The Houston Texans defensive line group as a whole was not good in 2021. Outside of defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who led the team with eight sacks in only 12 games, there wasn’t another player on the roster who came close to that production. Defensive end Jacob Martin was second on the team in sacks with only four. Martin now plays for the New York Jets.
General Manager Nick Caserio and Head Coach Lovie Smith knew there needed to be a change. In order for Smith’s defense to work, there needs to be consistent pressure on the quarterback and that did not happen nearly enough last season.