For my second attempt at picking all the Texans players I asked Brian Gaine if he would finally take my selections seriously. When he finally stopped laughing, he thanked me for giving him some comic relief during a busy time of preparation. Here it is anyway, for entertainment purposes, all the Texans picks!
Round 3: Orlando Brown, T, Oklahoma
I see several sites projecting he'll last this long. I doubt he does but if he's there, I'm taking him. He improved his combine numbers at his Pro Day and I'll bet that he's out to prove that the most important 'measurable' is sacks allowed and rushing yards on his side of the road.
Round 3: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
He played professional baseball and once upon a time had Tommy John Surgery. He's a 25 year old James Casey type who has already learned a thing or two about being a pro, albeit in another sport. He's been compared to Luke Wilson...the tight end, not the actor. So there's that.
Round 3: Shaquem Griffin, OLB, Central Florida
Is there anyone on planet who is not rooting for this guy? He plays without a left hand and performs with the kind of passion and appreciation that you'd want to see in every athlete. He'll be an inspiration to everyone on the team. Every time anyone thinks about how tough they have it, they'll look at him and keep going.
Round 4: Mark Walton, RB, Miami
He was averaging 7.6 yards per carry for the Canes before an ankle injury shortened his season. Yes, we're addressing a position group that, when healthy, looks very solid. But this kid is going to make a team very happy. It might as well be a local emotion.
Round 6: Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
This kid ran a 4.32 at the combine and if he's still here in round six I'll walk downstairs to the war room and make the call myself (then I'll file for unemployment but hey, I took a stand!). He can play in the slot or outside. Did I mention he's fast?
Round 6: Zachary Crabtree, OT, Oklahoma State
He can play right or left tackle. He used to play basketball like so many of the great tackles (helps the footwork). He's a First Team All Big-12 selection, and I like the guys who moved the needle in college. Critics say he's overly used to the shotgun. Well, in 2018 let's just say I won't be surprised if the majority of Texans snaps are out of the 'gun.'
Round 6: Davin Bellamy, OLB, Georgia
He's a team captain who plays with ferocity but doesn't have the marquee value of a lot of other SEC players. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback and proponents say his tenacity has a rub-off effect on his teammates. He's not perfect but it's the 6th round and seeing him here is like finding out that Pappasitos was open later than you thought.
Round 7: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, South Florida
It's getting late and receivers coach John Perry stands on a table and implores Gaine to take this young man who happened to run a 4.37 at the combine. He put up gobs of yac yards at South Florida and will get a shot to return kicks in the pros. In the 7th round, when in doubt, take the fast guy.
