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The Houston Texans‘ defense is one of the most overrated defenses in the NFL. Plain and simple. If you don’t believe that, you haven’t watched much film on this unit. However, Texans defensive end JJ Watt is one of the most underrated players in the entire league, but especially at his position.

Watt led the NFL in sacks this season with 20.5, becoming part of a very elite club of players to break the 20-sack mark. Now he’s definitely a solid candidate to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, but will he actually take home the award?

His biggest competition is Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, who in just his second NFL season, finished third in the league with 18.5 sacks and took the Broncos’ defense to an average unit (at best) to the No. 2 defense in the league.

How can you vote against Miller, you say? It’s very tough, but Watt, also in just his second season, added something to his game that earned him a new nickname and the award in my book.

Watt averaged nearly two batted down passes per game. When opposing quarterbacks dropped back, if he couldn’t get to them for a sack, he put up his big bear paws and batted their passes out of the air. He did that nearly twice per game. Let that digest for a second.

Before the 2012 season, Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said Watt would make the Hall of Fame one day and everyone scoffed. Who’s laughing now?

Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google