Texans Sign Winston

The Houston Texans announced late Monday that they have officially signed OLs Eric Winston and Charles Spencer. The Texans continue their tradition of having every draft pick in franchise history signed before training camp begins.

The Houston Texans made an official statement yesterday announcing that both third round picks have been signed to the team.  Offensive linemen Charles Spencer and Eric Winston are the last draft picks to sign contracts with the team.  I was revealed to the Texan Blitz last week that Spencer had completed an agreement with the Texans, but the statement from the Texans late yesterday confirms those facts.

Anxious fans have been waiting for this news.  Several weeks ago Rick Smith, the Texans new general manager, announced that he would have all draft picks signed before training camp begins.  Smith met his promised deadline, signing all remaining draft picks before camp is scheduled to start this Friday.  The Texans have signed every draft choice made in franchise history to a contract prior to training camp.

The signing of Eric Winston (6-7, 310) was the big news.  Winston had been the last draft pick that remained unsigned, and fans were preparing themselves for possible shifty tactics by Winston’s agent Drew Rosenhaus.  However, the positioning was unneeded and unnecessary as the Texans become the first team to sign all draft picks this season.

Winston was the second pick of the third round made by the Texans.  He was selected 66^th overall and was the second offensive lineman taken by the Texans, just behind the 65^th pick Charles Spencer.  Winston is a Texas native, born in Midland, Texas.  He played college football at the University of Miami as a tight end during his freshman year.  His sophomore year he moved to tackle and started every game.  During his collegiate career, Winston was endowed with All-ACC first team honors and All-American second team honors.

Having all draft picks signed going into training camp is a great motivator for the team.  All the players on the field know now that his teammates are ready to play and make the most out of the 2006 season.  I’m sure everyone is chomping at the bit to get out there and prove that the Texans are not the same team as last season.

Unfortunately for FB Nick Luchey and S Jamaal Lord, they had to be released in order to make room for the two rookies to be on the roster.