Through nine games, Texans SLB Brian Cushing ranked second in the NFL in tackles, and he has helped lead a most remarkable turnaround for the Houston defense. In their first three games, the Texans surrendered a league-high 436.7 yards per game, but in their final six games before the bye, the defense allowed just 280.0 yards per game. As the defense has picked up its play collectively, it has been hard to miss the exploits of the 6-3, 260-pound Cushing, who has been outstanding vs. the run, effective in pass coverage (eight passes defensed) and an asset to Houston's pass rush (1½ sacks) while seemingly continuing to improve every week. Making Cushing's play all the more impressive is that he missed much of the preseason with a knee injury and has been bothered by a foot injury since October. A much-deserved week of rest for the star rookie comes at just the right time, the way we hear it.

PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the second issue being released later this month. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.