Further proof I had no idea what I was talking about... (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

 

[pinda]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chacne to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be laoded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made th offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

Except that you can fill the RB role a lot easier than a franchise DE. I still think this argument is pointless until about Year 3. It take a year to two years for DEs to get used to the game. If Mario Williams is bad in year 3, then you have a point. Right now you have mindless rambling.Oh yeah and even though I'll spare you the numbers. I think Brees, Colston, and the return of Deuce may have had something to do with making the offense better in New Orleans. I thought you conveniently left that part out.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chacne to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be laoded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made th offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

Except that you can fill the RB role a lot easier than a franchise DE. I still think this argument is pointless until about Year 3. It take a year to two years for DEs to get used to the game. If Mario Williams is bad in year 3, then you have a point. Right now you have mindless rambling.Oh yeah and even though I'll spare you the numbers. I think Brees, Colston, and the return of Deuce may have had something to do with making the offense better in New Orleans. I thought you conveniently left that part out.

Freeney, Taylor, Peppers, you knew they were special when they were rookies...how many highlights from Mario Williams last season?

 

[Loco Barlow]

Who needed further proof? It's already common knowledge.

 

[Sabertooth]

Who needed further proof? It's already common knowledge.

 

[coolnerd]

It may or may not be the case that the texans made a bad decision on williams, but it is not because of 2007's DE class. NFL teams do not address an issue one year on the possibility that the next will produce some outstanding player. Way too many variables including your draft position, player injury, surprise development, players who don't develop, even before getting into the dynamics of what happens on draft day. Also, while teams know who the good players are coming down pipe, they have not scouted or studied them enough to make a decision on.

Also, coaches and GMs get fired at the drop a hat, they have little reason to not draft a player in 2007 because the whatever position looks strong in 2008. These guys all need to win, or show dramatic improvement now and not make some wild ace guess at resolving positional need a year from now.

 

[aposulli]

to be fair, I don't think alot of teams had Jamaal Anderson as a surefire stud 12 months ago.

 

[Buckna]

Neither Adams nor Anderson are anywhere near the prospect Mario was.

And by your same logic it was stupid to take Bush since they are in a position to take Peterson or Lynch this year.

 

[Ozymandias]

It may or may not be the case that the texans made a bad decision on williams, but it is not because of 2007's DE class. NFL teams do not address an issue one year on the possibility that the next will produce some outstanding player. Way too many variables including your draft position, player injury, surprise development, players who don't develop, even before getting into the dynamics of what happens on draft day. Also, while teams know who the good players are coming down pipe, they have not scouted or studied them enough to make a decision on. Also, coaches and GMs get fired at the drop a hat, they have little reason to not draft a player in 2007 because the whatever position looks strong in 2008. These guys all need to win, or show dramatic improvement now and not make some wild ace guess at resolving positional need a year from now.

 

[Sabertooth]

In other news, George W. Bush is not the best president of all time.

 

[GroveDiesel]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

So Bush was the one that made NO's offense so much better, but Mario Williams didn't have anything to do with Houston's defense going from 32nd against the pass to 20th against the pass? Or 25th against the run to 22nd against the run? From 32nd in scoring defense to 26th in scoring defense?

 

[Keys Myaths]

In other news, George W. Bush is not the best president of all time.

The depth of DEs in this year's draft has nothing to do with last year. Besides, we already knew the Texans blew their pick.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The Texans did NOT blow their pick. Mario Williams played hurt last year and was about the ONLY guy on the line that is starting NFL caliber. With a season under his belt, he's going to really emerge in year two.

And Bush would not have been able to carry the load for the Texans in the style of offense they run. He would have worn down about game 10 and then there would have been a whole different set of questions to answer. Now, you can argue that they should fit the system to the player, but that's another argument.

Like has been said before, it's easier to find a great runner than a great DE. This is even deader than LHUCKS' Pac 10 schtick.

The Texans DO need to figure out how to get Adrian Peterson, though.

 

[Sinrman]

Though I think they still should have drafted Bush, and was surprised that they went with Williams, and even announced it the day before, I can't say I entirely blame them. Look back at what they were facing. They talked with both players. Bush wanted a monster contract, one that the Texans weren't sure about giving and needed time to negotiate. Williams was willing to work something out right then and there, and not drag it out. So the Texans went with the guy they KNEW would be in training camp, with a deal already locked up...

 

[Bri]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

So why can't they draft another DE? If these DE's are half as talented as some draftniks would have you think, they'd have the best bookends ever. I'm not saying they will be or anything but....what if that was their plan? Two all-pro level DEs with Demeco behind them.Bush is exciting and a special player. After one year you don't know that Mario won't be.

You could make a case that alot of teams should have drafted Kiwi. Very good DEs are not supposed to fall in the draft, it's supposed to be a position that goes quick. You could make an even better case that 245 or so players shouldn't have been drafted before Colston.

It really doesn't matter who they drafted as long as he develops into a good player AND they stick with him which they haven't done a whole lot of. They have either not been loyal to their youngsters or not been good at developping them or some combination of the two. (At least with skill position guys) I see a large number of talented prospects go thru there that they do not turn into solid pros. Carr had talent and a good head on his shoulders, he's supposedly gone, never did anything with them really. Gaffney was a very good WR prospect, he looked pretty darn good at times for the Pats. Not super but not like the type of WR ya give up on. Billy Miller had an excellent initial year with them, then what? Derick Anderson looked OK at times that one year like maybe they did find a wideout to play opposite Andre. He quickly "fell off the face of the earth." It's horrible, possibly the worst ever by any NFL team.

Some might give them a mulligan for Davis/Williams' knee but I won't give the fans(like you) that. You guys wanted Bush so giving up on Davis/Williams was yet another guy to give up on. Further Andre stunk in 05. Every Vince WR in Tennessee stunk in 06. There is nothing whatsoever in their brief history that could make you think that if they drafted Vince, they'd have Andre on their team right now. Two bad seasons, they'd be dumping or trading him now.

Maybe, I'm sure hopefully, Kubiak will change that but the amount of talent that never improved there is just pathetic. It's not like they drafted a slew of Ryan Leafs but instead these guys looked good, some real good, initially. NFLE teams could develop talent better than they have.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Young > Bush

 

[The Jacket]

Except that Mario Williams absolutely blows away Gaines f'ing Adams.

 

[Domination]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

So why can't they draft another DE? If these DE's are half as talented as some draftniks would have you think, they'd have the best bookends ever. I'm not saying they will be or anything but....what if that was their plan? Two all-pro level DEs with Demeco behind them.Bush is exciting and a special player. After one year you don't know that Mario won't be.

You could make a case that alot of teams should have drafted Kiwi. Very good DEs are not supposed to fall in the draft, it's supposed to be a position that goes quick. You could make an even better case that 245 or so players shouldn't have been drafted before Colston.

It really doesn't matter who they drafted as long as he develops into a good player AND they stick with him which they haven't done a whole lot of. They have either not been loyal to their youngsters or not been good at developping them or some combination of the two. (At least with skill position guys) I see a large number of talented prospects go thru there that they do not turn into solid pros. Carr had talent and a good head on his shoulders, he's supposedly gone, never did anything with them really. Gaffney was a very good WR prospect, he looked pretty darn good at times for the Pats. Not super but not like the type of WR ya give up on. Billy Miller had an excellent initial year with them, then what? Derick Anderson looked OK at times that one year like maybe they did find a wideout to play opposite Andre. He quickly "fell off the face of the earth." It's horrible, possibly the worst ever by any NFL team.

Some might give them a mulligan for Davis/Williams' knee but I won't give the fans(like you) that. You guys wanted Bush so giving up on Davis/Williams was yet another guy to give up on. Further Andre stunk in 05. Every Vince WR in Tennessee stunk in 06. There is nothing whatsoever in their brief history that could make you think that if they drafted Vince, they'd have Andre on their team right now. Two bad seasons, they'd be dumping or trading him now.

Maybe, I'm sure hopefully, Kubiak will change that but the amount of talent that never improved there is just pathetic. It's not like they drafted a slew of Ryan Leafs but instead these guys looked good, some real good, initially. NFLE teams could develop talent better than they have.

I actually agree with you. I think if they were able to add Anderson to go with Mario, then they would have a very formiddable d-line and pass rush. I think that they could add a RB in the 2nd rd, which would fill the need that they have there. Their biggest problem has always been in the trenches, and I think that would fix it. The only other option is to go o-line with Brown. BTW all these Texans fans that seem so happy to get rid of Carr and get Plummer, this makes no sense to me. Plummer will not do any more from his back then Carr did.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

BTW all these Texans fans that seem so happy to get rid of Carr and get Plummer, this makes no sense to me. Plummer will not do any more from his back then Carr did.

Because the criticism that Carr holds on to the ball too long and therefore a lot of the sacks were his fault is real.Now on the other hand, Plummer won't take a sack, but will more likely throw a pick, so I'm not sure what the tradeoff is either!

 

[Z-Dog]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chacne to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be laoded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made th offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

Except that you can fill the RB role a lot easier than a franchise DE. I still think this argument is pointless until about Year 3. It take a year to two years for DEs to get used to the game. If Mario Williams is bad in year 3, then you have a point. Right now you have mindless rambling.Oh yeah and even though I'll spare you the numbers. I think Brees, Colston, and the return of Deuce may have had something to do with making the offense better in New Orleans. I thought you conveniently left that part out.

Freeney, Taylor, Peppers, you knew they were special when they were rookies...how many highlights from Mario Williams last season?

That's the wrong question. The right question is how many great DEs didn't have great rookie years? Strahan had a pedestrian first four years, and only broke 10 sacks per season in his 5th season, for example.

 

[Bonfire]

This is ridiculous and Andy was right, very

We won't completely know about any of these guys truthfully for another year or two at least.

He had both his big toenails removed after infections bothered him during training camp. Then after that healed he had plantar fasciitis, an injury that makes it painful to just walk and sidelines players for a year reguraly. However, never missed a game. He could have taken the second half of the season off with that injury but played anyway. Also, being a Texans fan and having watched every game this year, he was less than a second off from multiple sacks all through the season, the QB just getting the ball off. A forced pass and disrupted play is almost as valuable as a sack in a lot of situations. You will never be able to properly address a DE impact based on stats alone like you can offensive players. Double teams as well as offenses running away from him are major impacts on a young D that is improving by strides.

Some articles I enjoyed:

http://www.nflplayers.com/news/news_release.aspx?id=6324

http://texans.aolsportsblog.com/2007/01/09...ms-rookie-year/

 

[bostonfred]

Why can't the Texans take a DE this year in the draft? Wouldn't they be smart to build a young, stud defensive line and then build the defense around it, especially at a time in the NFL when it seems like there are so many quality running backs on the free agent market each year? Maybe they couldn't get a player with Reggie Bush's talent on the free agent market, but you usually can't find a player with half of Williams' talent in free agency. If you want to build a quality defense, you have to get a good defensive line, and if you want a good defensive line, you have to build it in the draft. If the Texans make a good defensive end pick this year, while Williams lives up to expectations as a very good but not legendary kind of player, people will look at the Williams pick as the first step in finally turning that franchise around, and it will be further proof that they made the right decision.

Edit to add I hadn't read Bri's post when I saw this. I agree with him.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Why can't the Texans take a DE this year in the draft?

They probably will.

 

[softball]

Why can't the Texans take a DE this year in the draft? Wouldn't they be smart to build a young, stud defensive line and then build the defense around it, especially at a time in the NFL when it seems like there are so many quality running backs on the free agent market each year? Maybe they couldn't get a player with Reggie Bush's talent on the free agent market, but you usually can't find a player with half of Williams' talent in free agency. If you want to build a quality defense, you have to get a good defensive line, and if you want a good defensive line, you have to build it in the draft. If the Texans make a good defensive end pick this year, while Williams lives up to expectations as a very good but not legendary kind of player, people will look at the Williams pick as the first step in finally turning that franchise around, and it will be further proof that they made the right decision.Edit to add I hadn't read Bri's post when I saw this. I agree with him.

I think of there is a DT they like thats the player. they signed Anthony Weaver away from Baltimore last year and he was injured. he's a pretty good player and will be better with MW across from him.I liked Bostons Post here and wanted to add that I would buid a D' line as he suggests and then go overpay for Ahman Green for a year or two and wait out another RB. Unless they fall into AP.

 

[Bonfire]

there can be a case made for taking a DE and moving Weaver into DT, where Travis Johnson has been a disappointment for his draft slot so far. Weaver is a very good NFL DL and a tweener, probably not a nible as you would like to see your DE in space, though perhaps a bit undersized for DT. He would be an upgrade at DT for us however, and a top flite DE would be an upgrade over weaver in terms of pass rush though he plays the run very well there. however, the problem is, even if the Texans grade a DE highest player available, the city may throw a riot if they don't take an offensive player. most of the fans here are, pretty reactionary and not the smartest football fans. people whine and carry on about reggie or vy, then i ask them to name 8 NFL teams and they can't do it, a lot can't even tell me what position Mario Williams plays besides "defense" The city is crying out for something that may not be in their best interest, and by that i mean long term sustained winning, and just want their shiny new "toy" (offensive player). I can't see any DT outside of Branch worth that selections so DT is unlikely as I don't see him falling.

On a side note im unimpressed with the DE crop this year, and think that they are considered deep because they are all mediocre and about the same level, there aren't any uber-studs at this position this year as prospects.

 

[redman]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chacne to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be laoded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made th offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

Except that you can fill the RB role a lot easier than a franchise DE. I still think this argument is pointless until about Year 3. It take a year to two years for DEs to get used to the game. If Mario Williams is bad in year 3, then you have a point. Right now you have mindless rambling.Oh yeah and even though I'll spare you the numbers. I think Brees, Colston, and the return of Deuce may have had something to do with making the offense better in New Orleans. I thought you conveniently left that part out.

Freeney, Taylor, Peppers, you knew they were special when they were rookies...how many highlights from Mario Williams last season?

And those players' teams were comparable to the 2006 Houston Texans how again?

 

[prymetyme25]

Gaines Adams just ran a 4.64

So would you rather have:

Bush/Gaines

or

AP(if we can get him)/Mario

????????

 

[Phurfur]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

Please give me your pick for the SB winner next year. I would like to put some money on them.

 

[Buckna]

there can be a case made for taking a DE and moving Weaver into DT, where Travis Johnson has been a disappointment for his draft slot so far. Weaver is a very good NFL DL and a tweener, probably not a nible as you would like to see your DE in space, though perhaps a bit undersized for DT. He would be an upgrade at DT for us however, and a top flite DE would be an upgrade over weaver in terms of pass rush though he plays the run very well there. however, the problem is, even if the Texans grade a DE highest player available, the city may throw a riot if they don't take an offensive player. most of the fans here are, pretty reactionary and not the smartest football fans. people whine and carry on about reggie or vy, then i ask them to name 8 NFL teams and they can't do it, a lot can't even tell me what position Mario Williams plays besides "defense" The city is crying out for something that may not be in their best interest, and by that i mean long term sustained winning, and just want their shiny new "toy" (offensive player). I can't see any DT outside of Branch worth that selections so DT is unlikely as I don't see him falling. On a side note im unimpressed with the DE crop this year, and think that they are considered deep because they are all mediocre and about the same level, there aren't any uber-studs at this position this year as prospects.

Excellent post and sums up my feelings very well on the matter. Particularily your description of fan reaction here in Houston. For example, one of my buddies won't shut up about how terrible a decision it was to pass on Bush. He'll readily admit that defense wins championships, but doesn't care, he wants to see TD's and great offensive scoring displays.That's why so many people want Carr out as well, fans just want to get rid of him and they need a fresh start. I support the decision because I think Plummer will be a cheap band-aid for the next 2-3 seasons until we are in a position to acquire our future QB.This year I find myself really wanting Peterson, but if he goes before our pick, I want the best rated player out of the DE, DT, Safety or Corner area. If Peterson makes it to us, I think it will do a lot to ease the criticism from the fans and media as well as really help out our running game. I've always been of the "win in the trenches" type philosophy, so addressing the O' and D' lines and creating a good running game is what I really want to see them do.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

So why can't they draft another DE? If these DE's are half as talented as some draftniks would have you think, they'd have the best bookends ever. I'm not saying they will be or anything but....what if that was their plan? Two all-pro level DEs with Demeco behind them.Bush is exciting and a special player. After one year you don't know that Mario won't be.

You could make a case that alot of teams should have drafted Kiwi. Very good DEs are not supposed to fall in the draft, it's supposed to be a position that goes quick. You could make an even better case that 245 or so players shouldn't have been drafted before Colston.

It really doesn't matter who they drafted as long as he develops into a good player AND they stick with him which they haven't done a whole lot of. They have either not been loyal to their youngsters or not been good at developping them or some combination of the two. (At least with skill position guys) I see a large number of talented prospects go thru there that they do not turn into solid pros. Carr had talent and a good head on his shoulders, he's supposedly gone, never did anything with them really. Gaffney was a very good WR prospect, he looked pretty darn good at times for the Pats. Not super but not like the type of WR ya give up on. Billy Miller had an excellent initial year with them, then what? Derick Anderson looked OK at times that one year like maybe they did find a wideout to play opposite Andre. He quickly "fell off the face of the earth." It's horrible, possibly the worst ever by any NFL team.

Some might give them a mulligan for Davis/Williams' knee but I won't give the fans(like you) that. You guys wanted Bush so giving up on Davis/Williams was yet another guy to give up on. Further Andre stunk in 05. Every Vince WR in Tennessee stunk in 06. There is nothing whatsoever in their brief history that could make you think that if they drafted Vince, they'd have Andre on their team right now. Two bad seasons, they'd be dumping or trading him now.

Maybe, I'm sure hopefully, Kubiak will change that but the amount of talent that never improved there is just pathetic. It's not like they drafted a slew of Ryan Leafs but instead these guys looked good, some real good, initially. NFLE teams could develop talent better than they have.

Good response Bri, I was trying to shake the trees in the SP, mission accomplished. Very nice post.

 

[Donnybrook]

Neither Adams nor Anderson are anywhere near the prospect Mario was.And by your same logic it was stupid to take Bush since they are in a position to take Peterson or Lynch this year.

I understand what you are saying but Houston at #8 is not really in position to draft Peterson.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Neither Adams nor Anderson are anywhere near the prospect Mario was.And by your same logic it was stupid to take Bush since they are in a position to take Peterson or Lynch this year.

I understand what you are saying but Houston at #8 is not really in position to draft Peterson.

Exactly, plus Peterson does not have the receiving skills that Bush had.Someone mentioned why not get another DE, that may be a good idea for them but they are probably not going to get Adams or Anderson unless they move up. Also I think the fans feel like they spent the top pick last year on a DE, shouldn't they try and fill other spots 1st. 2nd round they could find a nice WR if Jarrett is too high of a pick at #8. Steve SMith and Anthony Gonzalez would make nice additions. What are they going to do at QB, I think that is a big question right now. Do the fans want to see David Carr continue at QB? If they release him/cut him/demote him, are they not admitting they blew their 1st pick they ever really made? Other teams have done the same thing too so they wouldn't be alone.And to the person that spoke of their defense improving...going from #25 to #22 is not much of an improvement...IMO.

 

[einstein2u]

Young > Bush

people are still pissed we didn't draft young......

 

[Imedos]

If the texans messed up, then it was on passing up VY and Leinart.

They can find a rb. Who knows when they might get a decent qb. Carr? Plummer? No thanks.

But it is waaay too early to call Mario a bust.

 

[Tau837]

DE are 6 to 7 deep this year

They had a chance to lock up a very explosive player last season. They had to know that 2007 had the potential to be loaded at DE with Anderson and Gaines leading off...they waste their top pick on Mario Williams who made very little noise last season. Spare me the numbers from Bush...he made the offense in NO a lot better and Houston could be looking at an array of pass rushers this season. How many good RB prospects this season? Not a lot.

Teams are going to take DE in this draft that will outplay Mario Williams for seasons to come.

So Bush was the one that made NO's offense so much better, but Mario Williams didn't have anything to do with Houston's defense going from 32nd against the pass to 20th against the pass? Or 25th against the run to 22nd against the run? From 32nd in scoring defense to 26th in scoring defense?

I must say, it's great to see the general reaction in this thread. GB the offseason in the Shark Pool.

 

[Sidewinder]

Though I think they still should have drafted Bush, and was surprised that they went with Williams, and even announced it the day before, I can't say I entirely blame them. Look back at what they were facing. They talked with both players. Bush wanted a monster contract, one that the Texans weren't sure about giving and needed time to negotiate. Williams was willing to work something out right then and there, and not drag it out. So the Texans went with the guy they KNEW would be in training camp, with a deal already locked up...

You must have missed this last May:

...Since March, the Sporting News has been given inside access to the decision-making process that led to the Texans' selection of Williams. This is the story of how they arrived at what will be remembered as one of the most controversial choices in NFL draft history...

The first indication the Texans are considering Williams along with Bush comes in mid-April. Bush visits the club April 13, Young on April 14. The Texans ask Bush's agent, Joel Segal, to begin contract negotiations. He is reluctant. Casserly and Kubiak decide to bring in Williams; his agent, Ben Dogra, tells the Texans he doesn't believe they are serious. Williams travels to Houston the next Monday. Casserly announces he is a contender for No. 1; the media also don't believe the interest is legitimate...

On Monday, Casserly, Kubiak, the scouts and the coaching staff meet to discuss the choice. The coaches are split, but seven of 10 scouts would take Bush. Negotiator Danny Ferens reports he is making significant progress with Segal, but Dogra still is not enthusiastic. On Tuesday, Casserly calls McNair and tells him he would select Williams. The owner wants to think about it. On Wednesday, the Bush camp embraces a six-year, $54 million contract but wants $28 million guaranteed; the Texans offer $26 million. Dogra also wants $28 million guaranteed. On the same day, Kubiak and Casserly decide on Williams. Both agree their defense has greater need. McNair is flying to New York; they will seek his OK in the morning....

TSN article

 

[massraider]

The rookie RB outperformed the rookie DE?

Shocking.

 

[Bevo]

If the texans messed up, then it was on passing up VY and Leinart.

They can find a rb. Who knows when they might get a decent qb. Carr? Plummer? No thanks.

But it is waaay too early to call Mario a bust.

VY could not only have been great on the field for them but he would have been a HUGE hit for the off the field. Publicity and good will at a very high level. It is somewhat doubtful that Mario will ever help them on the field as much as VY could have and it is extremely doubtful that he will come close to the popularity off the field that Vince would have brought.

 

[RustyFA]

I think the Texans made the correct call in drafting Williams. It is baffling but right. Bush averaged a staggering 3.6 ypc this year. Wow. Say what you will he wasn't better than Deuce McAllister this year. Is the Saints OL better than the Texans?

Plus people have not considered the fact that Reggie Bush is dirty. Tainted. His parents lived in a house for free for what? A year and a half? He didn't notice? ProFootballTalk.com says he took money from an Indian casino. Did he call recruits? There has been a half dozen instances where he has shown questionable character. Way to taunt Urlacher. Bottom line a stud DE is harder to find than a RB.

 

[kingmalaki]

If the Texans are idiots then it's for passing on Young, especially if they dump Carr this offseason. Sorry, but I'm not too down on passing on a RB who struggles running, especially when backs taken later were outproducing him.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Young > Bush

While I'm not sure I agree, I thought he was talking about VY after that sentence about 'explosive player'.Or maybe I agree more than I am willing to admit if Young's name sprang to mind first.Regardless, too early to tell.

 

[Bri]

I think of there is a DT they like thats the player.

Travis Johnson?

 

[Sidewinder]

I think the Texans made the correct call in drafting Williams. It is baffling but right. Bush averaged a staggering 3.6 ypc this year. Wow. Say what you will he wasn't better than Deuce McAllister this year. Is the Saints OL better than the Texans? ...

He averaged 4.84 ypc over the last 8 games (and that was without any long average-padding runs, his long was 18 yds). He had 50 more total yards than Deuce on 30 less touches. He had one less TD. So what's your point ?

...Plus people have not considered the fact that Reggie Bush is dirty. Tainted. His parents lived in a house for free for what? A year and a half? He didn't notice? ProFootballTalk.com says he took money from an Indian casino. Did he call recruits? There has been a half dozen instances where he has shown questionable character. Way to taunt Urlacher. Bottom line a stud DE is harder to find than a RB.

 

[RustyFA]

I think the Texans made the correct call in drafting Williams. It is baffling but right. Bush averaged a staggering 3.6 ypc this year. Wow. Say what you will he wasn't better than Deuce McAllister this year. Is the Saints OL better than the Texans? ...

He averaged 4.84 ypc over the last 8 games. He had 50 more total yards than Deuce on 30 less touches. He had one less TD. So what's your point ?

...Plus people have not considered the fact that Reggie Bush is dirty. Tainted. His parents lived in a house for free for what? A year and a half? He didn't notice? ProFootballTalk.com says he took money from an Indian casino. Did he call recruits? There has been a half dozen instances where he has shown questionable character. Way to taunt Urlacher. Bottom line a stud DE is harder to find than a RB.

He only had 2 games of more than 15 carries or more. Take away his 3 rushing TDs and 1 receiving TD against SF and he had 3 rushing TDs and 1 receiving for the year. The measure of a RB is rushing yards. Bush averaged 3.6 ypc. Horrible. He is supposed to be explosive yet on 155 carries he never once ran for 20 yards. On 88 catches he only had 5 20 yard receptions. Weak. Deuce McAllister had 6 run of 20 yards or more and averaged 4.3 ypc. Running backs run. DM had 10 games of 15 rushes or more and missed another full game. You can talk about receptions all you want but the measure of a RB is rushing. Bush is the most overhyped RB I can remember. He is the most overrated FF RB I can remember. Go ahead and draft this guy early. He will burn you. Dirty.

 

[LHUCKS]

Young > Bush

 

[Jous]

Here's a thought... IT'S TOO EARLY TO DECIDE IF THE TEXANS MADE THE RIGHT OR WRONG DECISION.

It's only been one year, and rookie seasons can often be strange seasons for players, either making them look better or worse than they'll end up.

Who's to say that Bush and Young don't become busts, while Mario Williams becomes a superstar? It's not out of the question.

 

[DropKick]

Hindsight being 20-20, try to take this from the Texan's perspective AT that point in time.

First, you have a coaching pedigree that believes it's not the back but the system. Certainly Kubiak had seen many backs plugged into the Denver system with great success.

Dom Davis is supposed to be healthy. As it turns out, you could question if this aspect was botched. One would think they would have a better handle on this guys actual health.

Bush has questions about his size, character, and signability. In the NFL, Bush wouldn't have the same degree of advantages (speed, team quality) over his competition.

Team needs. Within their division, they need to be better defensively to compete with the likes of the Colts. Without numbers in hand, I would guess that production from the RB position was not considered a problem. Although Davis' health may have been in question, they did have a history of good production (rushing & receiving) from that position.

Williams? Bush? Young? Too early to second guess the actual player. But I do think the pick could have been handled differently. I think they were in a great position to trade down and acquire multiple picks. Also, odd to announce the pick on the eve of the draft. Tipping their hand in that fashion significantly reduced their bargaining position.

And last, I question Casserly's stability. In a recent interview, he referred to a Colt's receiver "Reggie Harrison" about four times. No one bothered to correct him.

 

[Sinrman]

Though I think they still should have drafted Bush, and was surprised that they went with Williams, and even announced it the day before, I can't say I entirely blame them. Look back at what they were facing. They talked with both players. Bush wanted a monster contract, one that the Texans weren't sure about giving and needed time to negotiate. Williams was willing to work something out right then and there, and not drag it out. So the Texans went with the guy they KNEW would be in training camp, with a deal already locked up...

You must have missed this last May:

...Since March, the Sporting News has been given inside access to the decision-making process that led to the Texans' selection of Williams. This is the story of how they arrived at what will be remembered as one of the most controversial choices in NFL draft history...

The first indication the Texans are considering Williams along with Bush comes in mid-April. Bush visits the club April 13, Young on April 14. The Texans ask Bush's agent, Joel Segal, to begin contract negotiations. He is reluctant. Casserly and Kubiak decide to bring in Williams; his agent, Ben Dogra, tells the Texans he doesn't believe they are serious. Williams travels to Houston the next Monday. Casserly announces he is a contender for No. 1; the media also don't believe the interest is legitimate...

On Monday, Casserly, Kubiak, the scouts and the coaching staff meet to discuss the choice. The coaches are split, but seven of 10 scouts would take Bush. Negotiator Danny Ferens reports he is making significant progress with Segal, but Dogra still is not enthusiastic. On Tuesday, Casserly calls McNair and tells him he would select Williams. The owner wants to think about it. On Wednesday, the Bush camp embraces a six-year, $54 million contract but wants $28 million guaranteed; the Texans offer $26 million. Dogra also wants $28 million guaranteed. On the same day, Kubiak and Casserly decide on Williams. Both agree their defense has greater need. McNair is flying to New York; they will seek his OK in the morning....

TSN article

Interesting to see how it played out. At the time, one draft day, it was believed that it was because Bush was asking for more $$ and the Texans weren't sure they could have him signed quickly.Reading that, it doesn't seem as much of a stretch. As I said, I would have gone with Bush either way, but for them to say their defense had a greater need......... oof! That's gotta hurt... :(

 

[Buttmonkey]

They only blew the draft in that they could have had Mario and MJD, who is > Bush. That was the real crime.

MJD will go down as the best back in the 2006 draft class.

 

[Bri]

Dom Davis is supposed to be healthy. As it turns out, you could question if this aspect was botched. One would think they would have a better handle on this guys actual health.

He got hurt again, it was separate