texans draft

[Rebel Jew]

robert ayers, DE from tennessee

http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DccuoGx3A6t4

i don't buy this stuff about the lb's from usc.  texans need a pass rusher on the line opposite mario, and ayers is the best in their pick range.

[matadorph]

I think it's possible Orakpo could fall to them.

[Andyzipp]

Ignoring for a second, Ayers' worth and skill, the Texans want to draft a starter in the first round, have signed Antonio Smith to play the other DE position at a pretty significant cost, and have publically stated their need for OLB, DT and CB help.

What makes you think that they're going to go after Ayers?  Are you thinking he can spin to LB?

[Andyzipp]

I think it's possible Orakpo could fall to them.

If he does, he'll continue to fall past them.

[Bench]

I think it's possible Orakpo could fall to them.

It's just a shame that the Texans are allowed to pick non-UT players, isn't it.

[JackAstro]

It's just a shame that the Texans are allowed to pick non-UT players, isn't it.

There oughta be a law.

[Astroholic]

Ignoring for a second, Ayers' worth and skill, the Texans want to draft a starter in the first round, have signed Antonio Smith to play the other DE position at a pretty significant cost, and have publically stated their need for OLB, DT and CB help.

What makes you think that they're going to go after Ayers?  Are you thinking he can spin to LB?

Actually I heard the GM say that Antonio would be playing tackle for the Texans.  We shall see.

[Andyzipp]

Actually I herad the GM say that Antonio would be playing tackle for the Texans.  We shall see.

That would be odd...but I guess we'll see.  I know they're giving Okoye a big push to make some strides after a disappointing year.  I guess this means that the end is near for Travis Johnson.

[matadorph]

That's correct. Kollar wants to slide Antonio Smith inside frequently, so I do think the Texans will look to get a DE on the first day of the draft.

 

[matadorph]

It's just a shame that the Texans are allowed to pick non-UT players, isn't it.

I think you have me confused with someone else.

[Astroholic]

That would be odd...but I guess we'll see.  I know they're giving Okoye a big push to make some strides after a disappointing year.  I guess this means that the end is near for Travis Johnson.

Travis will be cut in training camp...IMO.

[roadrunner]

Would absolutely love it if Malcom Jenkins fell to 15.  With Dunta all disgruntled over simple Texans business logic, we may need a big time corner as early as next year.

[austro]

The mock draft in this morning's Spaceman had them picking a CB, although I forget who it was. In my opinion, that's their weakest link and what they ought to strengthen first, although I suppose the lack of a decent pass rush may make the secondary look worse than it really is.

[Astroholic]

Would absolutely love it if Malcom Jenkins fell to 15.  With Dunta all disgruntled over simple Texans business logic, we may need a big time corner as early as next year.

2nded. Jenkins can/might also play safety.

[Rebel Jew]

Ignoring for a second, Ayers' worth and skill, the Texans want to draft a starter in the first round, have signed Antonio Smith to play the other DE position at a pretty significant cost, and have publically stated their need for OLB, DT and CB help.

What makes you think that they're going to go after Ayers?  Are you thinking he can spin to LB?

ayers is a pure pass rushing DE and smith is not, which means they could throw ayers in at RDE and move smith to DT on passing downs while ayers learns more about the position.  also, i don't think any of the free agent acquisitions say much either way about who the texans will draft.  put it a different way, it's not like the texans would decide three months ago not to sign a mid-level contributor like smith because they would hypothetically draft a defensive end three months away.

[hostros7]

The mock draft in this morning's Spaceman had them picking a CB, although I forget who it was. In my opinion, that's their weakest link and what they ought to strengthen first, although I suppose the lack of a decent pass rush may make the secondary look worse than it really is.

Vontae Davis?  I'm always pleasantly surprised how wrong all the ESPN/popular mocks are.  It makes draft day that much more fun.

[MusicMan]

If he does, he'll continue to fall past them.

This might be the only thing that could still move me to anger in regards to the Texans.

[matadorph]

Vontae Davis?  I'm always pleasantly surprised how wrong all the ESPN/popular mocks are.  It makes draft day that much more fun.

Which is why I won't be too surprised or shocked if the Texans ended up drafting an offensive player (say, Maclin or Crabtree) in the first round.

[roadrunner]

Vontae Davis?  I'm always pleasantly surprised how wrong all the ESPN/popular mocks are.  It makes draft day that much more fun.

I would be surprised if the Texans take Davis.  Reportedly he has character issues, and McNair feels strongly about character (like another team's owner in the local area).

[roadrunner]

Which is why I won't be too surprised or shocked if the Texans ended up drafting an offensive player (say, Maclin or Crabtree) in the first round.

I don't see that.  We even have Rick Smith on the record saying they are going defense.  Not that that means anything because sometimes teams will say these things as strategy, but I think defense is enough of a glaring need to guarantee that this year's first round pick will be on the defensive side of the ball.

[HudsonHawk]

The mock draft in this morning's Spaceman had them picking a CB, although I forget who it was. In my opinion, that's their weakest link and what they ought to strengthen first, although I suppose the lack of a decent pass rush may make the secondary look worse than it really is.

It's impossible to make the secondary *look* worse than it actually is.  It's by far the weakest link in the chain.

[hostros7]

I would be surprised if the Texans take Davis.  Reportedly he has character issues, and McNair feels strongly about character (like another team's owner in the local area).

I don't think they'll take a S/CB in the 1st unless it's Jenkins.  There is a lot of 2nd/3rd round talent at these positions so one doesn't need to reach.  

Agree that they're going defense.  I'd say you have to draft Crabtree if he fell to 15, but, if he does, it's because there are serious concerns about his injuy so stay away.

[matadorph]

I don't see that.  We even have Rick Smith on the record saying they are going defense.  Not that that means anything because sometimes teams will say these things as strategy, but I think defense is enough of a glaring need to guarantee that this year's first round pick will be on the defensive side of the ball.

I don't think he is on record as saying they are going defense because he's all about BPA. Although the Texans are set at WR, they still need a dynamic kick returner, and drafting Maclin as a slot receiver/kick returner could fit that need. Of course, it's all predicated on their board and who's been taken. I'm not saying it will happen, but I wouldn't be that surprised if it did.

[austro]

Vontae Davis?  I'm always pleasantly surprised how wrong all the ESPN/popular mocks are.  It makes draft day that much more fun.

I just checked on the web site: Jenkins is their guess at the pick.

[MikeyBoy]

I don't see that.  We even have Rick Smith on the record saying they are going defense.  Not that that means anything because sometimes teams will say these things as strategy, but I think defense is enough of a glaring need to guarantee that this year's first round pick will be on the defensive side of the ball.

Keeping your statement on strategy in mind, Smith was on the radio yesterday saying the Texans are not eying a position with their first pick, they will select best available according to their grading system.

[Rebel Jew]

I don't think he is on record as saying they are going defense because he's all about BPA. Although the Texans are set at WR, they still need a dynamic kick returner, and drafting Maclin as a slot receiver/kick returner could fit that need. Of course, it's all predicated on their board and who's been taken. I'm not saying it will happen, but I wouldn't be that surprised if it did.

if maclin's available at 15 they'll jump at the chance to trade down with a team that wants him

[BizidyDizidy]

Actually I heard the GM say that Antonio would be playing tackle for the Texans.  We shall see.

My understanding was that he was going to play DE on 1st and 2nd and slide inside on passing downs - are you sure that's not what he meant?

[Astroholic]

My understanding was that he was going to play DE on 1st and 2nd and slide inside on passing downs - are you sure that's not what he meant?

No I am not sure.  This could all be posturing on the GM's part as a draft strategy.

[Lumpus]

Another vote for 'best available' defensive player on the board.  DE, OL, CB and Safety are all significant weaknesses.  My personal guess is Outside Linebacker for the first pick.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm going to hate seeing Orakpo in a Redskins uniform.

[HudsonHawk]

And it's Cushing.

[JaneDoe]

Don't think I'm too happy with the Cushing pick.

[kevwun]

He'll be fine as long as he stays on the roids.

[HudsonHawk]

Don't think I'm too happy with the Cushing pick.

Why?

[HudsonHawk]

He'll be fine as long as he stays on the roids.

What evidence do you have that he's on steroids?

[JaneDoe]

Why?

Well, I am no authority on the subject, but I think he is over-rated and injury prone.  I really, really hope I am wrong.

[kevwun]

Here's a picture of him where he's flabby with man boobs after an injury before he made it to USC(senior year I believe) made him stop cycling and a picture of him recently.  The steroid rumors were already rampant when he was in high school.  The injury history is another red flag.

http://yepyep.gibbs12.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cushing_steroids.jpg

[HudsonHawk]

Well, I am no authority on the subject, but I think he is over-rated and injury prone.  I really, really hope I am wrong.

Who would you rather they have picked?

[HudsonHawk]

Here's a picture of him where he's flabby with man boobs after an injury in high school(senior year I believe) made him stop cycling and a picture of him recently.  The steroid rumors were already rampant when he was in high school.

http://yepyep.gibbs12.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cushing_steroids.jpg

Again, what evidence do you have that he's on steroids?  Rumors aren't evidence.

[kevwun]

They aren't, you're right.  As we saw in MLB though, the rumors usually prove to be true.

[HudsonHawk]

They aren't, you're right.  As we saw in MLB though, the rumors usually prove to be true.

No, we didn't see that.  In fact, we saw that rumors are notoriously inaccurate, though they are ocassionally true.  I don't know if Cushing is on steroids or not.  I know there are rumors that every player at USC is.  Those are usually propagated by yahoos from UCLA and Ohio St. Changes in his physique from 17 years old to 22 years old after 5 years of intensive weight training at a world class facility are not terribly suprising to me personally. 

[MusicMan]

agree with sphinx - i hate the thought of rak going to the skins

[HudsonHawk]

On a side note, Steve Young and Keyshawn Johnson are morons.

[JaneDoe]

Who would you rather they have picked?

Well, the two I was hoping for were gone. 

[JaneDoe]

On a side note, Steve Young and Keyshawn Johnson are morons.

Totally agree with you here.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, the two I was hoping for were gone. 

LOL, well then those weren't really options then, were they?

[hostros7]

Here's a picture of him where he's flabby with man boobs after an injury before he made it to USC(senior year I believe) made him stop cycling and a picture of him recently.  The steroid rumors were already rampant when he was in high school.  The injury history is another red flag.

http://yepyep.gibbs12.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cushing_steroids.jpg

difference wouldnt be as big if he wasn't posing with a flex versus candid.  I'm not a huge proponent of the pick, but I don't see how it's any different than Clay in terms of concerns.

[HudsonHawk]

difference wouldnt be as big if he wasn't posing with a flex versus candid.  I'm not a huge proponent of the pick, but I don't see how it's any different than Clay in terms of concerns.

I don't see how it's any different than any other college football player in terms of concerns.

[hostros7]

Furthermore, drafts are made in rounds 2-5, IMO.  Let's all hope they're solid.

[HudsonHawk]

Furthermore, drafts are made in rounds 2-5, IMO.  Let's all hope they're solid.

The Browns are certainly banking on that.  They're stockpiling 2-6 round picks.

[Savage]

Given what was available, I like the pick.  A little worried about durability, but the kid is clearly a hard worker and is pretty skilled at a position of real need.  

[hostros7]

I don't see how it's any different than any other college football player in terms of concerns.

Agreed, let's just trust the powers that be rather than doubt them.  I don't understand why roids is an issue to comment on when they've clearly done their diligence and had a chance to take multitudes of other guys.

[HudsonHawk]

Given what was available, I like the pick.  A little worried about durability, but the kid is clearly a hard worker and is pretty skilled at a position of real need.  

I don't know that much about him, I'm just glad it was a need pick.  Personally I think DB was a bigger need, but I'll take what they got.

[JaneDoe]

LOL, well then those weren't really options then, were they?

No, and I guess I sound like the kind of fan I can't stand, so I'll just shut up about the pick.

[Russe]

Who would you rather they have picked?

Brown or Matthews would have been better choices, imo, but then again, I'm not an NFL GM.

Maybin, Orakpo, or Jenkins would have been nice, but you can't draft someone that's not there.

I'm guessing/hoping they go DB next round.

[hostros7]

Brown or Matthews would have been better choices, imo, but then again, I'm not an NFL GM.

Maybin, Orakpo, or Jenkins would have been nice, but you can't draft someone that's not there.

I'm guessing/hoping they go DB next round.

Jenkins would have been nice... not sure the others were as needed

[HudsonHawk]

Brown or Matthews would have been better choices, imo, but then again, I'm not an NFL GM.

I think it was kind of a tossup between Cushing and Matthews. 

I'm guessing/hoping they go DB next round.

I hope so too.  That's by far their biggest need.

[Savage]

I think it was kind of a tossup between Cushing and Matthews. 


I hope so too.  That's by far their biggest need.

I love Matthews, but I suspect my opinion is colored because his uncle was my favorite player.

[JaneDoe]

I'm guessing/hoping they go DB next round.

Who are you hoping for?

[kevwun]

difference wouldnt be as big if he wasn't posing with a flex versus candid.  I'm not a huge proponent of the pick, but I don't see how it's any different than Clay in terms of concerns.

Clay Matthews is going to be a 3rd generation NFL player.  His family clearly has superior genetics.  On top of that, he hadn't had his final growth spurt when he graduated high school.  He doesn't have serious injury concerns like Cushing does.

[HudsonHawk]

Clay Matthews is going to be a 3rd generation NFL player.  His family clearly has superior genetics.  On top of that, he hadn't had his final growth spurt when he graduated high school.  He has the pedigree and doesn't have serious injury concerns like Cushing does.

So you don't believe the exact same rumor about Matthews because of who his daddy is? 

BTW, the NFL already released the names of those that tested positive at the combine, as the rumors about Cushing and Matthews suggest, so why are neither of them are on the list?

[Savage]

Clay Matthews is going to be a 3rd generation NFL player.  His family clearly has superior genetics.  On top of that, he hadn't had his final growth spurt when he graduated high school.  He doesn't have serious injury concerns like Cushing does.

I love Matthews, but to ascribe the changes from a walk-on to 1st round draft choice to superior genetics while throwing out the steroid label on another kid for probably less dramatic changes is pretty spurious.  

[JaneDoe]

Do you guys think that Cushing looked happy that he was picked by the Texans?

[HudsonHawk]

Do you guys think that Cushing looked happy that he was picked by the Texans?

No.  His momma and daddy looked pretty unhappy about it too.

[Russe]

Who are you hoping for?

I think Louis Delmas (FS West Mich), William Moore (SS Missouri), and Patrick Chung (SS Oregon) and the most realistic targets. It'd be great if Darius Butler (CB UConn) fell to them, but that's not likely.

ETA: Alphonso Smith (CB Wake Forest) is another possibility.

[JaneDoe]

No.  His momma and daddy looked pretty unhappy about it too.

Maybe a kid from New Jersey that play college ball in California thinks that Texas is 'just not cool dude'.

[HudsonHawk]

Maybe a kid from New Jersey that play college ball in California thinks that Texas is 'just not cool dude'.

The thing they didn't like about the Texans was the fact they're not the Cowboys or Giants.

[kevwun]

I love Matthews, but to ascribe the changes from a walk-on to 1st round draft choice to superior genetics while throwing out the steroid label on another kid for probably less dramatic changes is pretty spurious.  

I don't think you can say for certain that any player is clean.  Matthews to me is the less probable of the two because of the family he comes from and because he wasn't done growing when he showed up at USC as a walk on.  There were steroid clouds surrounding Cushing when he was still in high school. Combine that with his injury history and he fits the profile in my mind.  For the record, I was not an Oilers fan and am not a Texans fan.  Clay Matthews' last name could be Golic and I would still have the same opinion.

I'm not basing this on any of the combine test rumors.  I have no doubt that players who are using pass those tests every year.

[JaneDoe]

Matthews goes to Green Bay.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't think you can say for certain that any player is clean.  Matthews to me is the less probable of the two because of the family he comes from and because he wasn't done growing when he showed up at USC as a walk on.

Why?  Why does his family make a difference?  Why is it possible that Matthews wasn't done growing , but Cushing by default must have been?

I'm not basing this on any of the combine test rumors.  I have no doubt that players who are using pass those tests all the time.

You're basing them on the fact that he bulked up after 5 years of intensive weight training?  You think that's the smoking gun?

[kevwun]

Size and NFL ability run in his family.  There's another Matthews kid this year who's one of the top oline prospects in the country.  It's not shocking to me that once he got done growing, he turned out to be a really good football player.  Athletic ability does run in families.  Being a member of that family obviously doesn't guarantee that you'll be an NFL player, but your chances are a lot better than most.  That's all I'm trying to say. 

Cushing was ripped in high school.  He came in much bigger than Matthews, who weighed 166lbs when he was a junior in high school.  That first pic of Cushing was in his first year at USC after an injury.  When someone stops using steroids, muscles turn to fat and breast swelling can occur.  They look a lot like that picture.  This is not conclusive proof.  You're not going to get that one way or the other.  It raises questions in my mind.  That also doesn't mean anything, but just about everything on a message board is an opinion.

[HudsonHawk]

This is not conclusive proof.  You're not going to get that one way or the other.  It raises questions in my mind.  That also doesn't mean anything, but just about everything on a message board is an opinion.

This is a far cry from earlier when you stated definitively that he was on steroids and that was the reason he was a high NFL draft pick.

[HudsonHawk]

Second Round pick....Connor Barwin, DE/OLB from Cincinnatti.  Don't know much about him, but the ESPN guys like him.  He's "versatile", apparently.  Looks like he's a pass rushing machine too.

[Savage]

Second Round pick....Connor Barwin, DE/OLB from Cincinnatti.  Don't know much about him, but the ESPN guys like him.  He's "versatile", apparently.  Looks like he's a pass rushing machine too.

NFL network guys like him too.  Think he might need a bit of development time, but in a year or two will show his "tremendous upside".

[Russe]

I'm really surprised they passed on Moore. They've got to take a DB next, right?

[HudsonHawk]

I'm really surprised they passed on Moore. They've got to take a DB next, right?

You'd think.  Of course, I'd have taken a DB first.  They quit asking me what I think.

[JaneDoe]

You'd think.  Of course, I'd have taken a DB first.  They quit asking me what I think.

Not happy HH?

[HudsonHawk]

Not happy HH?

I'm not unhappy.  I just think DB was their biggest need, and I would have liked to see them address that earlier than the 3rd round (if even that early).

[Lurch]

Maybe a kid from New Jersey that play college ball in California thinks that Texas is 'just not cool dude'.

"Fly-over country".  Fuckers.

[JaneDoe]

I just think DB was their biggest need, and I would have liked to see them address that earlier than the 3rd round (if even that early).

I agree. 

[MusicMan]

barwin gained notoriety for playing bith DE and TE

[HudsonHawk]

barwin gained notoriety for playing bith DE and TE

That's what makes him so versatile.  In fact, his versatility is so versatile that he may be the most versatile guy in the draft.  Some say.

[matadorph]

I'm really surprised they passed on Moore. They've got to take a DB next, right?

I'm not surprised they passed on Moore. Generate consistent pass rush and that secondary becomes good. If they hadn't signed Wilson, then I'd think a safety would be a higher priority.

[matadorph]

The Texans addressed a big need with their third round pick, drafting Antoine Caldwell, C from Alabama. Unsexy pick but I like it. The Texans need to upgrade the interior line play.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm not surprised they passed on Moore. Generate consistent pass rush and that secondary becomes good. If they hadn't signed Wilson, then I'd think a safety would be a higher priority.

Ummmm...no.  Yes, a better pass rush would help, but the only thing that would make that secondary good is to replace the players they have.

[chandler44]

Texas drafted S Glover Quin from New Mexico and TE Anthony Hill from NC State in the 4th round.  With Daniels on the roster, I'm not seeing the need to pick a TE, at least not so early.

[BizidyDizidy]

Texas drafted S Glover Quin from New Mexico and TE Anthony Hill from NC State in the 4th round.  With Daniels on the roster, I'm not seeing the need to pick a TE, at least not so early.

He's a blocking TE; remember how terrible we were in red zone/short yardage last year? The TE and the OC are designed to address that.

[Russe]

They just took another TE, James Casey from Rice.

[matadorph]

Outstanding pick. Casey is a very good athlete and a quality football player. With athletes like Barwin and Casey, Joe Marciano is going to have some nice new toys to play with on special teams.

[BizidyDizidy]

Apparently there's a good chance they drafted Hill as a OT prospect.

[chuck]

I've got some concerns about Cushing's ability to stay on the field, but otherwise I think this is an awesome draft. In flying around this afternoon I've seen some fans going crazy because the team hasn't drafted a running back. Sure, they need one, but they can always make do with a castoff. Of course they'll surely now draft one in the 6th.

[MikeyBoy]

I've got some concerns about Cushing's ability to stay on the field, but otherwise I think this is an awesome draft. In flying around this afternoon I've seen some fans going crazy because the team hasn't drafted a running back. Sure, they need one, but they can always make do with a castoff. Of course they'll surely now draft one in the 6th.

Nope. They took CB Brice McCain in the 6th. There have only been 15 running backs selected out of the 195 players drafted so far, I would think there will be a decent selection available in the undrafted free agent pool. Maybe they can find a complimentary back there?

[chuck]

Nope. They took CB Brice McCain in the 6th. There have only been 15 running backs selected out of the 195 players drafted so far, I would think there will be a decent selection available in the undrafted free agent pool. Maybe they can find a complimentary back there?

I'm sure. This guy McCain is faster than a wet pig. I'm shocked that the Raiders didn't draft him in the second round.

But yeah, there should be all sorts of backs out there. The RB situation is the least of my concerns right now. You can always find depth.

[JaneDoe]

I'm sure. This guy McCain is faster than a wet pig. I'm shocked that the Raiders didn't draft him in the second round.

But yeah, there should be all sorts of backs out there. The RB situation is the least of my concerns right now. You can always find depth.

And who would be surprised if they took one of Denver's castoffs?  They could almost field an entire team of RBs.

[Noe]

Second Round pick....Connor Barwin, DE/OLB from Cincinnatti.  Don't know much about him, but the ESPN guys like him.  He's "versatile", apparently.  Looks like he's a pass rushing machine too.

On local radio here in Austin, Connor Barwin was being touted as a sleeper pick because they had some sort of inside information about the kid being a stud that was basically being ignored for some reason.  They were all over the Barwin bandwagon here and even said that he may go in the first round.  Now it's time to see if all the hype around here was worth it.

[Bench]

For those of you that have spent twenty hours this week watching draft coverage, finish the following football blowhard cliche while intentionally dropping your voice four octaves, yelling through a clenched jaw and glaring at the camera:

If you want to succeed AS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER in THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE you have to . . .

[Rebel Jew]

Quann Cosby?  What did he do to get rated so low?  Is he too slow for his size or what?  For a guy who produced at a big time program, it's surprising to see him not only not drafted, but considered a marginal UDFA.  Anybody know the deal?

[BizidyDizidy]

Did anyone see the painful segment ESPN did with him and bill cosby?

[matadorph]

Quann Cosby?  What did he do to get rated so low?  Is he too slow for his size or what?  For a guy who produced at a big time program, it's surprising to see him not only not drafted, but considered a marginal UDFA.  Anybody know the deal?

He's short, not that fast, and old compared to the other WR prospects. He was a 6th/7th rd pick at best. He'll sign as a free agent with some team and get his shot.

[matadorph]

Did anyone see the painful segment ESPN did with him and bill cosby?

That was excruciating. I feel bad for Quan for having to put up with that ESPN carnival crap.

[JackAstro]

My sons' favorite players for a while now have been Quan and Shipley - I must be doing something right, because they love solid hands receivers who will throw a block. Anyway, they had an opportunity to go to an autograph session with Quan recently, and he was a really impressive guy. Extremely nice, and great with the kids. He signed a mountain of stuff for them and chatted them up the whole time. The best part was that he seemed very genuinely touched that a 3- and 7-year-old think that he's the greatest player in college football. Here's hoping that he gets a chance at the next level.

[Rebel Jew]

i didn't realize until just now that he was 27.  guess that explains the not drafted thing.  still, you would think his fiesta bowl performance would at least gotten someone to draft him.

[Bench]

i didn't realize until just now that he was 27.  guess that explains the not drafted thing.  still, you would think his fiesta bowl performance would at least gotten someone to draft him.

Wasn't he in the army before UT?

[LonghornCDR]

Wasn't he in the army before UT?

Ahmard Hall, fullback on the NC team with VY, did a full enlistment in the USMC prior to waking on at UT.  He's still on Tennessee's roster.

Cosby played minor league ball in the Angels system for 4 years, accounting for his late start in college football.

[MikeyBoy]

Nope. They took CB Brice McCain in the 6th. There have only been 15 running backs selected out of the 195 players drafted so far, I would think there will be a decent selection available in the undrafted free agent pool. Maybe they can find a complimentary back there?

Here's what I could find on the undrafted free agent signee's...

OT Jason Watkins (Florida)
DE Tim Jamison (Michigan)
RB Arian Foster (Tennessee)
RB Jeremiah Johnson (Oregon)

[kevwun]

Quan signed a free agent deal with the Bengals.  He had 7 or 8 offers after the draft.

[Rebel Jew]

something i've read a couple of places that sounds interesting, if just total bs speculation-- texans stressed versatility (pretty much everybody they got except cushing can play multiple positions) in the draft in part as potential preparation for the schedule increasing to 18 games in 2010. 

[Astroholic]

They just took another TE, James Casey from Rice.

I think the Texans stole Casey with this pick.  I could not believe he was still there.  I also like Cushing.  I think that 70%+ people in the NFL use some type of enhancements, so I would not worry too much about that speculation.  Barwin looks to have tremendous talent/potential.  Caldwell looks really solid for guard/center backup for now.  Both CB's and the safety look like they have potential (about what you would expect for 4 - 7 rounders).  The two free agent running backs look really good as well.

[juliogotay]

Rick Gosselin is the Dallas News beat reporter for the NFL and he's damn good. One of the best I would say. He gives the Texans an A+ on this draft. The only other A he passed out was for Arizona but it was not an A+.

[Bench]

Rick Gosselin is the Dallas News beat reporter for the NFL and he's damn good. One of the best I would say. He gives the Texans an A+ on this draft. The only other A he passed out was for Arizona but it was not an A+.

Justice's blog pointed out Gosselin's credentials and analysis.  And then, in a shocking moment of self-awareness, Dick said this about Gosselin:

His idea of reporting is original reporting, not stealing from newspaper clips.

[otterjb]

favorite play from last season:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbSaXAEoYvQ

[juliogotay]

Justice's blog pointed out Gosselin's credentials and analysis.  And then, in a shocking moment of self-awareness, Dick said this about Gosselin:

His idea of reporting is original reporting, not stealing from newspaper clips.

Let me tell you something else about Gosselin. Today's DMN reported on the death of long-time NFL special teams guru Frank Ganz who had come out of retirement to coach special teams at SMU for his friend June Jones. Gosselin was a young reporter on the NFL beat for the KC Star in the early 80's when Ganz was special teams coach and actually head coach for a year. Gosselin reported that Ganz would let him sit in on film breakdowns of special teams play for the next weeks opponent and Ganz would share how they were going to attack the weaknesses of the other team and what those were. Gosselin effectively learned the intricacies of  special teams play from the master. That's being a reporter.