Texans fans have heard it all before, but the upcoming draft does hold promise
By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
SEATTLE The Texans could be playing a bowl at San Francisco on the last day of the season.
Based on the way the Texans have played leading up to the quarter mark of the season, their New Year's Day game against the 49ers could become the Toilet Bowl to determine who gets the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Going into tonight's nationally televised game at Seattle, the Texans are the only NFL team without a victory.
Before training camp, owner Bob McNair said he expected the Texans to compete for the playoffs. With 12 games remaining, they're competing for the top pick.
Of the four teams that have won only one game, the Texans play three of them San Francisco, Arizona and Baltimore.
Because of the year-round interest in the draft, it's never too early to look ahead, especially when your team leads the sweepstakes for the first pick.
Rob Rang, a senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com has some good news for Texans fans.
"This is shaping up as an outstanding draft for offensive left tackles," Rang said Friday. "Although we've got a long way to go before the draft and so many things can happen, right now, it looks like as many as five seniors could be taken in the first round.....
..The top five senior left tackles are Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson (6-5, 298), Auburn's Marcus McNeill (6-8, 335), Miami's Eric Winston (6-6, 310), Boston College's Jeremy Trueblood (6-8, 328) and Texas' Jonathan Scott (6-6, 310).....
....McNair plans to pay Carr an $8 million bonus that's due before the season ends to extend his contract for three years. Because Carr will be the quarterback next season, rule out USC's Matt Leinart.
If coach Dom Capers returns, he'll be playing a 3-4 defensive scheme again. If Capers is fired, the new coach will probably play a 4-3, which means the Texans will be desperate for at least one end who specializes in getting the quarterback, as well as classic 4-3 middle linebacker.....
....What the Texans need at receiver and tight end are in short supply in the 2006 draft. Oklahoma's Travis Wilson (6-2, 215) is the best senior receiver. Texas Tech's Jarrett Hicks (6-3, 211) is the best junior receiver.
"This is a great draft for linebackers, too," Rang said. "There are some tremendous prospects on the outside."
The best outside linebackers can play in a 3-4 or 4-3. They include Ohio State's A.J. Hawk (6-1, 243) and Iowa's Chad Greenway (6-3, 242).
UTEP's Thomas Howard (6-3, 230) is a senior whose stock is on the rise at outside linebacker.
"The highest-rated ends right now are 4-3 types," Rang said. "And they're good, too."....
