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2009
NFL Draft Needs - Houston Texans
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (8): 15, 46, 77, 112, 122, 152, 188, 223
Outside Linebacker – There is quantity, but quality is another
question. Morlon Greenwood was released which paved the way for
youngsters Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi to take on larger roles. Then
free agency brought veteran Cato June and well traveled third year
player Buster Davis. June is a nice veteran presence, but his best
plays are behind him. He is not going to attack anyone and overwhelm an
opposing player. His value is being a steady presence. Davis was
knocked coming into the draft for his lack of height (5’9”) and has
already spent one season in Arizona and another in Indianapolis. It is
worth taking a look at him for depth, but what this team needs is an
attacker. I’m talking about someone who the other team is afraid of
facing. DeMeco Ryans is a star in the middle (although he is unhappy
about his contract) and one more stud alongside him would make this
group lethal.
Running Back – Late third round gem Steve Slaton finally
satisfied the need for a playmaking back. He rolled up over 100 total
yards per game and hauled in 50 receptions. Although he churned out an
average of 21.7 rushes per start over the final six games he is better
served staying closer to the 14-17 range. He was forced into that work
load because there is really no one else to do it. Mercifully Ahman
Green was cut loose following two uneventful seasons totaling 144
carries for 554 yards. The back they seek is going to be a wide load
(read: ~220 pounds) capable of picking up short yardage situations, and
able to fit into their zone blocking (one cut and go) system.
Safety – This has been a sore spot since the inception of the
team. Gone are C.C. Brown (Giants) and Will Demps (released). Nick
Ferguson and Eugene Wilson were retained in free agency. Last year’s
late round pick Domonique Barber could factor in as a replacement for
Ferguson at strong safety. This is one of those situations where the
losses dictate an addition and it is a guessing game how early that
player is selected. Everyone seems to be convinced the team will draft
a game breaker, but this is the wrong draft to seek such a rookie early
on.
Cornerback – One thing the Texans definitely have at this
position is youth. Their top concern is Dunta Robinson playing under
the franchise tag and not being pleased about it. The team is being
smart forcing him to play one season healthy enough to warrant a long
term deal. Obviously the player wants the security (read: signing
bonus) of a long term deal. This negotiation weighs into their
strategy, as does the development of middle round picks from the last
two drafts, Fred Bennett and Antwaun Molden. No one knows the depth
chart like their war room. If they are confident in this group
developing no additions will be made, but to prepare for the worst an
addition could be made as somewhat of a luxury pick.
Offensive Guard – Slowly the line has been built up. In the 2008
draft Duane Brown was a surprise first rounder and has nailed down the
left tackle spot. The most glaring problem now is right guard where
Mike Brisel keeps the refs busy with the flags and whistles. Their
offense is starting to really take over and one more cog at guard would
solidify the line.
Defensive Tackle – I am acknowledging this because others have
pointed to the interior defensive line as a sore spot. The youth is
abundant. Their 2007 first round pick Amobi Okoye is still only 21
years old, and two years into his NFL career is younger than most of
this year’s rookies. The only question is soreness in his knee, but as
of now it is not considered too problematic. Travis Johnson is another
former first round pick (2005) slated to start. The slack given to him
is considerably less considering he turns 27 on draft weekend and his
play has been lackluster. Massive project Frank Okam was taken in the
fifth round last year. As I’ll say often “potential” is tricky because
it does not win games now. Shaun Cody (Lions) was added in free agency
and the team passed on him in 2005, when he was an early second
rounder, to select Johnson. Perhaps they regret the decision and hope
he can perform better for them than he looked in the Motor City. The
youth is there, which usually means that even if the area is a problem
the draft is not the place to address it. We will see what path they
take.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
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