The Houston Texans are hoping to take another step forward in 2017 after advancing to the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs for the third time in franchise history. However, for that step forward to happen, they're going to need to have some lesser known players step up and become stars. Here are three players that could have a breakout season this year:
WR Braxton Miller
Miller had a very limited role with Houston this past season, catching just 15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in 10 games. Remember, transitions to the NFL are tough for all rookies, and it was only the second season in Miller's life in which he was playing wide receiver. Having a whole offseason to hone his skills will do wonders for him. Expect Miller to be a major player out of the slot next season.
DT D.J. Reader
Reader should be inheriting Vince Wilfork’s spot in the middle of the Texans’ defensive line, after spending his rookie season playing in a variety of different spots. Wilfork is expected to retire, but even if he doesn't, he will spend most of his time at nose tackle.
“He’s a really good young player that has a really good future," head coach Bill O’Brien told HoustonTexans.com, “as long as he continues to understand, ‘This is what it’s going to take for me to get to the level I want to get to as a player’ and [to] help us get to that level as a team.”
With more opportunities to impress, Reader appears ready to deliver.
QB Tom Savage
Houston needs a quarterback and have been linked to Tony Romo, but they may not want to spend the money to bring in a top-tier quarterback with how much guaranteed money they are still paying Brock Osweiler. If they don't bring someone in, Savage will get a lot of playing time considering how bad Osweiler is - and the fact that O'Brien simply prefers Savage. He will start a majority of Houston's games next season if the Texans don't add Romo.
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