After an excellent response from my last article, I thought I’d jump right back on the computer and maintain some momentum, as the clock continues to run for the Houston Texans.  For those of you who keep track, my first submission described my thoughts on choosing a Heisman winner, along with the historical curse.  I followed this up by explaining the positive impact in attempting to trade down and collect additional picks.  I still believe this is the best strategy in this year’s draft.

First of all, I must confess that I am not a Texans fan, although I have been know to cheer for many teams from the great state of Texas.  Gary Kubiak seems to be doing to the Houston Texans what Nick Saban did for the Dolphins last season – creating a winning atmosphere.  How else do you explain an influx of Free Agents to a 2-14 football team?  Naturally money is a decisive factor, but professional athletes are not always interested in losing games and missing the play-offs.

I consume a lot of time breaking down depth charts and examining rosters for NFL teams.  At this point in time, I strongly believe the Houston Texans have addressed many of their weaknesses through Free Agency, which provides a greater deal of flexibility during the draft weekend.  So, I am still sticking to the strategy of trading the #1 pick and allowing potential suitors of Reggie Bush to offer additional draft picks to improve the Texans for next season.

The impetus this team is creating should reflect in the win column and David Carr must be ecstatic about some of the improvements on the Offensive line with Mike Flanagan and Jeb Putzier, not to mention the seemingly endless possibilities to upgrade this area with the draft.  Now rumours are circulating that the Texans are close to signing Eric Moulds.  This is another great acquisition.

 Now I am not going to say the Texans are play-off bound next year – Yet; however, I am quite confident they are close to becoming a .500 football team.  The only thing standing in their way is a great draft strategy….and Jacksonville and Indianapolis.

A basic understanding of the draft’s trade value charts outlines the value of a #1 draft choice.  The team does not necessarily need to bolster the running attack, so why not move down and receive an extra pick.  As it stands now, the Texans pick #33, 65, 66 after opening the draft and it is highly likely they can acquire at least 2 opening day starters after their initial 4 picks.  Dealing Reggie Bush could add another starter in a position of need and pay dividends for the 2007 NFL draft, which I predict the Texans will not be drafting in to top 5.

The examples of trading down are infinite.  Most draft sites are making predictions that the Texans will potentially drop down; however, remain in the top 4 (dealing with the Jets).  I suggest they open the floor and start a bidding war.  I would be shocked in Baltimore (#13) or Denver (#15) were not intrigued by the prospect of climbing the board.  Especially since both are contemplating a future QB.  Not only would Houston most likely receive picks for 2007, they could easily improve at Guard or Cornerback at this position and garner an additional second round choice.  Since this draft is quite deep on defense (especially Linebacker), the team will have numerous options to improve later in the day.