I'll be honest, when this thing was presented, I only signed up because I was staff. But in a nerdy kind of way, this was pretty cool and I think I enjoyed it a little too much. Props for starting this, sbk.
I knew going in this, that my beloved Texans were in need of serious depth and talent on defense. Say what you want about Wade as a head coach, I don't think there is any disputing his success as a defensive coordinator. His presence alone will improve the Texans defense, but for my money, I thought it an absolute need to get him some talent and tools to work with.
With that in mind, I was initially content to stay at #11. But I knew the guy I was strongly leaning towards could be had later. I took, IMO, somewhat of a risk by dropping to the bottom quarter of the first. I was fortunate my guy was still there, thus my gamble paid off.
1(26) Justin Houston OLB Georgia
Again, I would've taken him at #11. Call me SEC biased, but I think in 5 years, he'll be considered one of the premier defenders, let alone OLB's, in this draft. He's comparable to Terrell Suggs in size, style of play, and ugliness. He is exactly the kind of player that Wade Phillips, and the Texans need on defense. A linebacker that can bring the heat, as well as play the run, from the outside.
Oh, and you can't ignore the last name. It's obviously fate.
2(37) Phil Taylor DT Baylor
It could be argued that a fundamentally sound 3-4 defense revolves around a space-eater in the middle. While looking at the Texans roster, I didn't see anyone who could fill that role. Phil Taylor is a 330-340lb monster who commands double teams, and remarkably, can still get pressure from the inside.
I traded up to make this selection. Quite frankly, I was a little suprised he was still available. I gave up the second round selection I gained from my trade back in the first, and my third rounder. But my trade back in round 1, and my trade up in round two netted me the cornerstones for my defense for the next 5-7 years.
2(42) Rahim Moore S UCLA
This is a prime example of how good players in the draft slide. Moore, widely recognized as the top safety in the class, falls to a Texans team in dire need of direction in the secondary. With Moore, I'm getting a first team All-American, team captain, and 3 year starter in a pass heavy conference. Moore has the size and experience neccessary to be effective against the run and the pass. Icing on the cake is, he's disciplined enough to have a no soda/fast food diet, and has been on UCLA's Directors Honor Roll. I've landed a mature, heady safety capable of quarterbacking my secondary for years.
4(104) Vincent Brown WR San Diego St.
Defense. Defense. Defense. Vincent Brown. Lets face it... Andre Johnson is a monster, but he needs someone to take pressure off him on the other side. Neither Kevin Walters nor Jacoby Jones has proven capable of doing that on a consistant basis. And as long as you have to contend with the Colts for the division, the ability to score points is required.
With Brown, I'm getting a reliable receiver with good size and speed combination, but more importantly he's got very good hands and is a great route runner. He may never develop into a #1, but opposite Andre Johnson, he doesn't need to be. In short order, he'll adjust to the pro game and will be a solid receiver in my offense.