5 breakout stars to watch for Houston Texans in 2020

2. FS Justin Reid

The Houston Texans’ secondary has been under fire in recent seasons. Seemingly no matter how many changes the team makes to its personnel, the defense continues to take its lumps when it comes to trying to slow down opposing aerial attacks.

In 2016, the club allowed the fewest total yards in the league and was second in the NFL when it came to fewest passing yards surrendered. Since then, the team has ranked 24th, 28th and 29th, respectively, in pass defense. This past season, the Texans allowed a disturbing 33 touchdown passes, tying a dubious franchise record first set in 2010.

Last offseason at cornerback, the team signed for Denver Broncos’ first-rounder Bradley Roby and drafted Lonnie Johnson in the second round. This year, Houston added safeties Eric Murray and Jaylen Watkins. But the player to watch in the secondary these days is free safety Justin Reid, who may be on the verge of earning some individual honors with another big year. He’s one of Pro Football Focus’ higher-ranked safeties (subscription required) and his forte is pass coverage. In 31 regular-season outings since 2018, he’s totaled five interceptions (one TD), 15 passes defensed and a total of eight takeaways. And he comes off a year in which he finished third on the club with 78 tackles.