Just saw off of the NFL Network: Draftees are up, down and all around By Adam Schefter Special to NFL.com Adam Schefter's "Around the League" reports and commentaries can be seen regularly on NFL Total Access. (April 17, 2006) -- For the first time, there is legitimate reason to think that USC running back Reggie Bush is not going to be wind up in Houston, the city that currently holds the No. 1 overall pick. Reggie Bush could still go to Houston, or another team, at No. 1 This does not come from one source or from one team. This comes from multiple sources, from across the league, without any agenda to push. The mounting evidence includes this: As of Monday, the Texans had not had any contract discussions with Bush and his representatives. None. Yet the Texans have approached North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, trying to see if he would be receptive to discussing a deal. But the evidence goes beyond contracts. When Bush was in Houston, a certain segment of the organization never introduced itself to the running back. This might not be unusual, but if the organization was convinced it was taking a certain player, it should be rolling out the welcome mat with everyone trying to make the player feel as at home as possible. This, according to those who know Bush, did not happen. Then there is the simple and significant matter of need. Within the past year, the Texans signed running back Domanick Davis to a long-term extension. They also drafted wide receiver Jerome Mathis, the return man who went to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season. The Texans know they have a dependable running back and return man, the two spots Bush fills. Houston's greater need is at defensive end, and, just as much, at left tackle, a position that could be filled by Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who is expected to go in the top four picks. Yet whether Houston winds up with Williams or Ferguson is unknown. What is known is that Bush no longer is a lock for Houston. As a person in the Bush camp said Monday, "Do I have a feeling that Reggie is going to Houston? No, I have a feeling that he's not." http://nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9381854
The biggest mistake this franchise can make is if they don't do one of the following threeoptions. Take Reggie Bush #1, take VY #1, or trade down. If they take Mario with the #1 pick expect a riot to breakout during the draft party in Houston. This city is basically divided on the two players, imagine if they don't select either of them.
The Texans are covering their bases. Bush and his camp probably want too much money or way more than what the Texans are willing to shell out, so in case the Texans move down they have terms with Williams.
To be honest, I don't think Vince is anywhere in the picture. Even if they trade down, it'll be either Williams or Ferguson.
I still don't get the deal with Davis. That guy hasn't shown in his entire time in the league that he can make it through a season injury-free. What makes anyone think it will be any different this year AND who exactly is going to back him up? Morency? Riiiiiight.
Morency looked good in his limited playing time last season, and we can resign Jonathon Wells. The beauty of the Broncos scheme, is that you can put anyone back there and they can rush for more than 1000 yards, you dont have to have a stud RB.
Dominick Davis hasn't had a problem running behind our offensive line. We haven't had problems when it comes to run blocking.
run blocking is not much of a problem. but, pass blocking is pittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttiful.
Smokescreen! I'll take one battle red Vince jersey! Well maybe not, there taking Bush yall just chill out.
This is some writer for NFL.com? Sounds like the league is trying to drum up at least a small amount of drama leading up to the pick. And really, does it really matter if some of the organization didn't meet him while he was in town? McNair, Casserly and the coaching staff including (especially) Kubiak did. That is all who matter anyway. Hell, he said they went over the freaking playbook together and how they will use him for crying out loud. It has always been Bush and will be Bush. Any story or talk otherwise is just the Texans TRYING to get some advantage going into contract negotiations.
I think the main thing is that the Texans haven't even started negotiations w/ Bush. Like you said, it could just be the Texans trying to get some advantage. Or maybe they are seriously considering about trading down. Probably a smokescreen though.
