In his first full season back in the fold, Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt has picked up where he left off, pushing himself back among the best defensive players in the league.

Watt has been one of the most effective and productive pass rushers in the league, currently second with 14.5 sacks behind Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Some would say that he should be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

With that in mind, Watt has been graded by Pro Football Focus as the highest-rated edge defender in the league ahead of Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack.

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Watt has seen his play continue to pick up as the season has worn along, as he has been one of the most productive defensive ends in the league over the last several weeks. He has tallied at least a sack in six out of the last seven games played, along with a pair of forced fumbles along the way.

Watt has re-established himself as one of the elite defensive players that the NFL has to offer and he has been the anchor to one of the better defenses in the league.

Heading into the season, there had been questions about whether Watt could get back to playing like the talent that was already on Hall of Fame pace. The 29-year-old has now silenced any of those doubters.

Beyond that, he has not only positioned the Texans to secure the AFC South division title, but also the opportunity to garner a first-round bye in the playoffs. If Houston hopes to make a deep run in the playoffs toward the Super Bowl, they will need Watt to play a major factor in the equation.