With so many Pro Bowl and All-Pro caliber players, one outstanding name often goes under the radar. So who is that player for the Houston Texans in 2024?
CBS Sports recently named one high-promise but underperforming player on each team entering the 2024 season: Third-year linebacker Christian Harris was the favorite to win for the reigning AFC South champions since rookie linebacker Azeez Al-Shair graduated from an “underrated” season a season ago.
Harris was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama and could have the best year of his career in his third year in the league. He appeared in 16 games for the Texans in 2023, recording 101 tackles (second on the team), two sacks and seven interceptions. Harris was undervalued in the team’s success last season and could be a star linebacker under coach DeMeco Ryans as the team continues its upward climb in 2024. – CBS Sports
Alshire, who spent four seasons under Coach Ryan in San Francisco, proved his worth as a full-time starter last season at Tennessee, finishing in the top five in tackles. Alshire is expected to replace Blake Cashman as Houston’s middle linebacker, so he won’t impact Harris’ role.
Meanwhile, Harris has made some positive steps since replacing Lovie Smith at Lyons, not only recording over 100 stops but also seeing his missed tackle rate drop significantly as the team used more men.
Fellow third-round pick Fred Warner had a promising third year in his third year under Coach Ryan’s tutelage. Warner was a middling player early in his career but exploded in 2020, earning first-team All-Pro honors with 128 total tackles and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
Harris may have given fans a glimpse of his potential last January with a 36-yard interception in a wild-card round win over the Cleveland Browns, and not only have his numbers improved each season, but he’s also appeared in more games each season.
Alshire said he’s witnessed Harris’ growth firsthand and the former Crimson Tide athlete will be a great ally as Harris looks to grow from under-the-radar prospect to a big name in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire
