If the NFL handed out trophies based on summer expectations the Houston Texans would have quite a collection of hardware to display. Unfortunately the Texans have fallen short of those preseason expectations the past couple of years and the franchise has yet to make its first playoff appearance. Houston is once again a trendy pick to take that next step and while they will have to overcome a very difficult division that boasts three other legitimate contenders (Indianapolis, Tennessee and Jacksonville) it appears as though the Texans finally have the talent in place to make a serious run. Was Houston able to use the 2009 NFL Draft to add the final pieces of the puzzle or will disappointment once again set in once the season kicks off?

   Despite their .500 record in 2008 the Texans really didn’t have many glaring needs heading into Draft Day. However, one area that was a concern was outside linebacker so in round one they opted to give their new Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush, a former linebackers coach, a protégé to groom. USC’s Brian Cushing was a highly-regarded recruit who battled the injury bug early on in his college career but he finally managed to stay healthy as a senior and emerged as a top pro prospect. An impressive physical specimen and a beast in the weight room, Cushing is an extremely intense competitor who leaves it all on the field. There is some concern that Cushing is a manufactured athlete and he does appear to be a little stiff at times, especially in coverage, but as long as durability doesn’t continue to be an issue he should enjoy a nice NFL career. The plan is for Cushing to assume the starting job on the strongside with Pro Bowler DeMeco Ryans in the middle and either Zach Diles or Xavier Adibi on the weakside and that grouping will be a significant upgrade over what they had a year ago.

   In round two the Texans surprised many when they chose Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin, even though they already had a budding superstar in Mario Williams and had just signed Antonio Smith to a big free agent contract. After playing tight end his first three years in college Barwin moved to defensive end as a senior and all he did was lead the Big East in sacks. An outstanding athlete who also played some basketball for the Bearcats, Barwin is still extremely raw and basically got by on sheer talent in 2008 but he has a world of upside and his best football is still ahead of him. Most felt that Barwin’s best fit would come as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme but in Houston he will work as a situational pass rusher at defensive end. There is no question that the Texans needed some depth behind Williams and Smith but you can’t help but wonder if they wouldn’t have been better served by taking a potential starter, such as Missouri safety William Moore, in round two. In round three the Texans added some offensive line depth when they chose Alabama’s Antoine Caldwell, who has the ability to play either center or guard. A battle-tested four-year starter in the SEC, Caldwell was a two-time team captain and became the first Crimson Tide player to earn his degree in under three years. A smart, versatile blocker with decent athleticism and mobility, Caldwell should be an ideal fit in the Texans zone blocking scheme. Look for Caldwell to begin his pro career as a backup but don’t be surprised if he competes for a starting job, whether it be at center or guard, sooner rather than later.

   With the first of two fourth round picks Houston finally brought in some secondary help in the form of New Mexico CB / S Glover Quin, who may have been a slight reach. A three-year starter for the Lobos, Quin entered his senior year playing second fiddle to teammate DeAndre Wright but by the end of the season he had emerged as a superior pro prospect. Quin will likely begin his pro career at cornerback but he is very tough and physical and his quickest path to the field might come at free safety. Regardless of which position Quin winds up playing he is probably destined for backup duty as a rookie. The Texans used their next two picks on tight ends, which leads you to believe they have serious doubts about their ability to re-sign Pro Bowler Owen Daniels to a long-term deal. North Carolina St. TE Anthony Hill would already be in the NFL had he not torn his ACL in 2007 and while he isn’t flashy Hill is just what the doctor ordered for Houston. Even though he is a dependable pass catching threat in the short to intermediate range Hill’s real value comes as a blocker and at 6-5 and 262 pounds he certainly has the frame to excel in that role. Hill will never be a starter in the NFL but he should provide an ideal compliment to the undersized Daniels, who in many ways is a wide receiver in a tight end’s body. The aforementioned Daniels will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason and is looking to become one of the highest paid tight ends in the league so the Texans used their fifth round pick to draft a potential replacement. To say that Rice TE James Casey is versatile would be an understatement and in his two seasons with the Owls he saw action at seven different positions. A former minor league baseball player in the Chicago White Sox system, Casey is still raw and a little older than the average rookie but he is an outstanding athlete and a dangerous offensive weapon. Look for Casey to be brought along slowly with an eye toward the future but don’t be surprised if the Texans get creative and find some unique ways to incorporate him into their offense.

   In round six the Texans chose Utah CB Brice McCain, a Workout Warrior who shot up draft boards after running a 4.33 at his Pro Day. A three-year starter for the Utes, McCain doesn’t have the ideal height or bulk that you look for and isn’t very physical but you simply can’t teach his rare speed and burst. McCain will battle for a roster spot as a backup corner but with Dunta Robinson, Jacques Reeves, Fred Bennett, Antwaun Molden and Glover Quin all ahead of him on the depth chart there are no guarantees he will make the team. With their final pick the Texans selected Arizona St. S Troy Nolan. A playmaker and ball hawk who can be a factor both in coverage and against the run, Nolan’s blend of physical tools and intangibles could help him win a job as a backup and special teamer. Houston has been searching for an impact safety since they entered the league back in 2002 but instead of investing a premium pick to solve the problem once and for all they just peck away at it with mid and late rounders. This appears to be the continuation of that failed philosophy.

   The 2009 NFL Draft had to represent a refreshing change of pace for the Houston Texans. After years of building from the ground up as an expansion team their roster was finally to the point where they could actually look to supplement their depth chart rather than having to fill a bunch of huge holes in the starting lineup. Cushing may be the only instant starter in this class but Caldwell could challenge Chris Myers or Mike Brisiel before his rookie season is finished and guys like Barwin, Hill, Quin and Casey should all see extensive action as backups. All in all the Texans did a nice job on Draft Day, adding a solid mix of both role players and talented prospects with major upside.