Houston Texans Post Draft Commentary

The Houston Texans were very much an inconsistent team in 2008. They began the year at 0-4, yet they finished 8-8 and very close to a playoff berth. Once again though, the defense did not hold up its end of the bargain and was amongst the bottom third of the league in most categories. The offense on the other hand was a force to be reckoned with; causing many a Defensive Coordinator some sleepless nights in the week preceding the game.

The Texans could have chosen to attack the defensive short comings in a variety of ways. Outside linebacker is a need, as is some more talent along the defensive line. Another defensive tackle to go along with Amobi Okoye could help the Texans defense handle opposing running attacks better. But, defensive end is another need as the Texans have no one of any repute opposite of Mario Williams to take advantage of the constant double teams that the former #1 overall generates. The Texans chose to address their need at defensive end with the selection of Connor Barwin. Barwin is raw, but has shown a natural aptitude for the defensive side of the game. Barwin may struggle to acclimate to the NFL initially as he is not very refined, but his hustle should see him through to becoming a good player. Many pundits will say that with Peyton Manning in the division, the Texans should have selected a corner earlier than the 4th round, but the best way to neutralize a quarterback is to apply pressure not to cover his receivers.

Brian Cushing was the Texans first round selection as was brought in to man the strong side linebacker position in all likelihood. Cushing is a versatile defender, but he can struggle in pass coverage responsibilities. Regardless, the Texans provided a great complementary player to DeMeco Ryans as Cushing is a physical, high motor player who can chase the ball side line to side line. The Texans could have chosen to leave corner alone, but given the lack of a long term deal in place with Dunta Robinson, it might prove to be a wise move picking up an extra candidate or two for the secondary in Glover Quinn from New Mexico and Brice McCain from Utah. The Texans have some depth, but it is not overwhelming.

The Texans did choose to address the offense but not in the way many Texans fans had hoped. Rather than using a selection on a slot receiver the team chose to draft two tight ends in successive rounds. With the success of Owen Daniels, the selection of two tight ends to fill a backup role, may be a bit too much given the team’s other needs on offense. The Texans could have used a big back to pair with Steve Slaton as Chris Brown has shown an inability to stay healthy regardless of his workload. Brown’s slashing style fits in well with the Texans’ offensive scheme but the team could really have used to pick up an alternative in the draft over a second tight end in my opinion. Slaton is a very slight runner, and whilst successful, it remains to be seen if he can truly carry the load. Having Slaton split some of his carries to bigger runner would help both the team and Slaton alike.

The Texans sought to fill in some of the holes remaining on both sides of the football. But in my opinion they left two important areas devoid of new talent; running back and wide receiver. The team does have some depth at wide out, but none of the current outside of Andre Davis has done anything to distinguish themselves from the two starters. The team has some youth, but none that makes anyone yearn for the time when these players can take the field. The team has brought along a young receiver in some time and it needs to look in this direction soon. I would have also liked the Texans to have selected a running back that can be more of a factor than I think Chris Brown will prove to ultimately be. But, overall the Texans look to address their needs enough to legitimately challenge for a playoff spot in 2009.

Pre Draft Needs: WR, DL, RB, LB, CB