I dunno why we couldn't use a measly 6th or 7th round pick on someone who might help us at a real need position ?
The obvious answer is the Texans didn't think there was anyone that might help at DE. They may be proven wrong, but that was their call on draft day.
It's a long offseason, and it's not close to over. A pass rusher opposite Mario is still a need. And I doubt that Rick Smith will sit on his hands. I'm thinking he'll find one before the start of the regular season, by either FA signing or trade.
Here's a list a list of DEs/Pass Rushers the Texans could have taken in the 6th and/or 7th rounds:
Christopher Harrington - Texas A&M - Arizona
Robert Henderson - S. Mississippi - NY Giants
Andrew Studebaker - Wheaton - Philadelphia
Ervin Baldwin - Michigan State - Chicago
Brian Johnston - Gardner-Webb - Kansas City
Hilee Taylor - North Carolina - Carolina
Alex Hall - St. Augustine's - Cleveland
Rob Jackson - Kansas State - Washington
Angelo Craig - Cincinnati - Cincinnati
If one of these guys (or a UDFA) becomes a quality pass rusher, you've got a point. Unless Barber or Brink turn out to be studs. I would be surprised if half of these guys make opening day rosters. I know there were a lot of fans of Brian Johnston on draft day. But other than maybe an all-star game, who has seen him play? He had the benefit of internet scout hype, but the NFL wasn't buying it. I saw Angelo Craig in the Hula Bowl, and thought he looked great. He was 8 picks from becoming Mr. Irrelevant. I think at this point, you have to trust what the Texans are seeing, or not seeing, in these players.