Draft Grades: Texans

The Texans got their wish in the 1st round with Brian Cushing. He certainly fills a need, but I still don't like the pick. I think Cushing is overrated and won't be a great every-down player in the NFL. His athleticism isn't anything special and he's little more than a pass-rush specialist. He'll start from day one at strong-side linebacker, but I think the Texans will be disappointed with the selection in the long run. His former teammate Clay Matthews would have been the better pick.

Connor Barwin will likely begin his career at defensive end but I wouldn't be shocked to see him moved to linebacker some day. He's a tremendous athlete, but he lacks the strength to stay on the field at defensive end. He'll likely step in for Antonio Smith in passing situations.

Antoine Caldwell was a great third round selection. I wouldn't be shocked to see him win the starting job from Chris Myers.

Glover Quin was a reach in the 4th round. They certainly needed a cornerback, but I don't see how he solves the problem. He's a nickelback at best and likely will offer very little in 2009.

I'm not quite sure what to make of their selection of two tight ends. I don't understand how a team could have graded Anthony Hill higher than James Casey. I also don't know why they felt it was necessary to take two tight ends. They've already talked about moving Casey to fullback. He isn't an ideal fit there, but he's a playmaker and anyway they can get him on the field would be a wise decision. Hill will be the odd man out, I don't see him making an impact in Houston.

Brice McCain is a phenomenal athlete with elite speed. He's a candidate to play special teams, but I don't see him making an impact at cornerback.

Troy Nolan can be an adequate backup safety and special teams contributor. He was a safe 7th round selection, but doesn't offer any upside.

This was a confusing draft for the Texans. They got a few players that can make an impact, but not necessary players that were right for their system. Cushing will start right away and Barwin will fit into the defensive line rotation. However, they also appeared to enter day two without any real plan. It raises some questions about the ability of their front office. For a team on the brink of playoff contention this was somewhat of a disappointing draft.

Grade: B-

Brian Cushing is a Meathead

"If you watched (USC LB Brian) Cushing at his pro day, he opened up the wrong way twice in drills. He did the same thing once at the Combine. He’s a meathead."

Those were the words from an unnamed front office source according to Pro Football Weekly. It's only one team's view, but it certainly isn't a good sign for Cushing. Whatever one team thinks, there's likely at least a few others that share the sentiment.

Cushing received in invite to New York City for the draft, and he's looking like the favorite to be the last man standing waiting to hear his name called. The earliest realistic landing place for him is New Orleans (14th overall) but the Saints reportedly have their eye on two Buckeyes (Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Wells). Houston is also an option, but they are showing signs of preferring Cushing's teammate Clay Matthews. San Diego has been a rumored destination, but it doesn't make too much sense considering they are more in need of an inside linebacker. If he slides past those three teams he could fall all the way to Patriots or Falcons (23rd and 24th, respectively).

Draft Visit Tracker: Andre Brown

One of the hottest prospects in recent weeks has been N.C. State's Andre Brown. Despite a disappointing career with the Wolfpack, he's impressed teams in his workouts and now looks like a 2nd-round lock.

He's a big back (6'0", 224) and has the ability to be a workhorse at the next level. Its rare to find a guy with his size and athleticism, which is why so many teams are showing an interest despite his very mediocre collegiate numbers.

At least 12 teams have reportedly met with Brown, so here's the list:

Ravens, Titans, 49ers, Cardinals, Chargers, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Panthers, Dolphins, Patriots and Chiefs.

I currently have Brown going to the Cleveland with the 50th pick in the draft. He would the ideal running back for the Browns to groom behind Jamal Lewis for the next year before he takes over the starting job.

Visit Tracker: Darius Butler

Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler has been busy this spring, visiting at least 10 teams. According to various reports, Butler either already has or will visit with the Bills, Jets, Titans, Vikings, Saints, Rams, Broncos, Browns, Dolphins and Falcons.

Its clear that Butler is generating interest from teams and he will almost certainly come off the board in the early 2nd round. While undersized, he's been a playmaker throughout his career playing both corner and receiver as a senior. He's an ideal fit at the nickleback position and could see immediate playing with any of the teams which he has visited.

In my latest mock draft I have Butler going to the Texas in the 2nd round. Jacques Reeves appears to have the best shot at starting opposite Dunta Robinson with Antwaun Molden and Fred Bennett as the backups. Molden, entering his second year, has some upside but Reeves and Bennett offer little to look forward to. Butler would be able to compete for immediate playing time, and likely see time on special teams as well.