Houston’s new defensive tackle has a unique path to the Texans
The second player joining the Houston Texans comes from division rival Jacksonville. He’s got a great name, great story, and fantastic potential.
Name: Folorunso “Foley” Fatukasi
Position: Defensive Tackle
Draft: 2018; Round 6, Pick 180 for New York Jets
Profile: 6’4, 325 pounds
Bio: A fairly under the radar prospect out of UConn, Fatukasi originally was a rotational piece in the New York Jets defense. When first rounder Quinnen Williams was drafted in 2019, Fatukasi battled it out with the presumptive instant starter. His wrecking ball mentality and aggression at the point of attack made the Jacksonville Jaguars prioritize him in 2022 free agency as their biggest (most expensive) signing on defense. Unfortunately for Fatukasi, mounting injuries stifled his play and lead to Jacksonville releasing him two years into his three year contract. Houston adds Fatukasi as a presumptive starting option with high-end potential. He’s a high ceiling, low floor risk that Houston is gambling on to lead their defensive line.
With the Jets, he missed time in 2020 due to COVID. With the Jags, he missed time with the suffered a litany of injuries over his two seasons there. These injuries coupled with a system that may not have been fully conducive to his playing style led to him disappointing coaches and receiving the ire of fans due to his expensive contract. The disappointment with his play must have been deep as he was cut on his birthday this offseason before signing with Houston.
Foley Fatukasi… One of my favs. Just posting up/shedding Ryan Kelly with ease.
And a fun reflection to think if he was still on that Jets front lol pic.twitter.com/ZL0zLXQVpk
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) September 13, 2023
Strategically, Fatukasi slots in as the bulldog in the middle, replacing Maliek Collins on the defensive line. Houston was sixth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game with 96.6. They also possessed one of the most aggressive interior pass rush 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 the 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 if Fatukasi can fully recover from his injuries, remain healthy, and become the de-facto bull in a china shop that Houston so desperately needs to unleash Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.