Given the injury history of the Texans' starters, keep an eye on Steve Slaton. |
1/26
Duane Brown, T, Virginia Tech
Brown
has all the size and ability in the world to become a dominant left tackle. He
just might have to wait a year to show it. After only starting one full season
at tackle, Brown looks to at least begin his career sharing time with incumbent
starter, Ephraim Salaam. As good as Brown potentially could be, Salaam
is no push-over, either.
3/16
Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky
Coming
from a small school, it might be too much to ask of Molden to see him jump to
the next level and have an immediate impact. He has an opening for him as a nickel back, and even has a slight chance of overtaking second year man Fred
Bennet's number two spot.
3/26
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
Slaton
was a burner in college and regardless of what you may have heard, world class
speed translates to the next level. He's a bit undersized at 5'10" and 190, but
he is as explosive as runners come. He's already being compared to Warrick
Dunn, and it's very likely he will end up being the third down back. But
keep an eye on Slaton, considering Ahman Green and Chris Brown's injury
histories.
4/19
Xavier Adibi, LB, Virginia Tech
A
playmaker in every sense of the word, Adibi uses every bit of his athleticism
on every play. He was a bit overshadowed as a Hokie, mainly because the rest of
his defense was so talented. He currently is a fringe rotation guy, behind the solid but not spectacular Morlon Greenwood. It's not
impossible to think Adibi ends up starting sometime around the middle of the
season, and if he does, you can start thinking Jamie Sharper, only freakishly
athletic.
5/16
Frank Okam, DT, Texas
Okam
is gigantic, and that might even be an understatement. He's too big and
definitely not quick enough to play outside on the line. He's looking at
competition with injured teammate Travis Johnson, but ample playing time
is not likely.
6/7
Dominique Barber, S, Minnesota
He
has decent size and frame for a safety, but nothing in his game stands out and
wows you. He's probably known best for being the brother of Cowboys' running
back Marion Barber.
7/16
Alex Brink, QB, Washington State
He was originally
drafted as just a camp body to compete with Quinn Gray, but after Gray's
release, it seems he has a realistic chance to stick. He was a very accurate
and mobile passer in college but lacking elite arm strength. With his mobility,
and at 6'5, he has ideal size with solid athleticism.
Kevin Roberts is a graduate of Concordia University in Wisconsin, where
he majored in Communications. He is a Green Bay native and loyal fan to
the Packers. He is also the writer for the NFL Power Rankings of