Yep. I'm happy, hopefully we can get Randy Bullock or Blair Walsh.

Texans GM Rick Smith was interviewed last night but he gave no specific hints at all what they're targeting with the 26th pick tonight. All he said is we're going for the best player available and not letting team needs affect their decision. They see a lot of impact players and future pro bowlers in the later rounds. He thinks this is a deep draft and feels the Texans scouting department is without a doubt the best in the NFL.

Welcome to Houston, Mecilus. Need I think we're gonna get a T/G and a WR tomorrow.

The Texans lost a premier pass rusher via free agency. They likely expect they found a replacement Thursday.

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus went to the Texans with the No. 26 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, a pass-rush specialist selected to step in for another quarterback killer, Mario Williams, who left the team in the offseason.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 265-pound Mercilus was a consensus first-team All-American and the winner of the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end after leading the nation and the Big Ten in sacks (16.0), sacks per game (1.23) and forced fumbles (9).

Mercilus totaled 57 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles, six quarterback hurries, one pass break-up and one fumble recovery in 2011, leaving the Illini after his junior year for the Draft.


He's about the same size as Barwin and Reed, an inch taller and about 5 LBs heavier. This kid could be the JPP of this draft IMO. Going to be a beast.

Is the plan to move Brooks Reed to ILB alongside Cushing? If Whitney Mercilus is a better edge rusher as an OLB? Or can he play DE and eventually replace Antonio Smith? Be on the other side of J.J. Watt in the 3-4 defense. What position is he going to play? I would like to see an immediate starter. Watt and Reed spoiled us last year so I only expect another rookie to play well.

...i dont even...just dont even worry about it ryan.

I need to know the starters right now! LOL. The faster I know the quicker Tecmo Super Bowl 2K13 will be out with the updated patch.

Mercilus will be a pass rusher, and he's going to rotate with Barwin and Reed. Unless one of them go down, he isn't going to start.