Houston Texans: 2018 consensus regular season award predictions
By T.A. Mock
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Duke Ejiofor, EDGE (4 votes)
Others receiving votes: Justin Reid, S (2 votes)
Duke Ejiofor also won this rookie of the year award in a complete and total landslide. He looks like an absolute steal from the 6th round out of Wake Forrest. He showed out big time in the preseason, showing an incredible aptitude for getting after the quarterback while also showing solid ability against the run.
Ejiofor figures to be the first pass rusher off the bench for the Houston Texans this year. If one of Jadeveon Clowney, JJ Watt, or Whitney Mercilus went down again, then he would receive the first shot. He could also see extra playing time on obvious passing downs.
Whitaker and Lamb took notice of how much attention Clowney, Watt, and Mercilus are sure to receive this year. They all have a tremendous ability to get after the passer and will likely be given double teams and chips from wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. This will open up lots of lanes for Ejiofor to get after the quarterback.
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Getting Justin Reid in the 3rd round was a huge coupe in the opinions of Gracia and Graf. I’d have to agree with him. Netting a late first, early second round talent in the middle of the third round has steal level potential.
Reid has a high football IQ that pairs with tremendous athleticism. It’ll be interesting to see which one of these two actually ends up having the better season. But, a battle for this award means great things for the Houston Texans.