Should the Texans trade this pick?

If they can get something worthwhile for a trade, then they should go for it. Looking back in history tells us that superstars often come as later picks in the NFL draft. The first pick in the 2006 NFL draft has to be worth a lot, so they should definitely consider trading this pick to get more picks. Jimmy Johnson used this technique to build a great team in Dallas, and I think that the Texans should probably do the same thing. If they aren’t go to draft Vince Young, then they are best off trading this pick.

Trading this pick would mean more picks in the draft and more shots at filling holes in the Texans lineup. Even though I would select Vince Young with this pick, I think that trading this pick may be the best thing the Texans can do. Let’s take a look at the last 20 number 1 picks in the draft:

1985 Bruce Smith
1986 Bo Jackson
1987 Vinny Testaverde
1988 Aundray Bruce
1989 Troy Aikman
1990 Jeff George
1991 Russell Maryland
1992 Steve Emtman
1993 Drew Bledsoe
1994 Dan Wilkinson
1995 Ki-Jana Carter
1996 Keyshawn Johnson
1997 Orlando Pace
1998 Peyton Manning
1999 Tim Couch
2000 Courtney Brown
2001 Michael Vick
2002 David Carr
2003 Carson Palmer
2004 Eli Manning
2005 Alex Smith

So are the players above the best 20 players taken in those drafts?
With a few exceptions, probably not. There are certainly some excellent players that have been taken at the number 1 spot in the draft. But think of all the great players that weren’t number 1 picks (Deion Sanders, Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Shaun Alexander, Brett Favre, Dan Marino, John Elway, etc.). It seems to me like the more picks you have the better chance you have of finding that superstar. It really worked with Jimmy Johnson, it could work for the Texans (read this article by Jimmy Johnson for more on his draft strategy).

Do the Texans need Reggie Bush?
Yes and No. They have a solid running back (Dominic Davis) and using Denver’s scheme almost any decent running back is going to put up big numbers. So getting a great running back isn’t really necessary. On the other hand, Reggie has amazing break away speed.

Do the Texans need Vince Young?
Yes and No. They are happy with David Carr, so they don’t seem to think they need Vince Young. On the other hand, Vince Young is an unbelievably gifted athlete.

Do the Texans need Mario Williams?
Yes. They could really use a pass rusher like Mario Williams.

Do the Texans need more than one player? Yes, Yes, Yes. The more the better. If they aren’t going to take Vince Young, then they should trade this pick. I am pretty sure they are trying to trade it. If they don’t get the right offer, they will probably take Reggie Bush or Mario Williams. Either one would help the team.

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