Texans34Life
I BLEED TEXANS!
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=2415679
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O-line remains work in progress
By Keith Kidd
Scouts Inc.
The only thing standing in the way of Bush heading to Houston is a potential trade between the Texans and Jets. Multiple sources have told me the Jets are aggressively seeking a deal that would catapult them to the top of the draft board to bring Bush to New York. Referring back to the Trade Value Chart, such a deal for the first overall pick (worth 3,000 points) would cost Jets something similar to the following:
Pick No. 4 (1,800)
Pick No. 29 (640)
Pick No. 35 (550)
Pick No. 103 (88)
As it stands right now, the Jets own seven of the draft's first 117 selections, giving them the ammunition to make this kind of blockbuster move. If they made the deal with the Texans for Bush, the Jets would be left with three of those picks (71, 97, 117) in the first four rounds.
While Bush is unquestionably the best prospect in this year's draft, it would still be understandable if the Texans opted to make such a deal. General manager Charlie Casserly must assess Bush's value as compared to those four picks, which could land his team a quartet of prospects similar to the following:
Pick No. 4: Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson
Pick No. 29: Ohio State DC Ashton Youboty
Pick No. 35: Penn State DE Tamba Hali
Pick No. 103: Virginia Tech OLB James Anderson
When considering the Texans' glaring needs along the offensive line and on defense, it would be difficult to chose Bush over those four prospects -- especially with RB Dominic Davis already in house.
Regardless, Bush will be the first prospect called to the podium next Saturday.
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O-line remains work in progress
By Keith Kidd
Scouts Inc.
Here is a look at five teams that should be looking hardest at offensive linemen in the 2006 draft.
Pressing need
Houston Texans: By signing center Mike Flanagan (Packers) and moving Steve McKinney to left guard, the Texans have somewhat stabilized the interior of their offensive line. However, there are still concerns about the Texans' right side of the O-line and the development of left tackle Chester Pitts. Pitts is a versatile player who is best suited inside at either guard position. Right guard Zach Wiegert is an aging veteran with an injury history and declining skills, while right tackle Todd Wade has been inconsistent since singing with the Texans as an unrestricted free agent in 2004. Depth is also a concern, and backups Fred Weary and Seth Wand have been inconsistent and slow to develop into frontline players.
Outlook: After the likely selection of running back Reggie Bush with the No. 1 pick, the Texans will be in the position to address their offensive line with the first pick of the second round. They could easily be looking at either Winston or McNeill. Winston would make the most sense due to his rare combination of size, athleticism and the ability to play on the left side.