Rookie Ryans could start in Houston

By Connor Byrne  |   Tuesday, June 20, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Houston Texans
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In April's NFL Draft, the Houston Texans used their second-round pick on outside linebacker DeMeco Ryans, a former University of Alabama star. The Texans were hoping the 33rd overall selection would become a solid player, and it appears they're getting their wish. Thus far, Ryans is developing much quicker than expected, and even has the edge on a starting job.

At the moment, Ryans is competing with Morlon Greenwood for the Texans' weak-side linebacker spot. The 6-2, 236-pound Ryans was expected to be a late first-round choice in the draft, but he fell out of the round somehow, leading ex-Texans GM Charley Casserly to scoop him up before he missed out on a player with the ability to be a special pro.

Ryans' best traits are his intelligence, character and ability to lead. Houston's defense, which finished dead last in points allowed last season, is in desperate need of a playmaker who can motivate and inspire his teammates. Well, luckily for defensive coordinator Richard Smith, it appears the organization may have found that player.

As long as Ryans continues proving he has what it takes to be a legitimate rookie contributor this summer, there's no reason why he shouldn't be one of the Texans' opening day starting linebackers.

Greenwood, his counterpart, is a solid veteran performer, but he has nowhere near the talent Ryans possesses.

Last season, Greenwood started 16 games for the Houston Texans, accumulating 112 total tackles and a pair of sacks. However, tackles can tend to be an overrated statistic, and they are in Greenwood's case. The 27-year-old piled up many of his takedowns after solid to great gains by the opposing offense, so his tackle output is nothing to be excited about. Also, the fact that he had just a pair of sacks and no forced turnovers shows that he's not a game-changer.

Ryans, on the other hand, has the rare ability to win games with one big play. He might be able to come off the edge and rush the quarterback like Dallas Cowboys second-year phenom DeMarcus Ware, making him that much more valuable.

Greenwood, a five-year veteran, will likely end up being out of luck in Houston. If Ryans wins the starting job, Greenwood would fill a backup role, which would be fine with Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. If players compete for a No.1 job and the loser of the battle becomes a solid depth player, the Texans, who went 2-14 in '05, are making progress.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on DeMeco Ryans at Realfootball365.com
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