Illinois Football: 3 NFL teams who need Oluwole Betiku Jr. the most

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Running back Toren Young #28 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled during the second half by defensive back Stanley Green #7, linebacker Khalan Tolson #45, linebacker Dele Harding #9 and defensive lineman Oluwole Betiku #47 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 23, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Running back Toren Young #28 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled during the second half by defensive back Stanley Green #7, linebacker Khalan Tolson #45, linebacker Dele Harding #9 and defensive lineman Oluwole Betiku #47 of the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 23, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Houston Texans helmets are seen on the turf before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: Houston Texans helmets are seen on the turf before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

3. Houston Texans

With Oluwole Betiku Jr., I am not trying to find a place where he can start right away. I want to find a team that can use Betiku as a backup or third-string and develop him for the future.

I think one of the best places for Betiku to land would be the Houston Texans. The starters at defensive end for the Texans are extremely talented. JJ Watt is one of the best to ever play the position. On the other side of the line is former Illini defensive end Whitney Mercilus. He is another great defensive end ready to have another solid season.

Behind these two talented pass rushers is a bunch of unknowns, though. I like what Carlos Watkins can do on the field. He had 23 tackles and 1 sack last year. But that is it for depth. The other projected backup for the Texans is Chris Landrum. He missed the entire 2019 campaign with injury.

The Texans would be a great landing spot for Betiku. He could come into the organization and be a backup from day one. This would enable him to learn the speed of the game, and develop better technique from players like Watt and Mercilus.

Houston needs more talent who can pass rush too. Last season, they averaged 1.9 sacks per game, which ranked No. 27 in the NFL. Snagging a player like Betiku would boost their sack potential immensely. This seems like it would be a perfect fit.