NFL Draft: Houston Texans Team Draft Retrospective

This article is part of a series that looks at each NFL team’s recent draft history with the hope of extracting information about the way they think and the players they value.

The analysis is limited to the past five drafts in the interest of relevance and the first three rounds because that’s where most impact players are taken.

This entry will focus on the Houston Texans.

Draft History

In the past five years, the Texans have taken the following players in the early rounds. Their positions and the rounds in which they were drafted are listed next to their names.

2006:   Mario Williams, DE (1)

            DeMeco Ryans, LB (2)

            Charles Spencer, OT (3)

            Eric Winston, OT (3)

2007:   Amobi Okoye, DT (1)

            Jacoby Jones, WR (3)

2008:   Duane Brown, OT (1)

            Antwaun Molden, CB (3)

            Steve Slaton, RB (3)

2009:   Brian Cushing, LB (1)

            Connor Barwin, DE (2)

            Antoine Caldwell, C (3)

2010:   Kareem Jackson, CB (1)

            Ben Tate, RB (2)

            Earl Mitchell, DT (3)

Breakdown by Position

Here is the number of players the Texans have drafted for each position:

Offensive tackle: 3

Cornerback: 2

Defensive end: 2

Defensive tackle: 2

Linebacker: 2

Running back: 2

Center: 1

Wide receiver: 1

Impact

Mario Williams, who surprised many people by going first overall over prospects who received much more hype, has become one of the league’s top defensive ends.

DeMeco Ryans is an excellent inside linebacker. Eric Winston and Duane Brown have formed a dependable offensive tackle duo. Amobi Okoye is a solid run-stuffing defensive tackle. Jacoby Jones is a decent third receiver.

Steve Slaton had a productive rookie year but has inexplicably tailed off since. Brian Cushing had an excellent rookie year, but his sophomore season was marred by a suspension when he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Trends

The Texans’ draft strategy suggests an affinity for physical football, as they have taken care to strengthen the trenches. Four picks have been used on defensive linemen; however, only Mario Williams has really panned out, and he was selected with the top overall pick.

The offensive line has also gotten attention, with three tackles and a center taken. This has paid off more consistently, with Eric Winston and Duane Brown making solid starters, though none of them have been a dominant force like Williams.

The few skill players taken on either side haven’t been especially productive. Interestingly, the Texans actually have one of the best offensive skill trios in the league, but QB Matt Schaub was acquired via trade and RB Arian Foster was an undrafted free agent. Only WR Andre Johnson was drafted by the team.

The team does deserve credit for hitting on their first rounders, assuming Kareem Jackson gets a pass because we can only judge by his rookie year.

2011 Outlook

The Texans have been steadily stockpiling talent for years, and many analysts predicted them to break out and become a contender.

However, Houston has yet to qualify for the playoffs. This past year, they were undone by a historically atrocious defense. In particular, their secondary was really embarrassed time and again.

Houston did select a corner in the first round in 2010, so they’ll probably hold off on taking another one until at least the second round this year. A more pressing need is picking up pieces for their 3-4 front under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. In particular, a nose tackle and a pass rushing outside linebacker are needed.

If Robert Quinn (North Carolina) is still on the board when the Texans are on the clock, he seems like a no-brainer. Quinn missed this past season due to a suspension, but he is an absurdly talented athlete who dominated his Pro Day.

After coaching DeMarcus Ware in Dallas, Wade Phillips knows what the OLB position can do for a 3-4 defense. Quinn is his best bet for that kind of production.

Houston will also be looking for a nose tackle to anchor their three-man front. Ideally, Phil Taylor (Baylor) will slip to them in the second—a very real possibility given that some teams may lose interest in Taylor due to a foot injury.

If Taylor is gone, Stephen Paea (Oregon State) and Kenrick Ellis (Hampton) are good consolation prizes.

The third round might be a good place to invest in another corner. Brandon Burton (Utah) and Davon House (New Mexico State) fit the bill.

One more consideration is a legitimate No. 1 receiver to draw coverage away from Andre Johnson. Greg Little (North Carolina) could be a steal in the third, as could the speedy Edmond Gates (Abilene Christian).