So the Texans have arguably he best 3-4 DE in the game today in JJ Watt. The team also has another big bodied DE with a lot in common with their reigning Defensive Player of the Year. A year after drafting Watt the Texans took Nebraska DT Jared Crick. Crick could be the heir apparent to veteran DE Antonio Smith and at 6'4" and 300lbs he could be just the guy for the job.
While at Nebraska Crick had some great seasons. As a freshman he redshirted, before recording over 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks in both his sophomore and junior years. His senior campaign was cut short due to a torn pectoral. Before his injury Crick was a guaranteed 1st round pick but slipped to 4th round in the 2011 draft. This season could be big for Crick, with DE Tim Jamison now gone Crick should get much more time on the field. Wade Phillips likes to keep fresh players on the field by rotating his defensive players in and out throughout the game. Crick showed he has the skills to make big plays on the ball. With more time on the field I'm expecting big things from Crick this season down in Houston.
