Texans have “very high expectations” for D.J. Reader

Texans defensive nose tackle David Vernon ‘D.J.’ Reader was a rookie last season for Houston. He has 22 COMB, 15 AST, 1.0 Sack, 0 INT and 0 YDS to date. As he gets set for year two, everyone is excited to see him play and add depth to the defense. 

Coach Anthony Weaver has said “we have very high expectations of D.J. I think you saw just a glimpse of what he’s capable of a year ago. He’s another guy that since he’s been back, you can tell he’s ready, and I think I speak for the whole defense, they all have a little bit of chip (on their shoulders)”. He went on to say “Were we happy with what we did a year ago? Sure. But we all know what the ultimate goal is and I think everybody that walks into this building day-in and day-out, they come with the mindset of like, ‘How are we going to get over this hurdle? How are we going to get to where we want to be?’ And D. J., I think he epitomises that every time he walks in the building”

Reader will have big shoes to fill, as he takes the place of Vince Wilfork, who recently retired. Reader has performed exceptionally well in his assortment of alignments. This includes a traditional one-technique nose, all the way to a wide five-technique. He has demonstrated that he is versatile and provides significant depth at Houston. Reader is 6-foot-3, 335 pounds and looks strong when he plays. He will surely do all he can to keep Houston in the top 12 against the run. Houston may be sad to see Wilfork go, but with Reader ready to take the reigns, they could have a smooth transition.