Three of Houston's four starting defensive linemen were No. 1 draft picks, including Mario Williams, the overall top selection in 2006. Now, in a league where pressure is paramount, pressure is also mounting.

The Texans ranked 24th in total defense last year, their 8-8 record the best in franchise history. They finished with a rush, winning three of their last four and five of seven. But they finished last in the AFC South, where every other team — Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee — made the playoffs.

When the Texans drafted Williams instead of running back Reggie Bush, they made a conscious decision as to what their nature would be over time. Now that time has arrived. READ MORE