HOUSTON (AP) â€" Whitney Mercilus had one â€" and only one â€" spectacular season at Illinois. That was all Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips needed to see.
Houston used the 26th pick in the first round on the 6-foot-3, 261-pound Mercilus, and the projected outside linebacker officially joined his new team Friday.
Mercilus was an early entry junior. He led the nation in sacks with 16 and forced nine fumbles last season, helping Illinois make a dramatic turnaround on defense. Phillips said that if Mercilus had stayed in school, he would've been a top-10 pick next year.
When asked Friday what he has to prove in the NFL, Mercilus answered that he wants to show he's not a "one-year" wonder. A pass-rushing specialist, Mercilus will help the Texans adjust to the loss of free-agent Mario Williams.
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