2008 NFL Draft Preview: Houston Texans' Wishlist

The Texans took two steps forward in 2007, finishing 8-8 and finding their quarterback in Matt Schaub. Preventing Houston from pushing for the playoffs is a notoriously weak offensive line, inconsistent ground game and their secondary. The Texans were the darlings of the NFL after running out to a 2-0 record in 2007. Injuries hit Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson throughout the year, leading to an 8-8 record. The silver lining for Houston: they won three of the final four games for momentum heading into 2008.

Matt Schaub proved to be worth the hype and two 2nd round draft picks Houston sent to Atlanta for the young quarterback. Schaub led the team and avoided the key sack, something former #1 pick David could not do in Houston. Andre Johnson, Ken Walter and Owen Daniels were dependable options in the passing game. Mario Williams showed why he was the #1 overall pick over Reggie Bush, collecting 14 sacks.

Demeco Ryans and Amobi Okoye are other talented young players on Houston's defense. The Texans need to improve a defense that was 19th against the run and 25th against the pass in 2007 as well as rushing attack that gained less than 100 yards/game. The offensive line, running back (Ahman Green isn't getting any younger) and cornerback are the biggest need areas for Houston to move towards the playoffs in 2008 and beyond.

With the 18th pick in the 1st round, Houston can target one of the following players: Rashard Mendhall (RB, Illinois), Jonathan Stewart (RB, Oregon), Sam Baker (OL, USC) and Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas). Any of the three running backs would inject the offense with more big-play capabilities, while Baker would instantly upgrade Houston's line.

In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Houston can find value with offensive linemen in this deep draft class. Gosder Cherilus (Boston College), Carl Nicks (Nebraska) and Anthony Collins (Kansas) are all strong choices. Another set of options is at cornerback. Terrelle Thomas (USC) and Branden Flowers (Virginia Tech), both ballhawks in the secondary.

Sleepers in the later rounds for Houston include Mike Fladell (Guard, Rutgers), Adam Kraus (Guard, Michigan) and Matt Spanos (Center, USC) on the offensive line. Houston isn't too far away from competing for the playoffs in the AFC. Matt Schaub was a 1st-year starter in 2007 and the defensive stars are still very young. With a more dependable running game, avoiding key injuries (Schaub, Johnson) and a better pass defense, Houston will improve in 2008.