Passing on Bush already haunting Houston

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, July 09, 2006  |  Comments( 11 )

Houston Texans
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In April's NFL Draft, the Houston Texans famously decided to use the No. 1 overall selection on Mario Williams, a physically imposing defensive end from North Carolina State. In doing so, the organization elected to pass on running back Reggie Bush, last year's Heisman Trophy winner from Southern Cal. The move drew much furor among Texan fans, since Bush was thought of as the most talented player to enter the draft in years.

One of the main reasons the Texans' former general manager, Charley Casserly, decided to choose Williams over Bush had to do with the team already having a solid ball-carrier in Domanick Davis.

The three-year veteran has certainly been a good back in the pros, averaging a career 4.1 yards per carry behind a formerly suspect Houston offensive line. Undoubtedly, the franchise gave Davis a vote of confidence in handing him the starting job, but his injuries are becoming cause for concern.

The 5-9, 221-pound Davis has been battling knee issues this offseason, forcing the Texans to try and find a last-minute productive back. On the roster, veteran Antowain Smith is the most experienced, but he's never been profoundly productive as a starter during his mediocre nine-year career.

Behind Smith is second-year man Vernand Morency, who was chosen in the third round of the 2005 Draft by the Texans. As a rookie the 212-pounder impressed, averaging four yards per rush and demonstrating some solid potential. However, like Davis, Morency has also battled injuries this offseason. The former Oklahoma State star is dealing with Plantar Fasciitis, which has stopped head coach Gary Kubiak from giving him many reps during mini-camps.

The dark-horse to step in over the summer could be Wali Lundy, a rookie sixth-round pick from Virginia. The 5-11, 214-pounder was a standout with the Cavaliers, which is why the Texans elected to use one of their draft choices on him. Ironically, Lundy has also fought injuries that have recently denied him from working out with the team. If the 22-year-old regains health, he could be a viable option in Houston early on.

Of course, the Texans wouldn't be worrying about their injuries at running back, had they picked Bush with the top overall selection. Hindsight's always 20/20, but it seems as though the Texans may have made a grievous mistake. Davis has been an injury-prone back throughout his career, Antowain Smith is 34 years old, and Morency and Lundy are both dealing with early injury issues in their young careers.

Now that Bush is a member of New Orleans Saints, the Texans could be stuck wondering what could have been, if the 21-year-old becomes as good as most expect.

The Texans are supposed to be much better this upcoming season, but a vast improvement from 2-14 may be difficult without a consistent running game. Kubiak, an offensive guru, better hope his backfield issues sort themselves out, otherwise it will be a bumpy road for the first-year head coach.

Meanwhile, Mario Williams is stuck with an unfair amount of pressure on himself to perform at an extremely high level. It's always tough living up to being the No. 1 pick, especially when being compared to Bush, who has been called "a once in a lifetime athlete."

The 6-7, 295-pound end better bring his "A" game immediately, or the Houston Texans' faithful will grow even more impatient than they already are. Since their team is just 18-46 in its young history, it's hard to blame those fans for their anger.

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

Get more on the Houston Texans' runners at Realfootball365.com
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