Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams amid 2018 training camp

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 1: Cornerback Dimitri Patterson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - MAY 1: Cornerback Dimitri Patterson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans. 10. team. 10. . . Previous:

Maybe this is the year the Houston Texans stay healthy. Hopefully.

Head coach Bill O’Brien won’t rush defensive tackle J.J. Watt back from his knee injury last season. But even at 75 percent, Watt is still one of the best defenders in the league. So is linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who was lost to a pectoral injury last season. And defensive end Jadeveon Clowney finally started living up to his lofty draft status the past two years.

With all hopes in place, Houston’s defense should be stout this season. But the vast majority of the focus centers on second-year quarterback Deshaun Watson and his recovery from an ACL injury last year.

He’s back practicing now, taking first-team reps. And it’s looking good:

While a questionable offensive line keeps the Texans from getting any higher in our NFL power rankings during camp, having a mobile QB in Watson might not make that concern major.