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2007 Houston Texans NFL Draft Predictions

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The Texans are entering their sixth year in 2007 and still look like an expansion team in many ways. Coach Gary Kubiak supposedly understands how to build an offense and that is why he was hired in 2006. He hasn't produced like they had hoped so the 2007 season will tell whether or not Kubiak is in Houston to stay. The Texans signed free-agent Matt Shaub at quarterback to replace David Carr in the offseason. That eliminates the possibility of Houston drafting a top-level quarterback in this year's draft.

The Texans need to upgrade quite a few other areas that they didn't address in the offseason. The defensive line was supposed to get a boost from the No. 1 overall pick in Mario Williams last year. He did improve as the season progressed, but his 4.5 sacks didn't even lead the team. I guarantee you they are regretting passing on Reggie Bush, a player that is putting up big-time numbers already in New Orleans. The Texans will likely draft another defensive lineman, despite taking Williams last season because this is the area they need the most improvement.

The Texans' line got pushed around in 2006, showing that players such as Anthony Maddux and Thomas Johnson are not the answer. Veteran Lional Dalton was slowed by injuries, missing six game last season. This position needs to be a priority on the first day of the draft. Michigan's Alan Branch would certainly fit the requirement. He would make life much easier for Mario Williams and stop the run nearly as efficient as he did in the tough Big Ten conference with his big frame. He would allow Williams to take some of his responsibility for stopping the run away, allowing him to focus more on his specialty of rushing the passer.

Houston got great production out of their second-round pick in linebacker DeMeco Ryans. He had a huge season with 155 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five passes broken up. He needs help from the outside linebackers and secondary, so look for Houston to address both positions in the draft. Paul Posluszny of Penn State and Florida State's Lawrence Timmons are both possiblitities, and I believe that both would make immediate contributions. Posluszny was proclaimed by the Nittany Lions' coaching staff to be the best linebacker to ever wear a Penn State uniform. That high praise is tough to pass up.

As usual, the Texans also have to improve their offensive line so Shaub can be more successful than David Carr has been. All Shaub has to do is step on the field and he should be more successful, but there are no guarantees. Every spot other than tackle Ephraim Salaam needs improvement, so look for the Texans' to find a few gems that could step in right away on the offensive line in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Updated April 27th, 2007