Player-by-player analysis of Texans’ expansion draft
By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Feb. 25, 2002
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Texans OT
Tony Boselli
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Considering the talent available, the situation they were in and the salary-cap
ramifications, the Texans did as well as anyone could have done under the circumstances of
the expansion draft. The draft’s purpose is not to make the Texans a good team
overnight, and that is just not going to happen. Because three teams were in salary-cap
hell, the Texans were able to get eight good players from the Jaguars, the Jets and the
Ravens. After that, they basically went for lower-priced players who fill roles or have
the potential to develop. Here’s a rundown of the 19 players they selected:
| 1. |
OT Tony Boselli, Jaguars |
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The prize of the whole package. If this guy is healthy, he is the best
offensive lineman, the best building block and the best tackle in the game. The
"if" deals with his injuries. This is where the medical staff and how good it is
comes into play. If the Texans’ staff that cleared him is correct, Boselli is a great
addition, despite his high cap number. If the staff was incorrect, it will hurt the team
for years to come. |
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| 2. |
ORT Ryan Young, Jets |
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Young will be the starting right tackle for the Texans and could be for
the next 10 years if he continues to progress. He’s big, strong, fairly athletic,
coordinated and doesn’t make many mistakes. |
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| 3. |
CB Aaron Glenn, Jets |
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Can be a shut-down corner in the Darrell Green mold if he stays healthy. |
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| 4. |
DT Gary Walker, Jaguars |
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Many scouts felt he should have been voted a Pro Bowl starter this past
season. He’s a quality defensive tackle and can play in Dom Capers’ 3-4 defense. |
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| 5. |
LB Jamie Sharper, Ravens |
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Could be a steal. Can play inside or outside. He’s a terrific player
who deserved Pro Bowl consideration the last two years. After five years in the league, he
still may be an ascending player. |
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| 6. |
WR Jermaine Lewis, Ravens |
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To earn his $4 million salary, he’ll have to play as a slot receiver,
as well as a return man. He’s the most dangerous return player in the game, is as
quick and fast as anyone in football and can break a game open. |
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| 7. |
CB Marcus Coleman, Jets |
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Can be the big, physical corner everyone is looking for if he stays
focused. That is a big if; the only coach for whom he has played up to his potential is
Bill Belichick. |
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| 8. |
DT Seth Payne, Jaguars |
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A player who has gotten better and better to the point where he is a
300-pound defensive lineman who is better than anyone thought he could be. |
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| 9. |
OG Matt Campbell, Redskins |
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A confident left guard who runs well and is athletic. Scouts wish his
playing strength was a little better. |
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| 10. |
S Matt Stevens, Patriots |
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Has a chance to start at safety. Excellent special-teams player. Is fast,
big and smart. Played quite a bit for the Patriots last year, and I’m sure they hated
to lose him. |
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| 11. |
OG Jeremy McKinney, Browns |
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Can be an adequate right guard. A tough guy with tenacity. Has good
strength but is limited athletically. |
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| 12. |
OL Ryan Schau, Eagles |
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Can be a backup at any position on the line and gives some versatility to
the team. |
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| 13. |
RS-RB Charlie Rogers, Seahawks |
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One of the best return specialists in the game but has a propensity to
fumble. Also can be used as a third-down back. |
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| 14. |
LS-TE Sean McDermott, Buccaneers |
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One of the best deep-snappers in the game. In a pinch, can play a little
bit of tight end. |
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| 15. |
DE Jabari Issa, Cardinals |
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Is an athletic 300-pounder who didn’t make the progress the Cardinals
hoped he would. |
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| 16. |
WR Avion Black, Bills |
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Was very productive in college. Came out a year early and maybe
shouldn’t have. Has not done much in two years in Buffalo but has quickness, speed
and could return kicks. |
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| 17. |
QB Danny Wuerffel, Bears |
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Has since been traded to Washington in exchange for DT Jerry DeLoach. If
DeLoach doesn't make the Texans' final roster, the Redskins will have to give Houston
their seventh-round draft choice in 2003. |
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| 18. |
LB Brian Allen, Rams |
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Was a bust as a third-round pick last year, but he’s still pretty
athletic and fast and can play on special teams. Could be one of these guys who develops
after a disappointing rookie year. |
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| 19. |
TE-FB Johnny Huggins, Cowboys |
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He’s a low-priced player who has possibilities as a fullback, H-back
and tight end and can help on special teams. |
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