04-19-2006, 04:29 PM
As the April 29 draft approaches, there are increasing rumors and reports that the Houston Texans are now torn between running back Reggie Bush and defensive end Mario Williams.
The prevailing thought in league circles is that it's about the money. As in Bush apparently wants too much of it. And Williams apparently doesn't.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle explains that the team's interest in Williams is genuine, suggesting at one point that Williams could be the next Reggie White. But is McClain merely helping the Texans in their efforts to temper Bush's financial demands?
It's been reported for months that Bush will be the pick. ESPN's Chris Mortensen said so way back in January. We scoffed at the suggestion at the time, since so much can happen in the days leading up to the draft.
If the Texans are to be believed now, Mario Williams has happened -- and Williams could in the end be the guy.
Lost in the current discussion is quarterback Vince Young, which makes us even more convinced that the Texans had been flirting with him as a mere courtesy to the citizens of Vince's hometown of Houston. Really, if the Texans were genuinely interested in drafting a quarterback at No. 1, wouldn't they also be taking a look-see at Matt Leinart? In this specific case, where the interest in Young is aimed at placating the locals, adding Leinart to the debate would only risk pissing them off -- even though to the trained eye it would be proof that the interest in Young is real.
And we still don't rule out the possibility that the Texans are pumping up Williams to ensure that, if they ultimately trade down to No. 3, the Saints will pounce on Williams over Bush at No. 2. Then, the Texans get Bush two slots lower -- which necessarily will make his demands lower.
But not much lower, since Browns receiver Braylon Edwards ended up with a great contract in the three hole a year ago. In fact, whichever team lands in the third spot this year will be cursing Edwards' name when negotiations get going, because the agent for the No. 3 choice will be trying his damnedest to get the same kind of deal.
The prevailing thought in league circles is that it's about the money. As in Bush apparently wants too much of it. And Williams apparently doesn't.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle explains that the team's interest in Williams is genuine, suggesting at one point that Williams could be the next Reggie White. But is McClain merely helping the Texans in their efforts to temper Bush's financial demands?
It's been reported for months that Bush will be the pick. ESPN's Chris Mortensen said so way back in January. We scoffed at the suggestion at the time, since so much can happen in the days leading up to the draft.
If the Texans are to be believed now, Mario Williams has happened -- and Williams could in the end be the guy.
Lost in the current discussion is quarterback Vince Young, which makes us even more convinced that the Texans had been flirting with him as a mere courtesy to the citizens of Vince's hometown of Houston. Really, if the Texans were genuinely interested in drafting a quarterback at No. 1, wouldn't they also be taking a look-see at Matt Leinart? In this specific case, where the interest in Young is aimed at placating the locals, adding Leinart to the debate would only risk pissing them off -- even though to the trained eye it would be proof that the interest in Young is real.
And we still don't rule out the possibility that the Texans are pumping up Williams to ensure that, if they ultimately trade down to No. 3, the Saints will pounce on Williams over Bush at No. 2. Then, the Texans get Bush two slots lower -- which necessarily will make his demands lower.
But not much lower, since Browns receiver Braylon Edwards ended up with a great contract in the three hole a year ago. In fact, whichever team lands in the third spot this year will be cursing Edwards' name when negotiations get going, because the agent for the No. 3 choice will be trying his damnedest to get the same kind of deal.