FanPost

The 2016 Draft Does Not Matter to the 2016 Houston Texans...with Dan Peschong

I’m Catholic so I know all about blasphemy…. though it is normally by others.


Yes, the 2016 NFL draft matters to the fans. This is what we ache and debate and lose sleep about.

Yes, the 2016 NFL draft matters to the NFL. It is another piece to their domination of the sports media and the sports fan’s attention during a time when they are months after the Super Bowl and months before training camp.

Yes, the 2016 NFL draft matters to Mel Kiper Jr., Mike Mayock and would have mattered to the late, great Joel Buchsbaum, who practically created the draft craziness through his insane dedication and research of the players to be drafted.

Yes, the 2016 NFL draft matters to future editions of the team. They need players who will cheaply develop into starters and important role players of the future. Develop is the operative word here.

But as far as the 2016 Houston Texans go, this draft does not matter to the ultimate success of this football team.

Yes, there could be a play here or there where a rookie could win or lose them a game, but stated plainly the fortune of the 2016 team rides squarely on the shoulders of the returning veterans and those players they recently added through Free Agency and especially on Brock Osweiler.

Looking back the Texans have never had a rookie who changed the team one way or the other. The closest was of course J.J. Watt, who "only" had 5.5 sacks as a rookie (gee – we are spoiled).

Granted, his Pick Six one handed interception against the Bengals, began his metamorphoses from talent to legend. But the team did not make the playoffs on the back of that rookie and almost missed it because of the injury to Matt Schaub.

So, bone up for the draft. Zone in on that one player you think they should take, missed taking, or did take.

But don’t fool yourself that this draft will be the difference maker for this team. The die has been cast already.


Dan Peschong

"Dear Lord, just one Texans' Super Bowl before I die."