SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Texans' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Offensive tackle. Rebuilding the line is crucial to improving the offense. As a rookie last season, Charles Spencer appeared to be a long-term fix at left tackle but his future is in doubt after a severe knee injury. The Texans will target an athletic tackle who fits well with the zone-blocking scheme. Wisconsin's Joe Thomas would be the best bet, but it might cost too much to trade up for him. TCU's Herbert Taylor could be intriguing on Day 2.

2. Wide receiver. Eric Moulds ran out of gas at season's end and was cut. The Texans will look for a speedy playmaker to line up opposite Andre Johnson. If Ohio State's Ted Ginn falls to the eighth pick, he will be a serious consideration. East Carolina's Aundrae Allison will be worth a look later on Day 1.

3. Defensive end. The Texans desperately need to find someone who can get to opposing quarterbacks. Free agent Antwan Peek signed with Cleveland, so the team likely will use a high pick on a pass-rush end to play opposite Mario Williams, who is more of an all-around player. A speed edge rusher, such as Clemson's Gaines Adams or Arkansas' Jamaal Anderson, would be ideal.

4. Running back. After going with a committee approach at running back last season, the Texans signed Green Bay free agent Ahman Green to carry the load. So, it's unlikely the team will use a high pick on a running back. Still, Green is 30 and is no long-term solution. Alabama's Kenneth Darby is an option later on Day 1.

5. Quarterback. David Carr's future with Houston remains in question; there are doubts he'll ever be comfortable in the pocket. Backup Sage Rosenfels likely will get a shot at the starting job this offseason, but if a young quarterback seems like a good fit for the Texans, they might be tempted to draft him in the second or third round. Keep an eye on Nevada's Jeff Rowe; he has the mobility and smarts the team wants in a quarterback.

6. Cornerback. The secondary gave up too many big plays last season and could use a strong cornerback to pair with Dunta Robinson. If the team nabs a new starter, Demarcus Faggins could fill the nickel back role, for which he is better suited. Ideally, the Texans would find a cornerback strong in man coverage and aggressive against the run. Syracuse's Tanard Jackson fits the profile and could be available in the second round.

OUTLOOK

Now that coach Gary Kubiak has seen how the current players fit into his system, he has a better sense of which positions most need upgrades. Improving the pass rush is a priority, and the team most likely will use an early pick on a defensive end. The secondary improved toward the end of last season, but the Texans still will look for a cornerback who could start.

On offense, they need to find a talented left tackle and a wide receiver to stretch defenses. It's possible the Texans could trade up in the first round for one of the draft's premier players, but with so many needs, they won't want to give up too much to do it.

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