The NFL Draft is months away, yet the speculation grows everyday, as the endless stream of “draft experts” make their predictions.  This year, draft strategists seem quite excited about the depth of the talent pool.  How does this affect a team’s draft plan?  Simple.  Draft for need and the depth of the field will allow you to improve.  Here’s my rationale behind this “get great quick scheme”:

Suppose I am the GM (or at least a small voice in the war room) of the Houston Texans.  I am staring across at Gary Kubiak, the most-likely new Head Coach.  The draft begins, the clock starts and we are salivating at the thought of approaching the podium and announcing Mr. Heisman – Reggie Bush as our first selection.  Some fans are cheering, others jeering at the fact Vince Young, a state hero, remains on the board. 

In fact this year, the top 3 picks in the draft are going to be heavily scrutinized…Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and Matt Leinart are in a dead heat for the #1 spot, and it could conceivably end up in several different combinations.  Luckily, moments before selecting Reggie Bush, I had the opportunity to bend the ear of the GM (I guess I have become a small voice in the war room and not the GM).  My suggestion, select Reggie Bush and quickly trade him.  Let’s absolve ourselves of a potential Heisman curse and reap the rewards of dealing such a highly touted prospect for the benefit of the organization.

No, I am not crazy.  The Texans rushed for 113.5 yards/game last year.  Domanick Davis can provide the “lightning” for the Texans running game.  Especially once the Kubiak-era begins.  Let’s get on the phone to the Jets and orchestrate an Eli – Rivers deal, al la 2004.  They get Reggie Bush, the big salary, and of course – the curse.  We take their 4^th overall, a 3^rd round pick, and of course next year’s first rounder. 

To a “thunderous” applause, the Texan fans are overwhelmed with excitement.  We secured addition picks and end up with a more inside dominating Running Back in the likes of LenDale White.  I believe White is this year’s Ronnie Brown, who quickly climbed the draft board, eventually surpassing his Auburn team-mate on draft day.  A much better compliment to Davis and the 2-back system, in the Denver Bronco’s mould is created.

LenDale White may be the third wheel on the USC offensive bicycle, yet his sheer power and strength make him a more suitable candidate for running up the middle in Houston, where there is typically a shortage of blocking.  I see White making a legitimate run at rookie of the year next year, even with the Texans.

Naturally, the next picks focus on strengthening the O-line.  Eric Winston should be available to start round 2.  Who knows, D’Brickshaw Ferguson may even slide to that position.  Stranger things have happened.  Round 3 is where the Texan’s draft strategist earn their paychecks.  Securing selections 65, 66, and 68 will be a definite asset in restoring this franchise.  Quite conceivable that the Houston Texans find themselves 3 starters in the fist 68 picks of the draft, that helps build a winner.

The Texans can become a team with a quick turn-around; however, they must mistake the fact that 1 player, regardless of his abilities is going to make that happen.  David Carr is a solid QB in the NFL, he has proven his toughness and resilience during the past few seasons and deserves a genuine opportunity to succeed.  Vince Young is not going to become an immediate success at QB.  Besides, you have a franchise QB, not sense creating any controversy in the locker room or with the fans/media.  You don’t need a speedy RB to go outside, you already have a young RB to fit that mould, White complements Domanick Davis in a way he complemented Reggie Bush in USC and the system was effective.

What is the best part of this trade?  A second selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, which seems too far in the distance right now to be a factor.  Let’s suppose it represents the 11^th overall pick, based on the NY – SD trade in 2004. That pick was used to select Shawne Merriman, who if I recall had a fairly successful year.