Houston Texans NFL Draft 2008 Team Needs
June 8, 2008
The Houston Texans have been known as a “sleeper” and on the verge of making the playoffs in every year of their existence. But the fact is that folks in Houston haven’t gotten the job done and it’s about time they do. Expectations are higher than ever in Houston after finishing .500 for the first time in team history. The Texas still face an uphill battle to get out of last place in the AFC South with the likes of Indy, Jacksonville and Tennessee holding them down. Houston’s only win in division play last season came against a Jags’ team that was resting their starters. Success won’t be coming easy in Houston this season either, but a nice 2008 NFL Draft class would definitely help matters.
2008 Houston Texans NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Cornerback
Dunta Robinson is the only cornerback on this team that can make plays and be consistent. The Texans main priority will be to get a stud like Robinson on the other side of the secondary. The Texans believe 2007 fourth-rounder Fred Bennett could develop the skills Robinson has. Bennett gets penciled in to the starting lineup, but there are serious questions after that. Demarcus Faggins may not be back after struggling last season. Vet Jamar Fletcher is best suited for nickel packages only. Von Hutchins is an unrestricted free agent after his move over to corner from safety last season.
2.) Running Back
Ahman Green’s first season in Houston was a big disaster. Green is an injury waiting to happen after a bum knee made him a nonfactor for much of the season and limited his carries even when in the lineup. Ron Dayne is an unrestricted free agent and surely not a 16-game starter even if they keep him. Darius Walker is not the answer after barely making the team last year after being cut by the Texan his rookies season. The Texans have never spent a first-round pick on a RB in head coach Gary Kubiak’s tenure, but that could all change in ‘08.
3.) Offensive Tackle
Veteran Ephraim Salaam is expected to slide into a reserve role this season, opening the door for a rookie offensive tackle to take his place. A lot has been asked of Salaam the last 2 seasons after Charles Spencer suffered a career-threatening injury. Spencer didn’t play last year and the Texans aren’t expecting him back this season either. No matter what happens with Salaam and Spencer, the Texans have to bolster their talent and depth at this position.
4.) Safety
Four Texans safeties are unrestricted free agents heading into the 2008 season. Big changes could be coming at this position, staring with the NFL Draft. The Texans might be planning on resigning Will Demps and pairing him with a young, swift free safety from the draft. The Texans have solid reserves here, but these reserves have not proven they can handle the starting job just quite yet.
5.) Defensive End
The Texans drafted a No. 1 defensive end just two years ago and Mario Williams is living up to expectations after a brilliant sophomore season. But the problem is at left end, where Anthony Weaver hasn’t been a factor in two seasons after coming over from Baltimore. The Texans need another pass rusher to grab the attention of opposing linemen so Mario Williams can run wild on the other side. This would give divisional teams like the Colts absolute fits.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Head coach Gary Kubiak is a disciple of Mike Shanahan of the Broncos. Kubiak has implemented the stretch-zone running scheme the Broncos have perfected over the years. The Texans are still looking for the running back and the linemen to run it to his expectations. The Texans passing game is surprisingly explosive with a great quarterback and many weapons on the outside. OLT Chris Williams of Vandy would be a solid pick via draft to help protect Matt Shaub. CB-KR Chris Johnson of East Carolina, OG-C Kory Lichtensteiger of Bowling Green, RB-PR Steve Slaton of West Virginia, OL Pedro Sosa of Rutgers and OG-C Adam Kraus of Michigan are a few plays that could fit into the Houston Texans offensive scheme.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Texans have invested a lot of money into their front four with DE Mario Williams and DT Amobi Okoye to name a few. This is largely due to the fact that the Texans don’t like to blitz much so they have to rely on their front four to get the necessary pressure. It’s looking like they are headed into the right direction with the young studs Houston has up front. CB-RS Mike Jenkins of South Florida, CB Justin King of Penn State and CB Justin Tryon of Arizona State are three corners the Texans may look at to add depth at this position. SS Josh Barret of ASU, DE Johnny Dingle of WVU and FS Husain Abdullah of Washington State could help bolster the Texans defense through the NFL Draft as well.
