Loading ...During Friday night’s second and third rounds of the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans picked Ohio State WR DeVier Posey and Miami (Ohio) G Brandon Brooks. The Texans initially held the 26th (58th overall) pick in the second round, but decided to trade down to 5th (68th overall) pick in the third round where they made the move for Posey. Through the Demeco Ryans trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Texans also had the 13th (76th overall) pick in the third round, where they selected Brooks. Both moves addressed offensive needs for the team, but did not come with a bit of surprise and intrigue.
Prior to the draft, much was made of the Texans’ needing a #2 wide receiver to play alongside Andre Johnson. Many fans were slightly disappointed the team didn’t nab a WR in the first round, but were generally satisfied with DE Whitney Mercilus. Those same Texans fans again groaned when the team traded out of the second round and into the third. But the biggest shock of all was when the team drafted Posey. At pick 58, there were still several highly touted WRs left on the board led by Rueben Randle. The Texans decided on Devier Posey, a guy who, to say the least, had an up and down career at Ohio St. Posey finished his Buckeye career with 136 catches, 1,955 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns in 41 games played, starting 29 of them. At the NFL Combine, Posey measured in at 6’2”, 215 lbs. and ran an impressive 4.37 40-yard dash, ranking among the fastest receivers in attendance.
Unfortunately, when reflecting on Posey’s college career, most will remember him not for what he did on the field, but rather what happened off it. Posey was part of the group of Buckeye football players who served two 5-game suspensions in 2011. Posey was guilty of selling his 2008 Big Ten Championship ring, and allegedly being overpaid for a summer job by a booster. Posey only played in three games as a senior, totaling 12 catches for 162 yards and 2 TDs. For many, this put a big black mark on his draft resume, leading many “experts” to project Posey as a Day 3 prospect, going somewhere between the 5th and 7th rounds.
However, the Texans liked what they saw. When asked about the controversial pick, offensive coordinator Rick Dennison responded, “He made a mistake,” Dennison said. “From the checkups that we all did, starting with (general manager) Rick (Smith) and myself, (wide receivers coach) Larry Kirksey, (head coach) Gary Kubiak, we all checked with whoever we could and felt pretty comfortable that it was a mistake he made… We thought we had a talent that was comparable to some of the guys that were taken a lot earlier.”
Posey himself appears humbled by the experience. He reportedly still attended practice and film session every day during his total 10 game suspension. Regarding his suspension, Posey said, ““It was the hardest thing really I had to go through in my life,” Posey said. “I feel that having to sit and watch was one of the most humbling experiences. I felt that I was Ohio State’s biggest fan. It was hard.” Posey continued, “It was something I learned my lessons from. I’m moving forward. It’s made me a better man and a better person. I’m just excited just to get down to Houston and get to work.”
With the organization’s second third round pick, the Texans went with Brandon Brooks, a four year starter for Miami (Ohio), combining for 41 starts at LG, LT, and RG. Brooks comes in at 6’5”, 343 lbs., ran a 4.98 40-yard dash and the combine, and having experience in a zone-blocking run scheme similar to the one the Texans utilize. Dennison noted that he had never coached a player of Brooks’ size and was excited to see what he could do. Brooks will start off playing guard, specifically competing with current starting RG Antoine Caldwell.
Both of the Texans’ Day 2 selections address big team needs. Posey of course was the surprise, and while the Texans may have reached for him in accordance to “experts” predictions, they targeted a productive guy they liked and traded back for him. Posey should immediately compete for playing time at WR. Brooks helps to fill the depth issues the Texans have along the right side of their OL. Overall, the Texans succeed big time in round 3 of the draft. Cant wait to see what the team does on the final day of the NFL Draft.
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