...Spencer, 6-4 and 352 pounds, is slated to compete with Seth Wand for the starting job at left tackle. Winston, 6-6 and 310 pounds, should compete with Zach Wiegert and Todd Wade at right tackle.
"Good things come to those who wait," coach Gary Kubiak said after the Texans' third-round selections were announced. "This is awesome. I can't believe it panned out this way."
Pitts back to guard
In anticipation of being able to improve their personnel at tackle through the draft, the Texans already had Chester Pitts working at left guard, where he started throughout the 2004 season.
Steve McKinney is moving to right guard, where he has never played. He spent the first four years of his career at left guard with the Indianapolis Colts before spending four years at center for the Texans. Free-agent signee Mike Flanagan is the Texans' new center.
"Every coach has their opinion of where they think your best position is and where you can contribute most," Pitts said. "That's what the new staff feels will be best. It's known that I prefer to play tackle, but I will play guard.
"I expect us to get better this year, especially because I believe Kubiak's (zone-blocking) system is solid and effective. I believe everybody will be better, and things will go better for all of us."
After focusing on the defensive side of the ball in the first two rounds by selecting North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams No. 1 overall and Alabama outside linebacker DeMeco Ryans with the 33rd pick, the Texans gave their offense a boost in round three.
As soon as Spencer and Winston heard their names called, they realized they were going to a team that could instantly use their help. It was the ideal scenario for both.
"As an offensive lineman, if you're focused on anything else other than making sure the dirt stays off your quarterback, then you're probably playing the wrong position," Winston said. "I've never met David Carr, but I can tell you that my main objective is going to be to make sure that the running backs have great holes to run through, that the quarterback has unbelievable time to throw, and that the receivers can have time to catch the ball."...