NFL Draft Impact: Texans Fill Hole Left by Demeco Ryans with Dobbins, James

The Houston Texans surprised many last month by trading starting ILB Demeco Ryans to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth-round pick and bump in the third round. The team had only a 2010 fourth-round pick on the roster as a suitable replacement and no experienced depth behind Sharpton and Brian Cushing.

All of that changed in one day, as the Texans signed former Cowboys LB Bradie James and then re-signed LB Tim Dobbins. James played under Wade Phillips in Dallas and should have the ability to back up both positions and push Sharpton to start if he is not ready to assume the job. Dobbins was with the team last year and started in the past for the San Diego Chargers. Dobbins also played under Phillips during his rookie year in San Diego. He excels in short-yardage run defense.

As many of the smart teams have been doing in the last few days, the Texans now have the depth and experience at inside linebacker to only make a selection at the position when a player is the best available on their board. Any urgency to get a player who can contribute right away is gone. The trade of

Ryans is looking even better now that the Texans have bolstered his old spot cheaply with players who know Phillips' scheme, freeing them up to use the draft capital obtained for Ryans however they see fit. GM Rick Smith is making the right moves to keep the Texans in control of the AFC South.