Breaking Down the Houston Texans’ 2010 Draft Picks
By Ryan Cook
Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) celebrates after a tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Two weeks removed from the Texans acquiring DeAndre Hopkins in the first round, we now enter that time of the season where things are a little stiff as far as news goes. Luckily, the guys over at WithTheFirstPick.com have taken the time to keep the draft stories coming, by taking a look at the Houston Texans 2010 selections, which featured Kareem Jackson and Ben Tate as the opening round picks.
Click here if you want to check it out, the analysis is posted below with some comment from myself.
Houston Texans
| Player | School | Position | Pick(Rd) | Raw Score | Weighted Score | Draft Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kareem Jackson | Alabama | CB | 20(1) | 18.94 | 19.91 | 2.00 |
| Ben Tate | Auburn | RB | 58(2) | 6.19 | 7.10 | -104.00 |
| Earl Mitchell | Arizona | DT | 81(3) | 10.43 | 12.58 | -24.00 |
| Darryl Sharpton | Miami (FL) | LB | 102(4) | 9.70 | 12.22 | -15.00 |
| Garrett Graham | Wisconsin | TE | 118(4) | 8.69 | 11.31 | -10.00 |
| Sherrick McManis | Northwestern | CB | 144(5) | 7.29 | 9.97 | -5.00 |
| Shelley Smith | Colorado State | G | 187(6) | 8.46 | 12.49 | 57.00 |
| Trindon Holliday | LSU | KR | 197(6) | 2.29 | 3.44 | -10.00 |
| Dorin Dickerson | Pittsburgh | TE | 227(7) | 1.46 | 2.30 | 16.00 |
- Total Raw Score: 73.45 (16th)
- Total Weighted Score: 91.33 (17th)
- Average Raw Score: 8.16 (21st)
- Average Weighted Score: 10.15 (21st)
- Total Draft Value: -93 (22nd)
- Average Draft Value: -10.33 (21st)
Analysis: With the 20th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Kareem Jackson out of Alabama and has been rewarded with three seasons of steady play and starter. There’s not much else you can expect out of a mid to late first round pick. The second round selection of Ben Tate, however, has not lived up to expectations. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, coupled with the emergence of un-drafted sensation Arian Foster, Tate has only appeared in 26 games in three seasons, two of them as a starter. A part time and often injured running back in the second round is the epitome of bad value. Earl Mitchell has been a role player. Darryl Sharpton has struggled with injuries and is hoping to be completely healthy for the first time. None of the later round picks are with the team any longer. A healthy Sharpton would go a long way in making this draft look a lot better. But as of now, beyond Jackson, there is very little value.
Comment: It’s hard not to agree with the analysis here, especially on Ben Tate. By the time Tate came in, the starting role was shaping up as Arian Foster’s for the long haul, and the very next season he went on to rush for 1,224-yards while Tate floundered for just 942. Tate is a solid backup though, and is averaging 4.3 yards a carry after limited time on the field last year.
As for Kareem Jackson, he has by far become the Texans’ best pick of the year. Last season Jackson started in 15 games, and has become a part of the Jonathan Joseph and Brice McCain rotation. He had a career high four interceptions last year, and played a big part in the Texans’ win over the Broncos last season.
Wrapping it up, it’s kind of funny looking at this draft. At the time it appeared promising, especially with another running back coming in to maybe challenge Foster, but Jackson’s emergence can be listed as one of few positives. Earl Mitchell has started in only a few games recently, but is still a big part of the defensive line. Unfortunately Darryl Sharpton’s relationship with the injured reserve list thanks to a hip injury remains a problem.
It will be interesting to see what is made of this year’s draft come three year’s time. At the moment, Hopkins, D.J. Swearinger and Alan Bonner look to be potential standouts.
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