NFL Europe's league office kicked off the roster formation process over the
weekend by assigning 100 players to the six teams. That was followed up by the
head coaches' draft of the remaining NFL players that were designated to
represent their clubs this spring. To round out the rosters, a free agent draft
-- made up of players who are not currently under contract with an NFL team --
was conducted.
Here's where the Houston Texans players who are heading for Europe will be
playing when the league kicks off it's 14th season on March 18th:
Jason Davis, DT: Davis was one of the top 100 assigned players who
landed with the Berlin Thunder. Davis has been associated with the Texans since
signing as an undrafted free agent back in 2003. He spent time on the practice
squad that year and was even promoted to the active roster towards the end of
the season. The following year resulted in more practice squad time, but he was
released in the final wave of training camp cuts in 2005.
Anthony Floyd, S: Floyd was on the Colts practice squad in 2003 and
the regular roster for part of 2003 and 2004. He has played in 17 games and has
38 tackles and a fumble recovery to date. He was also assigned to Berlin. Floyd
could be a nice find for the Texans with the game experience he gained in
Indianapolis.
Elliott Harris, DL: The former Arkansas lineman was a pickup by the
Texans in December after he spent about a month on the Packers practice squad.
Prior to that, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh, but was
released in their first round of camp cuts. He was assigned to the Frankfurt
Galaxy.
Aaron Halterman, TE: The undrafted rookie out of Indiana was a Texans
practice squad member this past season. He was assigned to the Rhein Fire.
Andre Torrey, LB: Torrey was the first Texan drafted by the head
coaches. He was in the Patriots training camp in 2005, but was released from
their practice squad in mid-September. He was a second-round pick by Berlin.
Kendrick Starling, WR: Starling was signed back in 2004 as an
undrafted free agent by Houston, but he's bounced around between the Texans,
Seahawks and Saints camps and practice squads. He was drafted in the
fourth-round by the Rhein Fire.
Kevin Curtis, S: Also drafted in the fourth round was Curtis, who
started his NFL career with the 49ers back in 2002. He was actually a draft pick
by the Niners, but hit some bad luck when he tore his MCL during a preseason
game and was put on injured reserve. He was also unable to play in 2003 as a
result of the injury. The Packers gave him a two-week look late in training camp
in 2004, and then he got a shot with the Raiders in 2005. He lasted until the
first cuts of their training camp. Curtis will continue to try to mount his
comeback, this time with the Texans, following a stint with the Cologne
Centurions.
Mark Estelle, CB: Estelle was an undrafted free agent out of Utah State who landed with the Ravens for his first NFL training camp in 2005. He
made it to the final cut, but will now be suiting up for the Centurions along
with Curtis.
Jarrell Weaver, S: Weaver's only opportunity in 2005 was with the
Colts. The former University of Miami defensive back was signed April 15th, but
was waived in mid-July. He was on the Jets practice squad in 2004. Weaver was
drafted in the eighth round by Berlin.
Neal Philpot, TE: In the 18th round, the Centurions added yet another
Texan with the selection of Philpot. He got a look from the Jaguars for about
two weeks in May before being released. Philpot played quarterback and fullback
at Pittsburgh State.
Snapshot by team
Berlin Thunder: Jason Davis, DT; Anthony Floyd, S; Andre Torrey,
LB; Jarrell Weaver, S
Cologne Centurions: Kevin Curits, S; Mark Estelle, CB; Neil Philpot,
TE
Rhein Fire: Aaron Halterman, TE; Kendrick Starling, WR
Frankfurt Galaxy: Elliott Harris, DL