Raw as a rookie and prone to nagging injuries a year ago, inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney has emerged as a vital, hard-hitting anchor in the middle of the Texans' top-ranked defense this year.
He's proven to be adept at timing his blitzes and reading offenses to deliver punishing tackles.
The former second-round draft pick from Mississippi State led the Texans with 129 tackles. He's the lone player in the NFL this season to record at least 100 tackles and five sacks and just the second in Texans franchise history, joining retired linebacker Jamie Sharper.
At 6-4, 260 pounds with 4.