HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans have taken Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt with the 11th overall pick, trying to bolster one of the league’s weakest pass rushes.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Watt made 43 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including 11 1/2 sacks, in 26 games last season.
Houston’s defense ranked last against the pass and 30th overall last season. The Texans ranked 23rd in both interceptions (13) and sacks (30) in 2010, and Wade Phillips replaced Frank Bush as defensive coordinator.
The Texans have taken a defensive player with their first overall pick in seven of the past eight drafts. Houston passed on taking Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara to shore up the secondary.
