Kubiak Looks to Plug Remaining Holes On Roster

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

When the Houston Texans hit the field for training camp, the team will officially begin its eighth season as a franchise. Since the 2002 NFL Draft, the Texans have struggled with inconsistent play on the field and ineffective decision-making rolling over from the Charley Casserly era.

Slowly, Houston has progressed into an 8-8 team, but not at the rate owner Bob McNair expected to achieve. 

From 2002 to 2005, the front office demonstrated certain irrationalities when drafting players and lacked the desire to pursue top-notch free agents. The majority of Casserly’s draft picks turned out to be a bust, especially QB David Carr, the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Ironically, offensive lineman Chester Pitts remains the lone member on the active roster from the inaugural 2002 draft class.

Despite the number of appalling draft choices over the four-year period, Casserly was able to help current head coach Gary Kubiak establish a benchmark with ideal, prototypical players for his particular offensive and defensive scheme.

When Kubiak accepted the job on Jan. 26, 2006, he inherited All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson and cornerback Dunta Robinson. Both Johnson and Robinson possess the raw, natural talent to fit any type of pro system. 

Kubiak made an immediate impact with his first draft class by selecting proficient, franchise players such as defensive end Mario Williams, middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and tight end Owen Daniels. In his first season as head coach, the Texans finished fourth in the AFC South with a 6-10 record.

With one season under his belt, Kubiak began molding his players into his notable “Denver" syle of play. He utilized the 2007 NFL Draft by selecting DT Amobi Okoye with the 10th overall pick. Also, he added more pieces to the puzzle with the selection of WR/KR Jacoby Jones, cornerback Fred Bennett and linebacker Zac Diles.

Kubiak’s squad took a giant step forward in 2007 with an 8-8 record, marking the first time in franchise history that Houston finished at least .500.

In 2008, the Texans drafted a franchise left tackle in Duane Brown, who fits perfectly into Alex Gibbs’ "zone blocking" scheme, and superstar running back Steve Slaton. As the season progressed, Brown demonstrated significant improvement while Slaton emerged as the franchise running back.

Slaton concluded his rookie campaign with 1,282 rushing yards on 268 carries, including nine touchdowns. He accumulated the most rushing yards by a rookie in the league and ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing yards behind Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, Clinton Portis and Thomas Jones.

For the 2009 NFL Draft, the Texans encountered one of the most important drafts in franchise history. When analyzing potential draft possibilities, Houston made a commitment to improve their front seven on defense by focusing on the selection of versatile athletes.

Kubiak and Smith filled the remaining holes in the front seven with the drafting of former USC linebacker Brian Cushing at No. 15 and University of Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin at No. 46.

Known for being an intense competitor, Cushing adds a new dimension to the Texans’ linebacking core, which already features a superstar in Ryans. The 6-2, 243 pound Cushing displays unique versatility with his ability to play all three linebacker positions.

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