http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/1858512 Free-agent visits will take a back seat over the next couple of weeks, but that doesn't mean the Texans are putting away the red carpet for the offseason. University of Utah tackle Jordan Gross dropped by Reliant Stadium on Tuesday, kicking off a busy week for the Texans, who will entertain, among other players, Miami receiver Andre Johnson and Arizona State defensive end Terrell Suggs today, Miami running back Willis McGahee on Thursday and Michigan State receiver Charlie Rogers on Friday. As recently as a couple of months ago, Gross was slotted as the third overall pick by the Texans on most mock-draft boards. Although the Texans' subsequent offseason moves would seem to rule that out, there are some scenarios in which Gross could land in Houston. By most accounts, Gross is not a top-three pick, and the Texans' need for help at tackle is not as pressing since they signed free agent Zach Wiegert to a five-year, $17 million contract and traded for veteran Greg Randall. The fact five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tony Boselli is recovering nicely from shoulder surgery and has been impressive during offseason workouts lessens the urgency to draft a tackle in the first round. But the Texans' season is proof a team can't have too many quality offensive linemen. Collectively, Boselli, Ryan Young and Ryan Schau -- all projected starters in 2002 -- missed 35 games because of injuries. As a result, the Texans often fielded makeshift offensive lines, which contributed to David Carr's being sacked a record 76 times. Gross is considered the top offensive tackle in the draft, but part of his appeal is his versatility. He can play both tackle positions and has experience at guard. The Texans plan to play Chester Pitts at left guard, with Fred Weary and Milford Brown vying for the starting job on the right side. Adding Gross would bolster the depth across the board, but it seems unlikely unless the Texans trade down from the No. 3 spot. "I'm expecting to go anywhere from the third pick to the 12th through 15th," Gross said. "If the Texans decide to trade, it's still an option. And if they don't, it's still an option. On draft day, I'll definitely be sitting on the edge of my seat for about two hours waiting to see what will happen." Gross turned down an opportunity to get some on-the-job training with the Texans' coaching staff when he backed out of the Senior Bowl. Dom Capers and his staff coached the North team (for which Gross would have played) the entire week during practices and in the game. Originally, Gross had committed to play in the game, but changed his mind. "I don't have any regrets on not going to the Senior Bowl," he said. "I sat down beforehand and talked to my family and my wife, and we just decided if I went and got hurt, it wasn't worth the possible reward. And I don't really feel like I would be in any different situation had I gone now and done great." Gross did help his stock with a solid combine. Scouts were impressed with his footwork and initial burst. He participated in all of the drills in Indianapolis and bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times, one of the best performances in the category among players at his position.
Why are the Texans not more interested in Terrence Newman the lock-down corner from K-State, I think?
Damn right. He's not as physical as Jammer, but he's a better athlete, who has the speed to cover ground when the receiver beats him.
Maybe because he's 25? I would think that would be a biggie, assuming they just don't think he's as great as hyped or don't view cb as a huge need.
Mcgahee and Rogers are comin to town. Our offense would be dynamite if we could get our hand on both of them. I recently saw an article ststing that the Bengals are shopping the pick because they feel they could still get Palmer as far down as the 6th pick. In the article it clearly stated that the Bengals would the 3rd pick the most if they decided to trade down because Palmer would still be safe for the picking being that Houston nor Detroi needs a QB. They are also strongly thinking about drafting for the defense. Terrence Newman and Terrell Suggs have both been mentioned but they dont believe both are either of the first pick. Practically, I wouldnt be suprised if the Bengal trade down.
