Reader selected #166 overall in 2016 NFL Draft

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

Former Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader was drafted #169 overall by the Houston Texans during the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon.

Reader joins Deandre Hopkins as the only two Clemson players ever drafted by the Houston Texans.

After returning to the Clemson team in October, Reader had 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in nine games.

As a junior, Reader had 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks and as a sophomore, he had 43 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.

The Tigers now have six players drafted in the first five rounds which is tied for the most since 1991.

Truly blessed to be apart of the @HoustonTexans organization. Now it's time to go to work!! — Dj Reader (@raviddeader) April 30, 2016

Congrats to @raviddeader go eat bro! — Robert R. Smith (@rrsmith27) April 30, 2016

I like what the Texans have been doing. Really like getting #Clemson DT DJ Reader this late. Freaky athlete. Should help them. — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 30, 2016

DJ Reader freaky huge athlete.. also played baseball at Clemson. Was clocked throwing a pitch at 94 mph...while weighing 321 lbs. #Texans — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 30, 2016