three needs analyized:
1st. Best player available who fills the biggest need (Texans lack a sack machine)
2nd. The most verstile pick who helps teammates play their position of strength (Dunta CB allowed Coleman to move to FS effectivly filling two roles with one pick).
3rd. Whats the competition doing & whats available in next years draft? (divisonal foes know each others strengths & weaknesses also this year for instance is the year of CB & OL, next year it may be DT so if you need a DT and there is only one targeted (Spears) and he is gone, you can still get a top grade CB or offensive tackle. To address the DT find one via FA or wait till next year when (Ngata comes out) its a strength.
All this being said which move makes the most sense?
Spears is the obvious choice for me because of these reasons-
1. QB pressure
2. Run stopper
3. Moves DT's into strengths
4. Payne is in a contract year F/A
5. Marcus will be another outstanding Texan
Ronnie Brown would be the ideal franchise RB of the Texans future. Unlike some people I don't have any problem taking a RB this high, this would immediatly give the Texans both quality & depth at a position thats not known for longivity. Because there are several excellent backs in this years draft he may last until the Texans pick.
Most of the other top picks discussed here are Juniors & until they declare for the 2005 draft its pure speculation. However of those who most intrique me would be the big safety out of Georgia Thomas Davis & MLB Ahmad Brooks Virgina, OK and also Haloti Ngata NT from Oregon (also from Oregon a sleeper junior TE Tim Day 6-4 & about 270 lbs with soft hands). But as stated all reports indicate these Juniors are returning to school for their Senior season.
Therefore the focus should be on Marcus Spears & Ronnie Brown