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HOUSTON TEXANS 2008 DRAFT NEEDS
Posted by Mike Florio on April 20, 2008, 10:40 p.m.
Heres a look at the perceived draft needs of the Houston Texans, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.
Offensive tackle: The Texans have needed a quality left tackle from the moment they came into the league as an expansion team in 2002. Tony Boselli was supposed to be the guy, but shoulder problems kept him from ever taking a snap. Since signing as a free agent in 2006, Ephraim Salaam (31) has had more of a prominent role than expected because of the career-threatening injury to Charles Spencer, but Salaam is not anywhere close to being a top left tackle. The Texans need them both in reserve roles this season. With so many picks and so much cash invested into quarterback Matt Schaub, and with the development of Andre Johnson into one of the leagues premier wide receivers, the Texans need to bring in a stud at this position.
And so the Texans are on the lookout for a game-ready offensive tackle. Theyve shown a lot of interest in Vandy left tackle Chris Williams, and are probably praying that hell fall to them. It could happen, but if it doesnt theyll need to have a backup plan. Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh) is another player to look out for in round one, and they like John Greco (Toledo) later in the draft.
Cornerback: Although the Texans secondary was solid early last year, Dunta Robinsons knee injury in Week Nine really slowed them down. He might miss most of 2008, which will put a crimp in this years plans, too. The Texans signed Jacques Reeves away from the Cowboys in free agency; he started 13 games in Dallas last season, but is better suited to play nickel. Last years fourth-round pick, Fred Bennett impressed as a rookie, leading the team with three interceptions. He should improve again this year and is the teams only guaranteed starter.
This is another position that the Texans could fill with their first pick, if none of the offensive tackles they covet is still on the board. At this point, theyll likely be able to choose Mike Jenkins (USF) who would be a day-one starter. It seems unlikely that they would wait until any later than round three to shore up this need, and if they do they should target a player like LSUs Chevis Jackson.
Running back: Ahman Green was supposed to be the answer to the Texans running back troubles last season. But he was a total disaster, appearing in only six games, averaging less than 3.7 yard per carry, and being outgained by a rookie, Darius Walker, who appeared in even fewer games. Other than Walker and Green, the Texans have former Heisman trophy winner Ron Dayne, who actually has been quite underrated in his two years at Houston. Dayne has rushed for over 1,300 yards (4.1 ypc) and 11 touchdowns with the Texans. However, at age 30, he is by no means the long-term solution. He does, however, give them the ability to share the carries with the rookie that they will bring in through the draft.
Although the Texans have not shown a lot of interest in any of the big-name running backs, they likely have their eye on a couple, should they fall to No. 18 in round one. If Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois) is there, he would be a no-brainer. However, because of the signing of Chris Brown, they have a little flexibility here. They could wait and target some of the players they like on day two, such as Jalen Parmele (Toledo) or Kalvin McRae (Ohio).
Safety: This position has become increasingly important in the NFL, but the Texans lack a playmaker at the spot. They like Will Demps at the strong safety spot, a year removed from his preseason injury with the Giants. They also have C.C. Brown at strong safety, who has been their starter for the majority of the past three seasons. The plan might be to let those two battle it out in training camp, and to bring in a rookie to complement whoever wins the gig at free safety.
They have shown a lot of interest in Arkansas States Tyrell Johnson, but hes most likely going to be selected in the second round. The Texans might have to wait until the middle rounds to address this position, given their more glaring needs in other areas. There they could select a player like Jonathan Hefney (Tennessee); he is extremely valuable because he can also play corner.
Outside linebacker: The Texans have two impressive starters in weakside linebacker Morlon Greenwood, who has recorded over 100 tackles in each of the past four seasons, and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, a second-round stud that the Texans tapped in 2006. But they have Kevin Bentley penciled in as the strong side linebacker, who hasnt been a full-time starter since 2003, when he was a Brown. Depth here is also an issue, as they only have one backup with any significant game experience, Chaun Thompson, who was a 3-4 outside linebacker in Cleveland.
This isnt a priority for the Texans, but they should look for a late-round developmental prospect who could eventually supplant Kevin Bentley on the strong side. A small school prospect like Bryan Smith (McNeese St.) could fit in here. He could compete at either linebacker or defensive end, and would likely be able to help as situational player at either position in his first year.
