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whiskeyrbl
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Not only is Bush an incredible running back, but he also ranked among the best receivers and return men in college football. He led the nation in '05 with 222.5 all-purpose yards per game. In the Trojans' national title game loss to the Texas Longhorns, Bush was pulled from the game for reasons unbeknownst to everyone who watched the game live or on television. Despite that, Bush still amassed 175 total yards.
One mechanism used by many to keep Bush out of Houston is that the Texans already have a solid running back on their roster. That back, Domanick Davis, could be released because of a $3.5 million cap hit. Even if that doesn't happen, then Bush and Davis can form a lethal one-two punch. Bush will likely only get 15 to 20 carries per game on the NFL level, and that can pave the way for Davis to pick up 10 to 15 touches of his own. When Davis is lined up in the backfield, Bush could line up at receiver and use his 4.3 speed to blow by cornerbacks. Houston having two running backs of Bush's and Davis' caliber on their roster will make every team in the league green with envy, while making their offense a ticking time-bomb.
Another key aspect that demonstrates why the Houston Texans ought to draft Bush is that their main need--the offensive line-- has plenty of prospects in the second and third rounds of the draft. University of Miami tackle Eric Winston, Pittsburgh guard Charles Spencer and Georgia guard Max Jean-Gilles highlight the second round of the draft with their spectacular potential. At least one of those three can and likely will be had by Houston in round two. That will quickly take care of a weak spot on the Texans' beleaguered offensive line.
In addition, the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement also points the Texans in Bush's direction. Owner Bob McNair has established often in the past that he is willing to spend the kind of money that it takes to win. Under the new CBA, McNair will be able to hand big-time money over to star free-agent offensive linemen such as the Seattle Seahawks' Steve Hutchinson, the New Orleans Saints' LeCharles Bentley, and/or the Philadelphia Eagles' Jon Runyan. Those are just three of the established linemen that could be looking for new homes; keep in mind that Hutchinson was transition-tagged by the Seahawks, which gives them the right to match any offer from another team.
The salary cap for next season will be exactly $102 million; thus, it's a $7.5 million increase from what the cap would have been had a new CBA not been reached. Thanks to the new, much-higher cap, the Texans will have approximately $20 million in free space. That's plenty to address offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive needs.
It'll be up to McNair to open up the purse strings and galvanize one of the league's finest GM's, Charlie Casserly, into making the right moves. Although the Texans' record since their inception doesn't show it, Casserly has put some solid pieces on the field that could make for a bright future in Houston. Quarterback David Carr, cornerback Dunta Robinson, defensive tackle Travis Johnson, wide receiver Andre Johnson and linebacker Jason Babin have all had their struggles thus far, but each has endless potential.
Although Vince Young is a fan favorite in Houston for obvious reasons, Texans fans need to hope that Commissioner Paul Tagliabue steps to the podium on April 29th and announces, "With the first pick in the 2006 NFL draft, the Houston Texans select, Reggie Bush, running back, USC."
That announcement could mean playoffs sooner rather than later for the NFL's youngest franchise.
--Connor Byrne can
www.realfootball365.com
One mechanism used by many to keep Bush out of Houston is that the Texans already have a solid running back on their roster. That back, Domanick Davis, could be released because of a $3.5 million cap hit. Even if that doesn't happen, then Bush and Davis can form a lethal one-two punch. Bush will likely only get 15 to 20 carries per game on the NFL level, and that can pave the way for Davis to pick up 10 to 15 touches of his own. When Davis is lined up in the backfield, Bush could line up at receiver and use his 4.3 speed to blow by cornerbacks. Houston having two running backs of Bush's and Davis' caliber on their roster will make every team in the league green with envy, while making their offense a ticking time-bomb.
Another key aspect that demonstrates why the Houston Texans ought to draft Bush is that their main need--the offensive line-- has plenty of prospects in the second and third rounds of the draft. University of Miami tackle Eric Winston, Pittsburgh guard Charles Spencer and Georgia guard Max Jean-Gilles highlight the second round of the draft with their spectacular potential. At least one of those three can and likely will be had by Houston in round two. That will quickly take care of a weak spot on the Texans' beleaguered offensive line.
In addition, the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement also points the Texans in Bush's direction. Owner Bob McNair has established often in the past that he is willing to spend the kind of money that it takes to win. Under the new CBA, McNair will be able to hand big-time money over to star free-agent offensive linemen such as the Seattle Seahawks' Steve Hutchinson, the New Orleans Saints' LeCharles Bentley, and/or the Philadelphia Eagles' Jon Runyan. Those are just three of the established linemen that could be looking for new homes; keep in mind that Hutchinson was transition-tagged by the Seahawks, which gives them the right to match any offer from another team.
The salary cap for next season will be exactly $102 million; thus, it's a $7.5 million increase from what the cap would have been had a new CBA not been reached. Thanks to the new, much-higher cap, the Texans will have approximately $20 million in free space. That's plenty to address offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive needs.
It'll be up to McNair to open up the purse strings and galvanize one of the league's finest GM's, Charlie Casserly, into making the right moves. Although the Texans' record since their inception doesn't show it, Casserly has put some solid pieces on the field that could make for a bright future in Houston. Quarterback David Carr, cornerback Dunta Robinson, defensive tackle Travis Johnson, wide receiver Andre Johnson and linebacker Jason Babin have all had their struggles thus far, but each has endless potential.
Although Vince Young is a fan favorite in Houston for obvious reasons, Texans fans need to hope that Commissioner Paul Tagliabue steps to the podium on April 29th and announces, "With the first pick in the 2006 NFL draft, the Houston Texans select, Reggie Bush, running back, USC."
That announcement could mean playoffs sooner rather than later for the NFL's youngest franchise.
--Connor Byrne can
www.realfootball365.com
