Texans' D.J. Reader's value keeps rising

PHOTOS: Texans vs. Falcons Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard Andrew Norwell (68) battle each other during the second quarter of an NFL game at NRG Stadium Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Houston. The Texans won 13-12. >>>See more photos from the Texans' win over the Falcons on Sunday ... less PHOTOS: Texans vs. Falcons Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard Andrew Norwell (68) battle each other during the second quarter of an NFL game at NRG Stadium ... more Photo: Godofredo A Vásquez Photo: Godofredo A Vásquez Image 1 of / 239 Caption Close Texans' D.J. Reader's value keeps rising 1 / 239 Back to Gallery

Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader spells trouble for offenses, wrecking blocking schemes with a powerful charge and quick feet.

The 6-3, 347-pounder, a pending unrestricted free agent, is emerging as a valuable commodity.

Reader sacked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan on Sunday and now has set a career-high with 2 1/2 sacks for the season. Reader's ability to collapse the pocket has also benefited teammates Whitney Mercilus and J.J. Watt, who have combined for nine sacks.

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Reader has four quarterback hits and four tackles for losses this season.

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He's the highest-ranked interior defensive lineman overall with a 91.1 grade and ranks the highest for run defense with an 89.9 mark, according to Pro Football Focus analytics.

“He's played wll over the years, he's played very well," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. " He's playing at a very high level right now. He's doing a great job against the run with his technique, his footwork, his pad level, his hand usage, his footwork, and then he's rushing the passer. He's giving us some juice up inside and he's playing very well.”

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