Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams' offseason needs. Up next is the team with the eighth overall pick in the draft, the Houston Texans.
2006 Results: 6-10, 4th in AFC South
2007 Projected Cap Status: $89,300,000
2006 Season Recap:
Following the franchise’s worst record (2-14) in its history, the team turned the head coaching reigns over to Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. With the 1st overall selection, the team had a talented trio to pick from. Would it be Reggie Bush, the talented star running back from USC, Vince Young, the hard nosed scrambler from Texas, or North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams? The Texans faced plenty of scrutiny with their selection of Williams and it didn’t let up much throughout the 2006 regular season. Williams didn’t live up to the hype of a No. 1 overall pick, posting only 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks while starting all 16 games. The team finished last in the AFC South for the fourth time in its five seasons of existence. The defense struggled, ranking 24th by seasons end. The offense also failed to rush for more than 1,700 yards, with Ron Dayne as their top rusher at 612 yards.
Team Needs:
1. Offensive Line – David Carr continued to get pounded, getting sacked 41 times in 2006. This marks the fourth time in his five seasons in the NFL.
2. Running Back – The Texans struggled to find a productive starting running back with Domanick Davis (now Domanick Williams) lost for the season before it even began. The team may go for the best available running back after passing up on Bush in 2006.
3. Defensive Tackle – The Texans need to help out defensive ends Anthony Weaver and Williams by providing some assistance on the inside.
UFA: T Brad Bedell
TE Mark Bruener
DT Lional Dalton
RB Ron Dayne
LB Troy Evans
DE N.D. Kalu
DT Cedric Killings
CB Dexter McCleon
DE Antwan Peek
LB DaShon Polk
LB Wali Rainer
T Ephraim Salaam
CB Lewis Sanders
P Chad Stanley
S Michael Stone
RFA: CB Roc Alexander
LB Charlie Anderson
SS Glenn Earl
CB Von Hutchins
LB Shantee Orr
FB Vonta Leach
ERFA: OG Scott Jackson
RB Samkon Gado
WR David Anderson
WR Derrick Lewis
DE Alfred Malone
ARTICLE TOOLS 
