I like your general idea
here is my opinion/breakdown of who the Texans could choose (in bold no particular order) if available with the 8th pick
first order of buisness which the Texans should be almost finished- evaulation of current players on the roster. did they meet expectations? is there a future for them with the Texans in the context of what Kubiak wants to see? once this process is complete then a consensous can be reached regarding contracts & seeking Free Agents that meet needs. We'll have to see what transpires here first & who they can sign or those they let go.
through the draft you build your foundation, cornerstones, the type of player you can develop who fits your system. the chances are other teams will be looking @ the same talent but have other ratings for them based on their own personel/needs. this is where Smith/Kubiak should excell.
Levi Brown vs. Joe Thomas
one maybe both will be gone by the Texans pick. Thomas is a good fit for Arizona because of their franchise QB Matt Leinart mobility, he needs that classic pocket protector, Joe does not move as well in space & is better in pass protection. Levi is a demolishing drive blocker, who is adequate in pass blocking but fits a zone blocking system like the Texans use better.
Brady Quinn vs. JaMarcus Russell
Russell is a shotgun style QB, like VY (maybe a reason why the Texans passed last draft on him) does not fit the style that Kubiak likes (hence his idea he could help rebuild Carr). Brady is an upgrade over Carr yet would fit Kubiaks system better than Russell with better progressions than Carr.
Marshawn Lynch vs. Adrien Peterson
Peterson is a feature back with explosive power & speed into the 2nd level. does he fit the Texans system, maybe not but do you tweek his style to fit your system? needs to show in workouts he has soft hands & can make this transition in space. Lynch is a better fit for Kubiaks system but the Texans would be better served to trade down if he is their target. should be a top 20 pick.
Jaamal Anderson vs. Gaines Adams
Gaines is a terrific prospect but with Babin/Peek does he provide a need or vast improvement? basicly a speed rusher off the edge with excellent pursuit from the backside (reminds me a little of Derrick Johnson) but does he stand up the test in run support? Jaamal is a good paring w/Mario @ end. he has the size the Texans like and could switch with Mario depending on matchups making it extra difficult for teams to game plan against, not to mention freeing up both in pass rush without commiting extra bodies.
Amobi Okoye vs. Alan Branch
MorKnolle has already detailed this, in summary Alan Branch is a better fit as a DT for 3-4 team, Okoye is a playmaker from the interior in a 4-3 however I'd like to add his lack of height is a concern for me, at this point I'm not convinced which way he should tweek it. he came into the Senior bowl at 287 with the speed and spin moves of a DE, so the quesiton would be what position do the pros see as his natural position/weight?
Ted Gin Jr. vs Calvin Johnson
With Andre Johnson the Texans have their #1 WR, could two coexist? Ted Ginn is a field stretcher the kind that Troy Williams was suppose to be when the Vikings drafted him @ #8 in 05. he could be that "playmaker" Kubiak is talking about, he could stretch defenses (of course David still needs time to throw the ball) also with Jerome Mathis a big question mark? Ginn is excellent in KR duites.
damn as I'm posting this Casserly just came on the Rome show, divine intervention
