We’re taking a round-by-round look at the players who have been drafted by the Texans since their inaugural season in 2002. In particular focus are the picks made since 2007, Rick Smith’s first draft as Texans general manager.
Bold denotes made Texans’ active roster that season
*Denotes finished 2011 season on an NFL roster
#Denotes Pro Bowlers
Texans third-round draft picks
2010: Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona (81 overall)*
2009: Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama (77)*
2008: Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia (89)*
2008: Antwaun Molden, CB, Eastern Kentucky (79)*
2007: Jacoby Jones, WR, Lane College (73)*
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2006: Eric Winston, T, Miami (66)*
2006: Charles Spencer, T, Pittsburgh (65)
2005: Vernand Morency, RB, Oklahoma State (73)
2003: Dave Ragone, QB, Louisville (88)
2003: Seth Wand, T, NW Missouri State (75)
2003: Antwan Peek, LB, Cincinnati (67)
2002: Charles Hill, DT, Maryland (83)
2002: Fred Weary, G, Tennessee (66)
All five of the Texans’ third-round picks under Rick Smith are still in the NFL. None of them have made the Pro Bowl, but Slaton (26), Caldwell (13) and Jones (13) have all started games for Houston.
Caldwell, Mitchell and Jones are still with the Texans. Caldwell could take over as the Texans’ full-time starting right guard in 2012 with Mike Brisiel leaving in free agency. Mitchell rotated at nose tackle with Shaun Cody last season as the Texans ranked second in defense and fourth against the run. Jones has been the Texans’ third receiver for the last couple seasons and has a team-record four kick returns (three punt, one kickoff) for touchdowns.
Slaton set a team record with 1,282 rushing yards as a rookie in 2008. He was released in 2011, two years after a neck injury landed him on injured reserve, and signed by the Miami Dolphins. Molden was one of the Texans’ top special teams players as a rookie but injured his ankle late in the season and played sparingly over the next two years. He spent 2011 with the New England Patriots and is now with the New York Giants.
