2007 NFL Draft

Defensive Tackle: To complete the transition to the 4-3, the Texans now need a big run-stuffing defensive tackle to eat up blocks and allow the defenders behind him to make plays. This pick, while filling a need, is also protection for Mario Williams, as another threat on the line cuts down double teams and opens things up on the outside.

Linebacker: 2006 draft selection and super productive DeMeco Ryans can use some help. A quality linebacker, perhaps a veteran would be a valuable help to Ryans’ incredible talent.

Secondary: Cornerbacks Dunta Robinson and DeMarcus Faggins, along with safeties Glenn Earl and C.C. Brown, have posted solid numbers in terms of tackles, but that's because the secondary is so bad that teams attack them constantly.

Running Back: Last year's decision not to draft Reggie Bush started to look really bad when starting running back Dominick Williams (formerly known as Dominick Davis) failed take one snap this season, while recovering from a knee injury.

Ron Dayne led the team in both yards and rushing touchdowns, but is going to be a free agent, and it is uncertain what level of play Williams can bring to the table when he returns. If Ron Dayne is your leading running back, you are in deep, deep trouble.

Offensive Line: For the third consecutive season, quarterback David Carr has been sacked at least forty times. No team can win when they are allowing their leader to be just killed all the time. The Texans thought they had made significant upgrades this past off-season, but injuries ravaged the unit.

Three opening-day starters ended up on injured reserve, and replacements missed time as well. Starting LT Charles Spencer, who broke his left tibia and missed most of the season, could be moved to guard next year as he weighed in at a robust 351 pounds. That is assuming he recovers at all. 

Free agency would be a smart place to look, as at least two scheduled starters on the line have less than a year’s experience. Houston should also continue its trend of drafting lineman in the later rounds, but the unit could get much better fast if they overcome all the injuries.

Wide Receiver: Outside of Pro Bowler Andre Johnson, receiving options are getting thin in Houston. Eric Moulds, the Texans' current No. 2, will enter training camp next season 34-years old, with declining numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in each of his last three years.

Adding another quality option to the passing game will not only help QB David Carr, but help to open things up for Andre Johnson. The Texans should look to the second day of the draft and add at least one wideout to the team.

Notes: Houston has spent the last few years surrounding one standout player at each position with a bunch of sub-par compliment players. The Texans need to start focusing on quality and not quantity. Head Coach Gary Kubiak seems to understand this and should have the team headed to its first winning season shortly.

Houston Texans Free Agency Notes:

Entering their sixth season, Texans have yet to find a solid left tackle to protect David Carr, who has been sacked 249 times. Coach Gary Kubiak thought Charles Spencer could fill that role, but the rookie's future is in question because of a broken leg. After passing on Reggie Bush and losing Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) to injury, running game sputtered. With the health of Williams in question, Texans need to address that area. Houston could also use a receiver to take pressure off Pro Bowler Andre Johnson. Last year's No. 1 pick Mario Williams could be helped by addition of another big defensive end to play opposite him

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Mark Bruener; DEs Antwan Peek and N.D. Kalu; CBs Dexter McCleon and Lewis Sanders; OL Ephraim Salaam; DL Lional Dalton; RBs Ron Dayne and Wali Rainer; P Chad Stanley; T Brad Bedell; LBs Troy Evans and DaShon Polk; DT Cedric Killings; S Michael Stone.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Charlie Adams, LBs Shantee Orr and Charlie Anderson; CBs Von Hutchins and Roc Alexander; S Glenn Earl; FB Vonta Leach.