We may be in the minority, but we actually have no problem with the Texans selecting Mario Williams with the first pick of the draft. Yes Reggie Bush may turn out to be a Hall of Famer, but Houston filled a huge area of NEED, and they already have a 1,000-yard rusher in Domanick Davis.

True neither Davis or Jonathan Wells have the mercurial potential of Bush, but we feel that the upgrade Williams brings to what was a pathetic defensive line should not be ignored. In fact Houston had one of the best drafts of any team in the NFL, the Bush/Williams controversy notwithstanding, as their first four picks will all most likely start immediately. They bolstered their offensive line with their two third round selections of Charles Spencer and Eric Winston, so quarterback David Carr could actually show what he could do this year rather than spending most of the game on his back. Getting Winston with the fourth pick could be a real coup considering he was projected as a top 10 pick before tearing a knee. The Texans also upgraded the receiving corps by acquiring Eric Moulds from Buffalo. That moves Andre Johnson to a more complimentary role, which suits the team just fine.

In addition to Williams, second round pick linebacker DeMeco Ryans of Alabama should also help bolster a defense that ranked 31 st out of 32 teams in total defense last season. Sprinkle in the veteran additions of defensive end Anthony Weaver and linebacker Sam Cowart, and there is hope for this franchise to stay out of the AFC South basement this season. We will go somewhat out on a limb and predict just that, rating Houston third ahead of fading Tennessee.

2006 Prediction: 3 rd Place AFC South