Toiling away at an unsung, meatgrinder position, nose tackle D.J. Reader endures a lot of punishment in the middle of the Texans' defense.
He's built for the rigors of the job, though.
At 6-3, 325 pounds, Reader provides a gritty, anchoring presence for the NFL's seventh-ranked run defense.
As the replacement for five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork, Reader has started every game and has recorded 36 tackles, three for losses and one sack.
"He's stout, he's good against the run, he plays tough," Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel said. "That's what you need.