2003 Draft

I'm sure I'm just parroting other sites, but Brown was a reach in round one.  It's not that he won't be a good starter, it's just that it is not a certainty, and there is too big a risk it won't work out for Brown to be a first round pick.  My rankings are based on a mix of talent and probability of success.  Outside of that one move, I liked the Texans' draft.  They got excellent value with Adibi and Okam on day two.  They also signed some interesting college street free agents. 

DRAFT PICKS

Brown has the talent to be a good starter, but was inconsistent in a bad way in college.  He played well against lesser competition, and didn't do as well against the better teams.  Brown is a physical specimen and looks the part, but there are a lot of athletic tackles that don't cut it as top NFL starters.  I had a third round grade on Brown, but I wouldn't have chastised a team for selecting him in the middle to end of round two.  But round one?  No.  Again, even if he makes it, this was a pick with too much probability of failure for me to say in retrospect it was a good selection.

Molden is a strong kid.  In fact, that appears to be a pattern with Houston in this draft.  They drafted players with top-end strength.  Molden also has good speed, quickness and athleticism.  He needs work on in his technique, but has a good upside.  Down the line, he could settle in as a starting free safety since he tends to get bye purely on his athletic ability.

The Texans needed a running back because Green is past his prime.  I like the free agent signing of Brown, but he is injury prone.  Slaton is a playmaker.  While short, he is strong for his size.  He makes quick, sharp cuts without losing speed.  He also catches the ball well.  He will be an effective change-of-pace, third-down back who could do better than expected if called upon to carry the ball 15 to 20 times a game.

This year's linebacker class was muddled after the top few players.  Adibi was part of that muddling.  However, I had him towards the top of that group.  He is very quick and changes directions well.  While ideally suited for the WILL, I wouldn't be surprised if he is moved to SAM (or Greenwood is moved to SAM) so that the Texans can get their best three linebackers on the field.  To play SAM, Adibi will have to hit the weight room a bit.  He has the skills to cover most tight ends.

Okam was a steal in round five.  He is a one-dimensional strong, tough, run-stuffing defensive tackle.  With Okoye and Johnson the more athletic type of defensive tackles, Okam provides an option to plug in against teams that are having success running up the gut against the Texans.

Barber is Marion's kid brother.  While he played more free safety in college he projects better as a strong safety in the NFL.  However, he will most likely settle in as a backup and special teams player.  Like his brother, he is a strong, tough kid.

Brink is a small quarterback with quick feet in the pocket who projects as a number three.  His upside is limited and he'll probably be a practice squad player.  He could be a player who can hold the fort for a couple of games if needed.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Bennett is a blocking tight end who plays hard but will not be a major factor in the passing game, although he has reliable hands.  He is a career third tight end type.

Grice-Millan is a quick receiver with good college production who could stick on the Texans' practice squad and develop into a #4 receiver in time.

Jenkins has similar skills to Grice-Mullin, but I like Grice-Mullins' potential a bit more.  However, they are close enough for Jenkins to have a chance to push him for a potential practice squad spot.

Moffitt is a real sleeper in the Texans' camp.  He was a true MIKE in college, who was a tackle-hound but was thought to be a bit stiff.  I was very surprised he went undrafted, especially after his workout.  What his workout tells me is that maybe he was thinking too much in the middle and that was why he looked stiff.  Certainly he has the potential to be very effective on the field based on his quickness and change-of-direction workout numbers.  Looking at his measureables (plus on-field production), I wouldn't be surprised if he is kicked outside to SAM and makes a run at Diles.  Worst case if he adjusts to SAM is that he becomes a flexible backup and a good special teams player.

Richardson is another linebacker with good production and good measureables.  He will also be in the mix for a roster spot, but could end up on the practice squad for further development.

Nading caught my eye in the East West Shrine Game.  He was disruptive against the run, but is light for a defensive end.  It will be interesting to see how he holds up against bigger, tougher compeition.