Reader taken in 5th round by Texans

Clemson defensive tackle D.J. Reader was selected by the Houston Texans at No. 166 overall in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Saturday. He was the last pick by the Texans for the draft.

Reader is the sixth defensive player from Clemson selected in this year’s draft. With the selection of Reader by the Texans, Clemson has now had six players selected in the first five rounds, tying its previous mark from 1991.

On Thursday, defensive end Shaq Lawson went No. 19 overall to Buffalo. In the second round three former Tigers were taken off the board, including defensive end Kevin Dodd at No. 33 by Tennessee, cornerback Mackensie Alexander at No. 52 by the Minnesota Vikings and safety T.J. Green at No. 57 by the Indianapolis Colts. Earlier on Saturday, former linebacker B.J. Goodson was chosen No. 109 in the fourth round by the New York Giants.

Some wondered if Reader would get drafted at all after he missed six games because of personal issues. He left the team in the middle of camp and did not come back until Week 7. But when he did come, he was very productive as he finished the season with 31 tackles from his nose tackle position.

He started five games and played in eight to conclude his senior year.

“When Reader is in shape, he is a force to be reckoned with. He had a really good senior bowl,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said.