Texans Report Card - DE

BattleRedNation.com is going to look at the Texans, position by position, and give our final evaluation of what happened during the 2008 season. We’re going to move to the defensive end position next.

Mario Williams - 53 tackles, 12 sacks, 4 FF

Anthony Weaver - 45 tackles

Earl Cochran - 17 tackles, 2 sacks

Jesse Nading - 6 tackles

Positives: Mario Williams is in the handful of best defensive ends in the game as he must be double-teamed on every play. Williams can both rush the passer and stop the run. Weaver is a solid run stopping end. Cochran gave the team good minutes in a surprise role.

Negatives: Williams is the only guy on the defensive line who can get to the quarterback.

Overall: It’s Mario Williams and a bunch of guys.

Solution: The Texans need one more legitimate pass rusher to take the heat off the great Mario Williams. A guy like Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech could be available when Houston selects in round one.

Overall grade: C+