their limited history, their roster of great players comes from an admittedly small pool. Look for CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. and Nico Collins and possibly Tank Dell to be on this list in a couple of seasons.

And yes, DeShaun Watson made the list. If things had turned out differently, he had a chance to make it to number one on this list. But when it came to his exit, he didn’t exactly stick the landing. Unless you think that landing a record-breaking contract and bringing back a bunch of assets to the Texans was sticking the landing.

Upon further review, I may have an entirely wrong take on this thing.

10: Matt Schaub

No, he might haven’t looked like a financial advisor, but he was actually a decent QB for the Texans, leading the team to the playoffs in 2012. Schaub was also named to the Pro Bowl that season. In his seven seasons with the Texans, he threw for 124 TDs against 78 picks. His passing rating during that time was 90.9%. Not bad for that time. 

9. DeMeco Ryans

Ryans spent six seasons playing linebacker for the Texans and was named to two Pro Bowls. In 2006 Ryans was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year as well as to the NFL’s All Rookie team. DeMeco led the NFL in solo tackles in his rookie season. He was second in that category in 2007. Ryan was one of a number of good, if not great players who’ve been employed by the Texans.

8. Jadaveon Clowney

Jadaveon’s career started off slowly but accelerated during his time in Houston. Clowney was named to the Pro Bowl from 2016–18. He picked up 9.5 sacks in 2017 and 9 sacks in 2018. Clowney is still playing good ball, recording 9.5 sacks in 2023 for the Ravens.

7. Mario Williams

In some ways, Mario Williams reminds me of Jadaveon Clowney. Mario was the first overall choice of the 2006 NFL draft. Williams had a nice run with the Texans. In all, Mario played 82 games with the Texans and recorded 53 sacks. He even made two Pro Bowls. Williams had his best season with the Texans in 2007 when he put together a 14-sack campaign. All in all, Mario had a good, but not great run in Houston.

6. Duane Brown

The history of the Houston Texans isn’t littered with great offensive linemen. Duane Brown is an exception. Brown played 9+ seasons in Houston being named to the Pro Bowl three times and All-Pro once. The fact he played left tackle increased his value. David Carr probably wishes Brown had been in Houston when he was there.

5. Arian Foster

Foster was the most productive back in Texans’ history. Arian led the NFL in rushing in 2010 with 1616 yards. His 16 rushing TDs also led the NFL. In 2012 he again led the NFL in rushing TDs with 15. Foster gained over 1000 yards in four of his seven seasons in Houston. He also caught 255 passes good for another 2346 yards and 14 TDs. Three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro season (2010) add to Foster’s resume’s luster. In four playoff games with the Texans, Foster gained 515 yards and five TDs. He also caught 23 passes for 148 yards and a TD. Foster was a real offensive force with the Texans.

4. Deshaun Watson

I’ve already talked about Watson’s departure, so I’ll use this space to touch on his accomplishments on the field. In four seasons in Houston, Watson was named to three Pro Bowls. His QB rating was 104.5. He put up some great stats while under tremendous duress. Watson was sacked 174 times while in Houston. The guy probably needed a good massage after that. He threw for 104 TDs against 36 interceptions. In 2020 Watson led the NFL in passing yards with 4823. On-field production wasn’t an issue with Watson.

3. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins was an amazing receiver while in Houston. In seven seasons with the Texans Hopkins made four Pro Bowl teams and three All-Pro teams. He was easily DeShaun Watson’s favorite target while with the Texans. Here are the numbers for Hopkins’ seasons in Houston: 457 catches, 8602 receiving yards, resulting in 54 TD receptions. The haul for Hopkins when he was traded to the Cardinals was a fraction of what the Texans received for Watson.

2. Andre Johnson

As great as DeAndre Hopkins is, he’s still currently the second-best receiver in Texans history. (Though that could change.) In 12 years in Houston, Johnson caught 1012 passes for 13,597 yards and 64 TDs. Included in Andre’s awards were seven Pro Bowl selections and being named All-Pro twice. Johnson twice led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards. Johnson’s best season was in 2008 when he led the NFL with 115 catches and 1575 receiving yards. Johnson played in four playoff games for the Texans and his playoff line was 25–358–1. Andre was one of the best receivers in the NFL since 2000

1. J.J. Watt

J.J. is the most dynamic player in Texans’ history. Watt was with the Texans for ten seasons but played in only three games in one season and five in another. In 2011 Watt made the NFL’s All-Rookie team. Watt was named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams five times. J. J. played 128 games for the Texans and racked up101 sacks. He’s also forced 25 fumbles and recovered 16. Watt has scored two defensive TDs, including one interception return of 80 yards. Twice Watt has led the NFL in sacks with a career-high of 20.5 in 2012. Three times Watt has led the NFL in tackles for a loss. Watt has even caught two passes for TDs. Throw in three Defensive Player of the Year awards and an NFL Player of the Year award and you have the greatest player in the history of the Texans franchise.