In a countless swarm of Pro Bowl and All-Pro-caliber players, one standout name often flies under the radar. So, who is that for the Houston Texans entering 2024?
CBS Sports recently named one player on every squad entering 2024 who is flying low with high expectations. Third-year linebacker Christian Harris was the top candidate for the reigning AFC South champs since new linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair graduated from the ‘underrated’ term a season ago.
Harris was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama and could be gearing up for a career year as he enters his third season in the league. In 16 games played for the Texans in 2023, he totaled 101 tackles (second-most on the team) and two sacks while breaking up seven passes. He was an underrated piece of their success last season and could prove to be a stud linebacker under head coach DeMeco Ryans as the franchise looks to continue its ascent in 2024. – CBS Sports
Al-Shaair, who spent four seasons under Ryans in San Francisco, proved his value as a full-time starter last season in Tennessee after finishing top-five in tackles. He shouldn’t affect Harris’ role since he’s expected to replace Blake Cashman as Houston’s middle linebacker.
Noah Eagle was -27 when Apollo 13 occurred. Christian Harris was -31. #Texans pic.twitter.com/nHVrRHyWJ3
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) January 13, 2024
Harris, meanwhile, took a positive step forward after Ryans took over for Lovie Smith. Not only did he notch over 100 stops, but his missed tackle rate significantly dropped in a more man-heavy scheme.
Year 3 was promising for fellow third-round pick Fred Warner under Ryans’ teaching in San Francisco. After posting moderate numbers to begin his career, Warner exploded in 2020, earning first-team All-Pro status and his first Pro Bowl nomination after totaling 128 tackles.
Harris might have given fans a glimpse of his potential last January with his 36-yard interception in the wild-card round against the Cleveland Browns. Not only have his numbers increased each season but so has his rep count game by game.
It’s giving Christian Harris energy. Gotta love this pick by the Texans. pic.twitter.com/XxcXLrGH9f
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) April 27, 2024
Al-Shaair, who said he’s seen growth in Harris, should be a sturdy running mate opposite the former Crimson Tide product as he looks to blossom from an under-the-radar candidate to a household name in 2024.
