The Houston Texans entered the NFL as an expansion team in 2002 and struggled to accumulate talent for many years. However, a string of recent successful drafts helped the franchise become a perennial power player in the AFC South.

The NFL's youngest franchise still has a long way to go, but several of the organization's all-team greats remain active forces on the team. In the 2020s, a new generation of Texans could rewrite the team's record books.

5. Deshaun Watson, QB

Is it too soon to put Watson in the conversation for being one of the greatest Texans ever? Possibly. He's the most talented quarterback in franchise history, but the Clemson product is only entering his fourth season. Maybe this selection focuses too much on what Watson can become in the future, but he's deserving of this placement.

Once he replaced Tom Savage as the team's starter, Watson got off to a hot start as a rookie. Unfortunately, an ACL injury ended Watson's rookie campaign. He threw 19 touchdowns in seven appearances.

Luckily, the injury didn't hold Watson back in the long-run. He made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons, going 21-10 as a starter during that time.

Duane Brown also drew consideration for this fifth spot. Brown made three Pro Bowls with the Texans and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2012.

4. DeAndre Hopkins, WR

Bill O'Brien made a widely criticized move this offseason when he traded Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. Hopkins is second in Texans' history in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a wide margin. He accumulated 8,602 yards in Houston.

During his seven seasons with the Texans, Hopkins established himself as one of the NFL's best receivers. Despite playing with journeymen like Case Keenum, Brock Osweiler and Savage early in his career, Hopkins produced Pro Bowl numbers.

However, the Clemson product's career took off when Houston drafted Watson. Alongside his fellow Clemson alumni, Hopkins earned three consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections.

If not for Andre Johnson, Hopkins would easily be the best receiver in franchise history.

3. Arian Foster, RB

After going undrafted in 2009, Foster signed with the Texans. While he didn't play much as a rookie, Foster took over the starting job — and the NFL — in his second season.

In 2010, Foster led the league with 1,616 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. His 2,220 yards from scrimmage also led all other skill players. The Associated Press rewarded Foster with a First-Team All-Pro selection.

Foster made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons as a starter. Then, injuries began to set in. He missed half of 2013 with a back injury, made another Pro Bowl in 2014 and then tore his Achilles in 2015. Houston cut Foster after the 2015 season.

Despite his unceremonious exit, Foster is still one of the greatest Texans of all time. He's first in franchise history with 6,472 rushing yards and 54 rushing touchdowns. The versatile running back also has the fifth-most receiving yards in franchise history.

2. Andre Johnson, WR

The Texans used the second first-round pick in franchise history on Johnson in 2003. The Miami product became one of the few successful draft selections Houston made during its early years.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Texans owner Cal McNair

Benjamin Adducchio ·

Johnson spent 12 seasons with the Texans and led the team in receiving yards 10 times. The 6-foot-3 receiver imposed his will on defenses while building a Hall of Fame resume.

During his prime, Johnson led the NFL in receiving yards per game three times and receptions twice. While he didn't rack up a lot of touchdowns, Johnson did earn two First-Team All-Pro selections with Houston. He's the franchise's leader in every significant statistical receiving category.

Johnson's 1,062 receptions and 14,185 receiving yards rank 11th in league history.

1. J.J. Watt, DE

Despite his prime being momentarily stalled because of injuries, Watt is easily the greatest player in Texans' history. He and Lawrence Taylor are the only players in NFL history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.

Watt holds a slew of records. He's the only player with two seasons with 20 or more sacks. Watt earned First-Team All-Pro honors in five of the six seasons where he's played all 16 games.

It's a shame injuries keep interrupting Watt's dominance. But he's a slam dunk first-ballot Hall of Famer as well as Houston's all-time defensive leader, with 96 sacks and 23 forced fumbles.