2008 NFL Draft - Houston Texans Recap

Over the weekend the National Football League held its annual draft, allowing its franchises to replenish their rosters with budding collegiate stars. The hometown Texans entered the proceedings with the 18th pick in the first round, yet elected to trade down to the 26th spot with the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for extra third and sixth round selections. With a bevy of choices in hand (seven to be exact), Houston General Manager Rick Smith and his associates set afoot to address the team's most dire needs.

Enter first round pick Duane Brown out of Virginia Tech. At 6'4" and 308lb, the mammoth offensive lineman is slated to take the left tackle role away from incumbent Ephraim Salaam. After suffering through years of well-documented offensive line woes, the Texans hope to have finally found a solution to keep their quarterback's blindside protected at all times.

Third round selection Antwaun Molden was tabbed to provide depth to Houston's depleted secondary. The 6'0", 198lb cornerback out of Eastern Kentucky will likely play the nickel position while the Texans evaluate his ability. With starting CB Dunta Robinson attempting to return to the lineup after suffering a horrific knee injury last season, the Texans need all of the help they can get in the secondary.

With the third round pick obtained from Baltimore, the Texans chose halfback Steve Slaton out of West Virginia (5'9" and 197lb). Slaton is a fleet-footed runner who is perfectly suited to play a third down back role and provide a flash of speed to complement the veteran duo of an aging Ahman Green and new free agent acquisition Chris Brown.

Fourth round draft pick Xavier Adibi was drafted to bolster Houston's linebacking corps. At 6'1" and 236lb the former Virgina Tech standout will likely compete for a starting position this summer, but will more likely find a substitute role in the team's defensive rotation.

Defensive tackle Frank Okam, chosen in the fifth round, is a former Texas Longhorn. At 6'5" and 328lb Okam will add sheer size and strength to the interior of Houston's defensive line and bolster the team's run defense. At Texas coaches threw around the possibility of transitioning Okam to the offensive line, an intriguing idea that Houston head coach Gary Kubiak may be forced to ponder at some point in time.

Sixth round draft pick Dominique Barber will provide support to a group of safeties that were hit hard with the injury bug last year. The 6'0", 210lb younger brother of Dallas Cowboys tailback Marion Barber was an all-Big Ten second team safety with Minnesota last year and will provide more spice between the Houston/Dallas rivalry for years to come.

With their final selection in the draft, the Texans picked up quarterback Alex Brink in the seventh round. At 6'2" and 212lb the Washington State passing leader joins an already stocked group, including starter Matt Schaub and backups Sage Rosenfels and Quinn Gray. Brink will likely find it tough to crack the roster and may be relegated to the practice squad this season.

Photo: flickr user mrp1001