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Thoughts on the Texans' draft from two people involved in evaluating personnel for NFL teams:

Guy No. 1:

“I know they want [Baylor receiver] Kendall Wright. He’s a slot guy who can work underneath and take pressure off Andre Johnson. Wright’s a playmaker. If he’s gone, there isn’t another receiver who will step right in. Rueben Randle and Alshon Jeffery are like Johnson, big and physical. Wright is different."

“They have to consider offensive line. I couldn’t believe they let Eric Winston go. He’s a good player. Who can you get at 26 that can come right in and play at right tackle? They could go out and make a pick like they did with Duane Brown, a second-round guy in the first. Jonathan Martin maybe? Or trade back."

“To me, the biggest question to be answered by this draft in that division is replacing the leadership and production lost with the trade of DeMeco Ryans and the release of Winston. Those are two main leaders and they did nothing in free agency. That’s hard to replace in a draft."

“Outside linebacker would be a luxury pick. Courtney Upshaw would be nice for them. Shea McClellin is another of what they have -- a versatile, solid football player. Inside, they could like Dont'a Hightower. I don’t think Darryl Sharpton or Bradie James can replace Ryans."

Guy No. 2:

“Coming up with a tackle in the late first is pretty tough. Cordy Glenn really doesn’t fit their profile, though he could be a right tackle. Mike Adams if you get past the combine test. Martin could be in that range."

“You can never have enough rushers. McClellin is a lot like Brooks Reed. Upshaw would be good there."

“Unless you take Janoris Jenkins, you can’t get a good corner at 26. You’d have to hold your nose, but he’s better than Kareem Jackson.”

Reading the coverage…

Houston Texans

The defense ensured the Texans got their fifth win, writes John McClain of The Houston Chronicle.

Arian Foster led a grind-it-out offense, says Dale Robertson of the Chronicle. Foster’s stature just grows and grows.

The Jaguars accused the Texans of playing dirty, says McClain.

Brian Cushing continues to play real well and had a key interception against the Jaguars, says Jeffrey Martin of the Chronicle.

Rookie outside linebacker Brooks Reed is making plays as a starter, says McClain.

Quality special teamer and backup linebacker Darryl Sharpton was lost for the season with a torn quad, says the Chronicle crew.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts sputtered right from the start, says Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.

The collapse from last year is of epic proportions, says Bob Kravitz of the Star.

Indy’s offense was inept when it counted, says Mike Chappell of the Star.

Kravitz’s report card.

Kerry Collins is all but certain he’s done playing, says Mike Chappell.

The Colts aren’t showing much life and aren’t doing much to explain it.

There is no end in sight, says Reggie Hayes of the News-Sentinel.

Nate Dunlevy of 18to88.com questions what exactly accountability means, then examines the primary issues at play for the Colts.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are halfway to nowhere after a loss in Houston, says Vito Stellino of the Times-Union.

Blaine Gabbert didn’t make excuses for a game filled with bad passes, says Tania Ganguli of the T-U.

Before our eyes, the Jaguars’ offense is shriveling like a dried prune, says Gene Frenette of the T-U.

Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton doesn’t like or respect the Texans and thinks they are dirty, writes Vito Stellino of the T-U.

A wild fumble return set up the Jaguars’ first touchdown, says Ganguli.

Frenette’s report card.

Tennessee Titans

There isn’t a lot of relief with a win over the Colts as it was a game the Titans were supposed to win, but things took a turn for the better, says Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

The win didn’t do anything to bolster confidence in Chris Johnson and the run game, says John Glennon of The Tennessean.

Beyond that, the Titans’ simmering soap opera at running back superseded everything that happened Sunday at LP Field, says David Climer of The Tennessean.

The defense did a lot to set up the offense, says Glennon.

Wyatt’s report card.

The Titans were hands on in the win, says David Boclair of The City Paper.

HOUSTON -- The Titans' pass rush will have a depth test today at Reliant Stadium against the Texans. Standout pass rushers Jason Jones (knee) and Dave Ball (concussion) are out.

Sen’Derrick Marks will replace Jones and Jacob Ford will replace Ball.

Those guys can be fine, but the Titans are thin behind them. They will play with three ends and with Marques Douglas as the fourth defensive tackle.

Houston will start rookie Darryl Sharpton over Zac Diles, who’s been sick.

The roof will be open.

A look at the complete inactive lists:

#Titans inactives: Kenny Britt, Robert Johnson, Troy Kropog, Lavelle Hawkins, Jason Jones, Dave Ball, David Thornton, Chris Simms.

Texans: Matt Leinart, Brice McCain, Xavier Adibi, Kasey Studdard, Malcolm Sheppard, Jesse Nading, Owen Daniels, David Anderson. #NFL

A look at AFC South draft picks heading into opening day …

Houston Texans

• First-rounder Kareem Jackson is the starting right cornerback.
• Second-rounder Ben Tate (ankle), a running back, is on IR.
• Third-rounder Earl Mitchell is in the rotation at defensive tackle.
• Fourth-rounder Darryl Sharpton is a backup linebacker.
• Fourth-rounder Garrett Graham is listed as the fourth tight end but could get some snaps while Owen Daniels is eased back into action.
• Fifth-rounder Sherrick McManis is the fifth or sixth cornerback.
• Sixth-rounder Shelley Smith is listed as the third-string left guard and right tackle.
• Sixth-rounder Trindon Holliday (thumb), a return man, is on IR.
• Seventh-rounder Dorin Dickerson is listed as Andre Johnson’s backup.

Indianapolis Colts

• First-rounder Jerry Hughes is in line to work as the third or fourth defensive end.
• Second-rounder Pat Angerer is a backup linebacker and special-teamer.
• Third-rounder Kevin Thomas (knee), a cornerback, is on IR.
• Fourth-rounder Jacques McClendon is the backup right guard.
• Fifth-rounder Brody Eldridge is the starting H-back.
• Seventh-rounder Ricardo Mathews is a backup defensive lineman.
• Seventh-rounder Kavell Conner is a backup linebacker and special-teamer.
• Seventh-rounder Ray Fisher, a cornerback and return man, was cut. (Not put on IR as I originally wrote.)

Jacksonville Jaguars

• First-rounder Tyson Alualu is a starting defensive tackle.
• Third-rounder D’Anthony Smith (Achilles), a defensive tackle, is on IR.
• Fifth-rounder Larry Hart is the second-string right defensive end.
• Fifth-rounder Austen Lane is the third-string left defensive end.
• Sixth-rounder Deji Karim is the third-string running back and the top kick returner, though he could be slowed early with a thumb injury.
• Sixth-rounder Scotty McGee is the punt returner.

Tennessee Titans

• First-rounder Derrick Morgan is part of the rotation at defensive end.
• Third-rounder Damian Williams is the second return man and the fifth or sixth receiver.
• Third-rounder Rennie Curran is a backup linebacker and special-teamer.
• Fourth-rounder Alterraun Verner could be part of a rotation at right cornerback.
• Fifth-rounder Robert Johnson is a third-string safety.
• Sixth-rounder Rusty Smith is the third-string quarterback.
• Sixth-rounder Myron Rolle, a safety, was cut and is on the practice squad.
• Seventh-rounder Marc Mariani is the return man and the fifth of sixth receiver.
• Seventh-rounder David Howard, a defensive tackle, was cut.

Three things I'll be looking for in Buccaneers at Texans:

A right guard: Antoine Caldwell and Mike Brisiel are still fighting for the last unresolved starting offensive spot on the team. I have no gut feel in handicapping it and can make a case both ways for who they'd like to win it. But coach Gary Kubiak and his staff will have the last bit of film on which to decide once the night is over.

Kickers: The Texans would get killed for it, but on third-and-longs in long field goal range they should send Chris Henry up the middle and get into field goal situations. Then they should urge the crowd to pretend the attempt is to win the Super Bowl with two seconds left. Maybe that would produce something to differentiate Kris Brown and Neil Rackers.

Cushing replacement candidates: Darryl Sharpton's hype has dropped off significantly in short order and Kevin Bentley is getting talked up as the third starter during Brian Cushing's four-game suspension. Who knows if or what they can see from Xavier Adibi (groin) or Danny Clark (knee) in this game. Someone get in, play well, raise your hand and tell the coaches you want it.

ESPN.com NFL Power Ranking (pre-camp): 14

For three years, they’ve been picked as a breakout team. In those three years, the Houston Texans went 25-23 with zero playoff appearances.

So why are the 2010 Texans going to be different? Why do they deserve that sort of faith yet again? What’s changed when the personnel alterations have been pretty minor?

“What’s different? Experience, togetherness,” Amobi Okoye said. “I feel like by the time we will kick off, we will have the full definition of team. If there was a meter of T-E-A-M, we are right at the halfway of M… By the time the season starts, we’re going to completely spell TEAM.”

Said Bernard Pollard, the feisty safety who didn’t arrive until a few games into last season: “We have so much more team chemistry. We know and understand what we are good at. We know and understand that we can’t step out of the box and have to play our game. We’re turning that corner.”

To finally get to the postseason, the Texans have to play more complete games. They have to play better in the red zone. Perhaps above all else, they have to play better in the AFC South, where they were just 1-5 last season.

Catching the Colts is a tall task. The Texans aspire to do it, but they also know there is a route to the playoffs without a division crown. They just have to drive it more smoothly.

THREE HOT ISSUES

Can the pass rush pick it up?

Mario Williams had nine sacks to go with a bum shoulder he’s still reluctant to talk about. He needs more support in chasing the quarterback, and the Texans need to hurry and hit quarterbacks more often to help those three young cornerbacks -- Kareem Jackson, Glover Quin and Brice McCain -- cover.

Connor Barwin should be opposite Williams on clear rush downs, and he might be the most improved player on defense. Inside, there are now alternatives to Okoye, who might just not be a good pass pressure guy. Rookie Earl Mitchell could wind up part of the nickel package along with Antonio Smith, who will shift inside to make room for Barwin.

Will the run game do its part?

Everyone is encouraged about the run game, but what’s changed? Second-round pick Ben Tate is lost with an injury. Guard Wade Smith was the only significant addition to the line, where interior issues were a big part of the problems. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is from the same school as predecessor Kyle Shanahan, and line coach John Benton learned under the departed Alex Gibbs.

“We have to get better running the football,” Andre Johnson said. “That helps win games, especially in the fourth quarter when you’re up and you want to kill the time, you have to go on those four-minute drives where you have to get those big fourth downs. We have to get better in that part of our offense.”

They are largely counting on young guys getting better, which begs the question: What if they don’t?

Are the supplementary pieces good enough?

The Texans' stars match up with virtually anyone’s. But beyond Johnson, Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, Matt Schaub and Owen Daniels, have head coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith done enough to unearth the right sort of players on the next tier?

Pollard and Eric Winston certainly fit the bill. Antonio Smith, Kevin Walter and Zac Diles might. That next level of player might be where this team is a little short, and it’s those kinds of guys who might well be the key to transforming a good team into a very good team.

And so we’re watching the likes of Quin, Barwin, Joel Dreessen, James Casey, Jacoby Jones and the offensive line beyond Winston, because they might wind up telling the story.

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Linebacker Darryl Sharpton: The Texans figured one of three veteran linebackers would be in the lineup during Cushing’s four-game suspension. But a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness has put Xavier Adibi, Danny Clark and Kevin Bentley on the backburner because rookie Darryl Sharpton's been such a consistent playmaker. He might be short, but he packs a good punch.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Injury to Ben Tate: As the Texans search for the right combination of running backs to help balance their offense, second-round pick Tate figured to be a key piece. But he was lost for the season with a serious ankle/leg injury in the preseason opener. That puts the load on Arian Foster, Steve Slaton and either Jeremiah Johnson, Chris Henry or a back not yet on the team.

OBSERVATION DECK

• The Texans are regarded by some as a finesse team, but the defense is emphasizing physicality. Cushing, Pollard, Smith, Jackson, Quin and Mitchell have all joined the team in the past two years and are physical players.
• Expect Foster to get first crack at the carries closest to the goal line as the Texans really concentrate on running better at close range. Johnson definitely could be heard from in the running game, too -- he might be the best fit for the one-cut and go zone scheme Houston uses.
• [+] Enlarge
  AP Photo/Rick ScuteriKicker Neil Rackers has a chance to beat out incumbent Kris Brown.
  If Kris Brown and Neil Rackers continue to be virtually even in the kicker competition, it makes sense for the team to go with Rackers. Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. If Brown stays and fails on a crucial long field goal on opening day against the Colts, the thinking will be, “Why didn’t they make a change?” If Rackers does the same thing, I’ll think, “At least they tried someone different.”
• Houston’s defensive tackles are quick, up-the-field types. But they’d sure love if their one big space-eater, Frank Okam, forced his way into action.
• The Texans want to get the ball in the hands of Jones since he averaged 16.2 yards a catch on his 27 receptions. But I am not so sure that means he’s going to nudge ahead of Walter for the No. 2 receiver job. Walter is smart and super reliable, and reliability is awfully important. Jones might displace Walter or get a share of snaps in two-wide formations, but look for Jones most in a heavy dose of three-wide formations.
• Troy Nolan might be a credible alternative to Eugene Wilson at free safety if Wilson gets hurt again. I’ve been critical of the team for not adding to the spot, but Nolan missed his rookie season with an injury and appears to be a high-caliber special-teamer.
• Daniels’ speed is a big part of what helped set him apart. When he returns soon from another ACL reconstruction, will he still have it in the same way? That's the big question with him.
• The offensive line is set with Duane Brown at left tackle, Chris Myers at center and Winston at right tackle. Guard jobs remain up for grabs. It seems to me that Wade Smith, a free-agent acquisition tailored to the system, and Antoine Caldwell, a third-rounder from 2009, would make the most sense.
• It sounds less likely that Trindon Holliday has to be a serviceable receiver to make the team than it did during OTAs. If he convinces the team he can be a consistently special return guy, he’ll stick. He looked good to me when the Texans worked with the Saints.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

The running backs showed toughness against the Saints, says John McClain.

Darryl Sharpton continues to make his case to be in the lineup during Brian Cushing’s suspension, says McClain.

Owen Daniels hopes to be cleared next week, says Jordan Godwin.

Gary Kubiak told me yesterday that Wade Smith will start at left guard Saturday night in New Orleans and that Chris Myers is set as the starting center for the season. (You’d have that tiny nugget from a tweet Thursday if you followed @ESPN_AFCSouth.)

Indianapolis Colts

I linked to Colts stuff in my post reviewing their preseason game in Toronto.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Joe Cullen sweats his way through meetings in air conditioning, says Tania Ganguli.

Tyson Alualu is back at practice, says Ganguli.

Ganguli and Gene Frenette update us on the Jags with this video.

Tennessee Titans

LeGarrette Blount feels like his temper can make him a target, says Jim Wyatt.

Dowell Loggains is earning the respect of the quarterbacks, says Wyatt. I wrote about Loggains as well.

Vince Young and Matt Leinart are crossing paths again Monday night, says David Boclair.

Justin Gage’s thumb is keeping him sidelined, say Wyatt and John Glennon.

An updated stock report from Wyatt and Glennon.

When Brian Cushing's suspension came to light, Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak said pretty strongly that Zac Diles has settled in so nicely on the weak side that flipping him to the strong side while Cushing misses four games wasn’t an alternative.

Things have changed according to what the coach said to Houston media Tuesday about rookie fourth-rounder Darryl Sharpton out of Miami.

From a transcript provided by the team:

On if he’s considering Darryl Sharpton as a starter: “Well there’s consideration for him being one of our top three. He’s in the mix right now. Would we flip him to Sam? Probably we would move Zac before we move him. He’s in consideration right now and we’re going to play our three best however we go to play him.”

On if Sharpton is in the running to become a starter this season: “There’s no doubt. He’s made statements since he’s been out here in camp. Obviously, the other night he did it again.”

So while Cushing’s out, instead of seeing Xavier Adibi, Kevin Bentley or Danny Clark in his place, we could see Diles flipped and Sharpton starting -- provided Sharpton keeps playing like he’s been playing.

Maybe from there we could even see him push Diles?

I’ll have an eye on Sharpton Wednesday and Thursday when I watch the Texans practice against the Saints in Louisiana.

Reading the coverage ...

Houston Texans

Connor Barwin may be the most-improved player on defense, says John McClain.

The story of long-shot safety Torri Williams, from Jerome Solomon.

Darryl Sharpton got some work with the first team, says John McClain and Jordan Godwin.

Turf wars sometimes require mixing it up according to Eric Winston, writes McClain.

Matt Schaub should be mentioned with the league’s best quarterbacks, says Vic Carucci.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have five receivers who’ve shown the can start, says Mike Chappell.

Indy got into hitting mode, says Chappell.

Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis aren’t going to get paid more, but are class acts about it, says John Oehser.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tyson Alualu is building a future, says Tania Ganguli.

D’Anthony Smith needs Achilles surgery, says Ganguli.

Roger Goodell’s message was tough love, says Vic Ketchman.

I sweated with Ketchman on camera for this AFC South roundup. Man I need to shed some pounds and carry a towel.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are using a special blood treatment as part of Derrick Morgan’s rehab, say Jim Wyatt and John Glennon.

Ryan Mouton made the play of the day, says Wyatt.

“With action-hero good looks, the humility of a Trappist monk and hands softer than the economy, Titans rookie wide receiver Marc Mariani is an easy guy to root for,” writes Bob McClellan.

The Houston Texans were understandably filled with pride over nailing the 15th pick in the 2009 draft. They wanted to add a more physical, sturdier linebacker to their defense and they sure got one in Brian Cushing, who won defensive rookie of the year.

But now with Adam Schefter’s report that a failed test under the league’s policy against performance enhancing substances and an unsuccessful appeal mean Cushing will miss the first four games of 2010, all that comes into question.

Why exactly was he more physical and sturdier?

No matter any explanation we hear for the test, or if there is an admission, opponents and fans will wonder about that rookie year.

Cushing proved smart in his first year in the league, in that while even a good share of veterans around the league often don’t make the Sunday lineup if they don’t practice, he could. Sidelined during the week by multiple knee problems, rib fractures, a broken hand and a broken pinkie he was able to play when it counted.

Now we ask, what helped him do so? And we wonder just how smart he really was if he was taking something and failing a test and an appeal.

He will miss games against the Colts, at the Redskins, the Cowboys and at the Raiders.

The opener, against a defending AFC Champion the Texans have beaten just once since they began play in 2002, and that game against the Cowboys, where Houston will be anxious to dent the state’s hallowed NFL franchise, would have been tough enough with Cushing.

Xavier Adibi would likely be the third linebacker during that stretch, joining middle man DeMeco Ryans and Zac Diles. Diles would likely flip to Cushing’s strongside with Adibi taking over on the weakside.

Veteran Kevin Bentley and fourth-round pick Darryl Sharpton out of Miami are also in the mix.