The Houston Texans, who went 8-8 in 2008, and had the 15th overall pick in the first round, were in a very unique position. A lot of the glamour, high impact players had already been selected, and at 8-8 this team isn’t good enough for one player to tip the scales, so the Texans have to be very smart in their selections and look to find more pieces for which they can build around.
The Texans are on an upswing, 2008 was their first non losing season since joining the NFL, and they would like to add their first winning season to the record books in 2009. However they share a division with the Tennessee Titans, and the Indianapolis Colts. That means each and every year they have four very tough games.
Heading into this year’s draft the Texans were looking to build up their defense, and fins a complement to RB Steve Slaton. On Defense they were looking for an OLB to help make an impact on the strong side. In free agency the Texans added Cato June, but still felt a need for a pick to come in and compete with Zac Diles, picking 15th the Texans selected Brain Cushing the OLB from USC.
Cushing was the 2nd ranked OLB in this draft and rated by the Sporting News as the best OLB in coverage. In Zone coverage Cushing can read the QB eyes, and in man coverage he is able to lock down on the tight end. For a team that has to play the high octane offenses of Indy and Tennessee four times a year, it is an excellent pick and receives an A grade.
In the second round, the Texans selected Connor Barwin the DE from Cincinnati. Barwin was the 7th ranked DE in this draft, and while not a significant need, he will fill a role on this team.
The Texans plan to use Barwin as a complimentary pass rusher to Pro Bowler Mario Williams. Again as an 8-8 team in a tough division, it is always sound policy to go after strong defensive players.
Even though Iowa Running Back Shonn Green was still on the board, and seemed to be a perfect fit for the Texans need of a complimentary, adding pass rushing depth to a team in a division that feature Peyton Manning is an excellent choice and gets a B+ grade.
With that being said let us look at the Texans 2009 draft grades-
Round One- A
Round Two- B+
Talent- A-
Need-B
Average- A-
Now a more complete look at the 2009 Draft of the Houston Texans-
Round One- 15th overall Brian Cushing OLB USC
Round Two- 46th overall Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati
Round Three- 77th overall Antoine Caldwell
Round Four- 112th overall Glover Quin
Round Four- 122nd overall Anthony Hill TE NC State
Round Five- 152nd overall James Carey TE Rice
Round Six- 188th overall Brice McCain CB Utah
Round Seven- 273rd overall Troy Nolan Arizona State
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