Texans Draft USC Linebacker in 1st Round

The Texans had a distinct game plan going into this weekend's NFL Draft: improve the defense. Despite the best efforts of Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Dunta Robinson, the team had one of the worst defenses in the AFC last year, and GM Rick Smith set out to rectify that deficiency.

The rebuilding (building?) started by picking USC outside linebacker Brian Cushing with the 15th pick in the draft. Cushing was a three year starter for the Trojans, and should be a formidable addition to Ryans in the linebacking corps.

But Smith wasn't done there: he also added quick defensive end Connor Barwin out of Cincinnati in the second round. Barwin will also play some linebacker in 3-4 schemes. In today's 4th round, the Texans also drafted New Mexico CB Glover Quinn, to ensure that the newly strengthened pass rush won't be negated by a weak secondary.

Those of us who were hoping for Smith to pick up a bruising running back to offset speedy Steve Slaton were left wanting, as the only offensive draft picks were Alabama offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell and tight end Anthony Hill from North Carolina State. That said, the Texans' offensive production was rarely a problem last year (though turnovers were), so we'll give Smith and Gary Kubiak the benefit of the doubt for now.

Overall, we're going to call this a good draft for the Texans. In the high-powered AFC South, they're going to need every weapon available to stop Peyton Manning, Vince Young Kerry Collins, and Maurice Jones-Drew. The Texans pre-season kicks off August 15th in Kansas City against the Chiefs.
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photo: flickr user TonyA1