If offensive linemen are the diesel-burning big rigs of the gridiron, then Alex Gibbs is the master mechanic. Like any good craftsman, he knows exactly what it takes to get the gears turning and the wheels rolling. That’s why when Alex Gibbs said the fleet needed an overhaul, the front office went out and got him a custom ordered, maroon and orange semi, with a die-hard engine and speed to burn. Duane Brown was brought in with the Texans’ first pick of the 2008 NFL draft (26th overall). At 6’5", 310 lbs, he is a built like a Mack Truck without the trailer. It was his size and speed that made him highly coveted by the Texans coaching staff. In a quote pulled from Nick Scurfield’s Texans.com article head coach Gary Kubiak said:

While many draftniks thought that taking Brown in the first was a big reach, the Texans' war room generals had a plan. They knew they had to bring in a lineman who could handle the zone-blocking scheme and they needed more picks. By swapping slots with Baltimore and acquiring two extra picks, they were able to satisfy both needs in one fell swoop.

So what’s so special about Duane Brown? For starters, he, like Eric Winston, is a converted tight end. According to Virginia Tech’s 2007 media guide, he was moved from tight end to right tackle a mere two weeks before the start of the 2005 season and was named the opening day starter. In his first game at right tackle he faced none other than Mario Williams. At his post-draft press conference, Duane was asked to comment about his encounter with Williams.

He started at right tackle for two full seasons before moving over to left tackle in his senior year. In those three years, Brown racked up 42 consecutive starts.

Image details: ACC Championship - Virginia Tech v Boston College served by picapp.com

In his senior season, Brown boasted an outstanding 89% blocking consistency average. By comparison, the overall first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, Jake Long, had an 88% blocking consistency rating in his final year at Michigan.

That ability to ward off defenders earned Brown 2nd Team All-ACC honors for his junior and senior seasons. He also won back-to-back Richmond Touchdown Club Offensive Lineman of the year awards. Probably the most telling were the awards he was given in-house. He earned the President’s Award as the most outstanding leader on offense to start the 2007. He was also elected a weight room captain.

You know he’s going to experience his fair share of hot days in the sweltering heat of the Bayou City. Its good to know we have someone who is willing to work, no matter what the conditions.

His athleticism goes beyond his 5.0 forty-yard dash (4.91 at his pro day). As a member of the special teams unit, he used his 28 vertical to block three kicks. He also caught three passes and scored a touchdown his freshman year. Going forward, his speed should allow him to get to the point of attack quickly, and his size should keep the defenders from sealing the hole.

There isn’t a lot of video on Duane Brown, because basically, LT is not the sexiest position to film. He’s not one of those guys who came out of high school as the next big thing at the tackle position, so he’s been flying under the radar the past few years. Make no mistake--he's one talented football player. Regarded as the most athletic on the Virginia Tech roster, he has the character and work ethic to get the job done. I can’t wait to see what kind of numbers this rig can pull once Alex Gibbs is done overhauling the engine.