DeMeco Ryans Reveals Two Important Attributes Denico Autry Brings to the Houston Texans

Coach DeMeco Ryans was determined to improve the Houston Texans defensive line this offseason. As a result, the Texans added a handful of linemen to their roster, headlined by All Pro Danielle Hunter. Houston also added veteran Denico Autry.

In March, the former undrafted prospect out of Mississippi State agreed to a two-year free agency contract and will play an integral role in helping the Texans achieve their championship aspirations.

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“He’s one of the toughest players, I think, and one of the toughest, most respected players in the league,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “You talk to any offensive lineman that has gone against him; he has the utmost respect. So – and you see the way he plays, he plays the game the right way.

After starting his career with the then-Oakland-Raiders in 2014, Autry established himself as one of the most underrated players. He recorded 59.0 sacks in his 10-year career. Despite his age, Autry’s skills improve every year.

During his final season with the Tennessee Titans, Autry recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks and 50 tackles in 17 games in 2023. In the midst of the Titans’ 19-16 overtime loss to the Texans on the 17th December, Ryans received a small sample of Autry’s Domination. He recorded four tackles and two sacks, marking one of his best games of the season.

Houston’s new defensive lineman recorded a total of 28.0 sacks in 2023. Hunter became the Texans’ biggest free agency acquisition, as the four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a two-year, one-year contract. worth $49 million.

“Obviously he plays hard, he plays with unmatched intensity and he always finds a way to get in the backfield and move around and play multiple positions,” Ryans said. “Whether it’s inside or on the perimeter, he’s just a tough, unbreakable football player.”

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.