Niner Noise
FanSided

The top NFL player to watch from each team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith (left) and first round draft pick Deshaun Watson (right) pose for a picture during a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith (left) and first round draft pick Deshaun Watson (right) pose for a picture during a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Texans — Quarterback Deshaun Watson

There was a part of me that wanted to go with defensive end J.J. Watt or EDGE Jadeveon Clowney here, simply because of each player’s impact on the defensive side of the ball.

The Houston Texans’ mantra over the past few seasons has been its defense. It’s why, despite a 9-7 record last year, they were a playoff team. And armed with a good wide receiver corps, there’s only one critical piece missing.

That’s why rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, taken in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, is the player to watch for Houston this season.

Veteran QB Tom Savage likely starts the season as the team’s starter under center. And the Texans have suggested this will happen.

But Watson is the guy to watch simply because the Texans moved up to grab him. Houston’s window to get to a Super Bowl now, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Watson take over at some point this season if things with Savage don’t go well.