There has been lots of debate in Houston about
who the Texans should take in their number one draft pick for the 2006-07
season. More specifically, this debate centers around two very talented players
- quarterback of the 2006 National Champion University of Texas Longhorns Vince Young and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush of the USC Trojans. While
drafting either player could have positive results for the Texans (it would be
hard to do any worse than last seasons 2 – 14 record), it is the opinion of this
journalist that one pick would certainly be better than the other for Houston in
the long run.
Vince Young was a fantastic quarterback for the
Texas Longhorns. During his national championship season, Young threw for an
amazing 3,036 yards with a 65.2 completion percentage. He ended the season with
a rating of 163.9 and unanimously given the title of the Big 12’s Player of the
Year for 2005. During his three year career at Texas he also rushed for a total
of 3,127 yards – as a quarterback mind you.
Reggie Bush could arguably be one of the best
running backs to play in the NFL. While he played just three years for the USC
Trojans he mounted some astonishing statistics as well. He totaled 3,169 yards,
gaining 1,740 during his final year before announcing himself for the draft
earlier this year. Additionally he scored 38 touchdowns between rushing and
receiving, all while never fumbling the ball in his collegiate career.
Now, it should be established that I am truly a
fan of the game and give credit where credit is due. Both of these players are
world class and would make a dramatic impact on the Texans organization,
regardless of who is drafted. But I believe that what the Texans need is not
another world class quarterback, but someone with the ability to make every play
a potential big one. Reggie Bush is the man for the Texans.
I know a lot of Texans fans, Houstonians in
particular, feel a certain draw towards drafting a hometown boy like Vince
Young. While I can certainly understand, I just don’t think that Vince Young
would push the Texans as far as the addition of Reggie Bush. Young’s style of
quarterback, while successful in the NCAA, would not have the same impact in the
NFL as it did on the field in Royal-Memorial Stadium. He can throw the ball,
but he has nearly as many rushing yards as a Heisman Trophy winning running
back. Is that really what you want your quarterback, the future of your
organization, doing? Running exposed amongst some of the best defensive backs
in the league? For me, I say leave the rushing to the running backs. Bush has
the ability to make something from nothing and given the offensive line that
Houston currently has, this is just what they need.
David Carr has just had his contract extended.
This says to me that the big guys spending late nights in the fabled War Room,
hashing out every possible benefit and detriment that each pick could have,
realize the same thing that I do. Houston already has a good quarterback,
especially considering the poor protection he’s had during the last four years.
Put him behind an offensive line that can protect him, give him confidence to
stay in the pocket, throw the ball, and he is given the opportunity to take
Houston all the way to the big game. Give him an option like Reggie Bush and
the offense could become one of the best in the NFL.
Drafting Bush brings a new set of concerns.
Some would argue that Domanick Davis is all the running back Houston needs.
Certainly he did have a good season last year with an average of 4.2 yards per
carry. Since he is a solid running back, Houston should utilize this advantage
by trading him for some power on the front lines to protect Carr and give Bush
the space he needs to run.
I know that not all Texans fans will agree with
me. In fact, most of you probably won’t. But say the Texans do pass on Bush
and take Young. Do you really want to sit and watch the highlight reels of
Reggie as he bounds his way into the records books, knowing that he could be
setting those records for Houston? A chance at a player like this comes once in
a blue moon. Houston needs to make the most of this opportunity and do what is
right for the Texans in the long run.