Fansided

Every NFL team’s biggest X-Factor in 2019

By Kevin Parvizi

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 30: Houston Texans Safety Justin Reid (20) is introduced before the football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans on December 30, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 30: Houston Texans Safety Justin Reid (20) is introduced before the football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans on December 30, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Houston Texans – Justin Reid

The Houston Texans have several players who could be instrumental in a deep playoff run, but nobody is more intriguing than free safety Justin Reid. As a rookie, Reid tied for the team lead with three interceptions, recorded 88 tackles, and added another 10 passes defended. He was a standout on a defense that finished fourth in points per game allowed, and it’s hard to believe that he was just 21 years old while playing more than 900 snaps.

The Texans pass defense will need to step up next season. They finished 18th in net yards per pass attempt allowed and were in the bottom five in total yards allowed. Houston finished in the top 10 in interceptions forced, but they need to bump their turnovers up to offset the sheer volume of passes they see due to the high-powered nature of their offense.

Reid will play a critical role as a playmaking free safety. The Texans have replaced Kareem Jackson with Bradley Roby as a starting cornerback and now have Tashaun Gipson at strong safety. Neither of those players will be turnover machines in the secondary, so Reid will have to take a step forward as a playmaker for this defense.

Given how well he played last season, it’s fair to expect the third-round steal to make that leap. Reid has all the tools to become one of the league’s best free safeties, and he may have his hands full as the youngest member of a veteran secondary. As a draft prospect, Reid was known for his intelligence and versatility, so there’s little doubt he can develop into an all-around weapon for the Houston defense.

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