Houston Texans 2009 NFL Draft Review

Sports Network | April 26, 2009

(Sports Network) -

1 - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC (6-3, 243); 2 - Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati (6-4, 256); 3 - Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama (6-3, 309); 4 - Glover Quin, DB, New Mexico (5-11, 204); 4 - Anthony Hill, TE, North Carolina State (6-5, 262); 5 - James Casey, TE, Rice (6-3, 246); 6 - Brice McCain, CB, Utah (5-9, 181); 7 - Troy Nolan, S, Arizona State (6-1, 205)

Analysis: There was some debate about who was the best of the first-round USC linebackers, and it will be interesting to see how Cushing - the first selection among the three - develops as opposed to ex-teammates Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews. If he plays as expected, Cushing will be a credit to a Texans front seven that needed playmakers to complement Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. Barwin offers more of the same, though he is seen as a project and doesn't seem to have a natural position in the Texans' 4-3. Caldwell is a solid run-blocker with the ability to play either center or guard. Quin is versatile enough to play safety or corner, but will be a special-teamer initially. Hill and Casey will have a chance to round out the tight end depth chart behind Owen Daniels, with Hill ranking as more of a blocker and Casey a pass-catcher.

Bottom Line: Might have done better to grab a d-lineman or two and/or a running back, but got better at both inside linebacker and along the offensive line.

Grade: B-