New faces of the Houston Texans: Foley Fatukasi

The second player joining the Houston Texans comes from division rival Jacksonville. It has a great name, a great story and fantastic potential.

Name: Folorunso “Foley” Fatukasi

Position: defensive tackle

Project: 2018; Round 6, Pick 180 for the New York Jets

Profile: 6’4, 325 pounds

Bio: A relatively unknown prospect out of UConn, Fatukasi was originally a rotational piece in the New York Jets defense. When first-rounder Quinnen Williams was drafted in 2019, Fatukasi battled with the presumed instant starter. His wrecking ball mentality and aggressiveness at the point of attack led the Jacksonville Jaguars to prioritize him in 2022 free agency as their biggest (most expensive) signing on defense. Unfortunately for Fatukasi, mounting injuries stifled his play and led Jacksonville to release him two years into his three-year deal. Houston adds Fatukasi as a presumed starting option with high-end potential. He’s a high-ceiling, low-floor risk that Houston is banking on to lead its defensive line.

With the Jets, he missed time in 2020 due to COVID. With the Jags, he missed time and suffered a litany of injuries during his two seasons there. These injuries, coupled with a system that may not have been entirely suited to his style of play, led to him disappointing coaches and angering fans due to his expensive contract. The disappointment with his play must have run deep since he was cut on his birthday this offseason before signing with Houston.

Strategically, Fatukasi plays the bulldog role in the middle, replacing Maliek Collins on the defensive line. Houston finished sixth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game with 96.6. They also had one of the most aggressive interior passing duos with Collins and Sheldon Rankins who combined for 11 sacks last season. Fatukasi has never recorded more than two sacks in a season, leaving a statistical gap in expectations heading into 2024.

Fatukasi is currently slated to be the starting defensive tackle alongside Denico Autry. The pair combine well as a pass-rushing and run-stopping duo. The question will be whether Fatukasi can fully recover from his injuries, stay healthy and become the de facto bull in a china shop that Houston so desperately needs to free Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.