AFC South
Houston Texans- post Draft Review
By Thomas Cool
May 14, 2007, 12:08

The Houston Texans managed to draft seven players in the 2007 NFL Draft, after completing a pre-draft trade with Atlanta where they swapped positions in rd1 with Atlanta and sent their 2nd round pick to Atlanta in the deal for QB Matt Schaub. For all intents and purposes one could almost consider Schaub as the Texans 2nd round pick-not a bad pick at all....

Round 1, 10th overall: DT Amobi Okoye Louisville

Easily the 'feel-good' story of any draftee before the draft, a guy who graduated from college at age 19. Obviously he is very smart, in addition to having some unique physical talents. Still, at his young age he will undoubtedly be schooled by experienced OLmen in the NFL. His potential is 2-3 years down the road, where with some experience he could develop into an all around DT who can rush the passer in addition to clogging running lanes.

Round 3, 73rd overall: WR Jacoby Jones Lane

A big, fast WR-which is what the Texans sorely need. Unfortunately, his level of competition was not the best, so his route running and football knowledge are not NFL caliber at the moment. Still, he has the potential to be a star opposite Andre Johnson....eventually.

Round 4, 123rd overall: DB Fred Bennett South Carolina

A big, imposing CB with good speed, but some question his instincts and willingness to stick his nose into the run game. He has good coverage skills although he might best be suited for a cover 2 defense. At best will play in nickel or dime situations in 2007. Long term project...

Round 5, 1444th overall: SS Brendan Harrison Stanford

Has the size of a small LB, 6' 2" and 225 lbs, so he is well suited to play SS. Questions about about his ability to play coverage on pass defense. Obviously going to Stanford he has some smarts. Opportunity to win a starting job eventually-probably not til last half of 2007 season. Should be special teams demon.

Round 5, 163rd overall: OT Brendon Frye Virginia Tech

Typical VaTech OLman- a road grader on running plays but may struggle at NFL level in pass protection. Given the Texans history of OL struggles, he has to be considered as possible starter at RT if needed.

Round 5, 183 rd overall: OG Kasey Studdard Texas

Comes from a program that annually produces NFL quality OLmen, but he is not as agile as others in this draft. He is very good run blocker, but can have problems with bulkier pass rushing DT's. Still, has to be considered in the mix for starting OG position eventually.

Round 7, 218th overall: ILB Zach Diles Kansas State

A guy who goes full out the entire game, makes up for lack of athletic abililty with intensity. Should be a special teams demon and add depth to LB corps for couple of years.

Overall Assessment: The Texans got one sure fire 2007 starter out of this draft (DT Okoye), one possible starter (WR Jones) while the rest of these guys provide depth at their various positions. Some of them have long term potential as starters, particularly the OL men and possibly the DB's.

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