Why draft Bush when Kubiak makes 6th round HBs look like Hall of Famers??

[csuede]

I think Gary Kubiak believes (and rightfully so), that he can instill an offensive system in which the running game will thrive, almost regardless of who the HB is.

Terrell Davis (6th Rd. Pick):

1995 - 1117 yds, 4.7 YPC, 7 TD, Den ranks 5th in NFL in rushing yards​

1996 - 1538 yds, 4.5 YPC, 13 TD, Den ranks 1st in NFL in rushing yards​

1997 - 1750 yds, 4.7 YPC, 15 TD, Den ranks 4th in NFL in rushing yards​

1998 - 2008 yds, 5.1 YPC, 21 TD, Den ranks 2nd in NFL in rushing yards​

Olandis Gary (4th Rd Draft Pick)

1999 - 1159 yds, 4.2 YPC, 7 TD, Den ranks 12th in NFL in rushing yards​

Mike Anderson (6th Rd Draft Pick)

2000 - 1487 yds, 5.0 YPC, 15 TD, Den ranks 2nd in NFL in rushing yards​

In 2001, these 3 HBs combined for 1600+ yards and Den ranks 10th in NFL in rushing yards

Clinton Portis (2nd Rd Draft Pick)

2002 - 1508 yds, 5.5 YPC, 15 TD, Den ranks 5th in NFL in rushing yards​

2003 - 1591 yds, 5.5 YPC, 14 TD, Den ranks 2nd in NFL in rushing yards​

Reuben Droughns (3rd Rd Draft Pick)

2004 - 1240 yds, 4.5 YPC, 6 TD, Den ranks 4th in NFL in rushing yards​

And, last season Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell (2nd Rd draft pick) combined for 1935 yds, 4.5 YPC, 20 TDs, Den ranks 2nd in NFL in rushing yards.

I think it's reasonable to assume that Kubiak is confident that the Texans running game will thrive and won't require Bush to do it. None of the above mentioned HBs were 1st rounders, and certainly not considered to be "possibly the best HB prospect in decades!!." Furthermore, those that left Kubiak's system for a different team suffered significant statistical dropoffs. Portis went from 5.5 YPC and 29 TDs in 2 seasons with Denver to 4.1 YPC and 16 TDs in 2 seasons with Washington.

Obviously, drafting Reggie Bush #1 overall would be a poor decision for a team that will (assumeably) be a perennial top 5 rushing team anyway. Let's just hope that Kubiak's system has similar success in Houston.

 

[c1yde]

I'll be the first to come out and thank for you an intelligent post. I agree. However, I still won't be decided about this draft for years to come at which point we will have hindsight which we all know is 20/20.

 

[houstonhurricane]

In fairness, Denver's offensive line was a "little" better than what we currently have...

 

[csuede]

No doubt about it. You've reinforced my point. The development of the O-Line will be the essential ingredient for a successful running game, not a #1 overall drafted RB.

 

[erasethevirus]

I completley agree. Not to mention his turn around of QB jake plumber. The texans had a poorly coached offense last year. If you have any football sence you will understand why this was a much more logical pick then reggie bush, or even vince young. Although i do think trading down to get furgeson would have been a better option.

 

[houstonhurricane]

No doubt about it. You've reinforced my point. The development of the O-Line will be the essential ingredient for a successful running game, not a #1 overall drafted RB.

Then why not draft a stud OT when we have neglected the line for so many years? You have reinforced my point...

 

[Bobo]

Although i do think trading down to get furgeson would have been a better option.

Trading down was a very dangerous option in the end. I favored trading down the entire offseason, but now in hindsight, the NO position was the big bugaboo. They didn't need a QB or a RB, so they are in a position to draft either a DL or an OL. Thus, there would be no guarantee that either Williams or Ferguson would be available to the Texans if they traded down.

 

[dalemurphy]

Then why not draft a stud OT when we have neglected the line for so many years? You have reinforced my point...

They probably think they will draft a stud OT... they'll just do it in round 2 or 3... where many of the all-time great OTs have been drafted.

 

[houstonhurricane]

They probably think they will draft a stud OT... they'll just do it in round 2 or 3... where many of the all-time great OTs have been drafted.

Only time will tell...

 

[Bobo]

Then why not draft a stud OT when we have neglected the line for so many years? You have reinforced my point...

You could have gone either way, but the Texans apparently were not interested in Ferguson. Apparently he wasn't as good at his position as Williams was at his. Besides, a good pass rusher can help your offense by forcing turnovers and putting them in better field position.

 

[dalemurphy]

Mark Schlereth said today that D. Colledge and W. Justice are the two best OLmen "right now" in this draft. He said Colledge was already an excellent pass protector and would immediately be able to come into the NFL and start at LT.

 

[csuede]

I'm not necessarily saying that drafting Mario Williams was the hands-down obvious best pick, I'm merely saying that passing on Bush isn't the biggest blunder in NFL history, as some have protested.

However, I agree with the selection of Williams. I think the same logic applies (to a degree) to offensive linemen, QBs, WRs, and TEs. Kubiak's specialty is developing offensive players that were drafted in later rounds such that the 1st selections can be made for defensive players.

Furthermore, I don't think there was a "stud" O-Linemen available. Time will tell if Ferguson will prove me wrong, but I certainly wouldn't have taken him over Williams.