The Houston Texans have a short history from which to choose, but their best draft classes helped set up playoff runs. Naturally, they started with defensive stars.
Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina State, first round, 1st overall: Williams wasn't considered the consensus first overall pick that year, as many fans wanted Vince Young or Reggie Bush. The Texans went with defense, though, and fared well with this pick. Although Williams had a few injury issues, he helped elevate the Texans defense and went to two Pro Bowls while with the Texans. When Williams left Houston, he was the Texans' franchise leader in sacks.
DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama, second round, 33rd overall: He was the unquestioned emotional leader of the Texans defense and a tremendous player. Ryans was the AP defensive rookie of the year in 2006, and a Pro Bowler in 2007 and 2009. He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2007. His leadership in the locker room and on the field drove a Texans defense that became fearsome by the time the team made its first playoff appearance in 2011.
Eric Winston, OT, Miami, third round, 66th overall: Winston was the first piece in what would become a strong and dependable offensive line. The Texans also got Mike Brisiel, a long-time right guard, as an undrafted free agent that year. Winston started in 87 games of 92 played for the Texans as their right tackle. His leadership ability grew into off-the-field pursuits as Winston is now the president of the NFL Players Association. He is one of four members of this draft class who had 10-year careers.
Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin, fourth round, 98th overall: In his second season, Daniels became the Texans' starting tight end and an important part of Gary Kubiak's offense. The Texans relied on Daniels for eight seasons during which he had 385 catches, 4,617 yards and 29 touchdowns. He went to two Pro Bowls and was vital to the success of quarterback Matt Schaub. Daniels was usually one of the Texans' top three receivers with Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster. Daniels finally won a Super Bowl last season with the Denver Broncos.
David Anderson, WR, Colorado State, seventh round, 251st overall: Seventh-round picks don't often last long in the NFL, but Anderson was a solid role player for the Texans for six seasons. He played in 63 games, recording 120 catches for 895 yards.
Next-best Texans draft class: If we were to count all rookie acquisitions, 2009 would have beat 2006 -- that's the year Foster joined the team as an undrafted rookie. The draft class alone, though, is a close second to 2006. Linebacker Brian Cushing was the first-round pick and was named defensive rookie of the year. The Texans took pass-rusher Connor Barwin in the second round, offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell in the third round and safety Glover Quin in the fourth round. Barwin and Cushing headlined this class, and they became critical parts of a defense nicknamed the "Bulls on Parade."
