Houston Texans 2006 NFL Draft Review
05.11.06 (11:31 am) [edit]
1 - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State (6-7, 295); 2 - DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1, 236); 3 - Charles Spencer, OL, Pittsburgh (6-5, 352); 3 - Eric Winston, T, Miami (FL) (6-7, 310); 4 - Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin (6-3, 253); 6 - Wali Lundy, RB, Virginia (5-11, 213); 7 - David Anderson, WR, Colorado State (5-10, 192)
Analysis: Mouths are still agape over the Texans' decision to draft Williams instead of Reggie Bush, and it will probably be at least three years until a fully-formed assessment of the choice can be offered. It is indisputable that the selection of Williams and Ryans upgrades a pass rush that has been one of the league's worst in recent years. New Houston head coach Gary Kubiak will need Spencer and Winston to compete for starting jobs right away, in order to help keep David Carr upright. Daniels will get a shot at tight end for a team that has never been able to find a playmaker at that position. Lundy might go down in history as the running back Houston selected instead of Reggie Bush, though his ability to even make the team is a major question mark.
Bottom Line: The decision to draft Williams instead of Bush will probably go down as a blunder, but overall, the Texans did improve themselves significantly over the weekend.
Analysis: Mouths are still agape over the Texans' decision to draft Williams instead of Reggie Bush, and it will probably be at least three years until a fully-formed assessment of the choice can be offered. It is indisputable that the selection of Williams and Ryans upgrades a pass rush that has been one of the league's worst in recent years. New Houston head coach Gary Kubiak will need Spencer and Winston to compete for starting jobs right away, in order to help keep David Carr upright. Daniels will get a shot at tight end for a team that has never been able to find a playmaker at that position. Lundy might go down in history as the running back Houston selected instead of Reggie Bush, though his ability to even make the team is a major question mark.
Bottom Line: The decision to draft Williams instead of Bush will probably go down as a blunder, but overall, the Texans did improve themselves significantly over the weekend.
GM Casserly, Texans peacefully part ways
05.11.06 (11:27 am) [edit]
Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly shook hands with owner Bob McNair after resigning Wednesday.
The two said there was no firing and no ugly divorce at the top of the 6-year-old franchise after a 2-14 season, a coaching change and a controversial No. 1 draft pick.
Casserly said he's leaving on his own terms to chase a job in the NFL's front office.
"I have an interest in doing other things right now," he said. "This was not an easy decision, but it was a decision I felt I had to make at this point in time."
Speculation had swirled for months that Casserly would follow coach Dom Capers and be fired in the aftermath of the 2005 season. His future seemed even more tenuous after the team used the No. 1 overall pick to draft defensive end Mario Williams - and pass up Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and University of Texas star Vince Young.
Many fans were outraged, but McNair said Casserly was never going to be fired. Their friendly handshake at a news conference Wednesday seemed to indicate the two are parting on good terms.
The two said there was no firing and no ugly divorce at the top of the 6-year-old franchise after a 2-14 season, a coaching change and a controversial No. 1 draft pick.
Casserly said he's leaving on his own terms to chase a job in the NFL's front office.
"I have an interest in doing other things right now," he said. "This was not an easy decision, but it was a decision I felt I had to make at this point in time."
Speculation had swirled for months that Casserly would follow coach Dom Capers and be fired in the aftermath of the 2005 season. His future seemed even more tenuous after the team used the No. 1 overall pick to draft defensive end Mario Williams - and pass up Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and University of Texas star Vince Young.
Many fans were outraged, but McNair said Casserly was never going to be fired. Their friendly handshake at a news conference Wednesday seemed to indicate the two are parting on good terms.