NFL draft: Texans take Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus at No. 26
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No. 26 Houston Texans: DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois –- Mercilus led the nation last season with 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles. The son of Haitian immigrants who held down multiple jobs to feed the family, Mercilus is deeply appreciative of the opportunity he has. When he signs his NFL contract, he plans to buy his parents a home in Florida.
Comment: The Texans needed to replace some of the productivity lost when Mario Williams bolted to Buffalo. Mercilus had 16 sacks in 2011.
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NFL draft: Texans take Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus at No. 26
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