Houston Texans: Top Draft Picks in Franchise History
By T.A. Mock
Chester Pitts, G/T, 2002 2nd round pick
Pitts was the third player drafted in Texans history, only behind David Carr and Jabar Gaffney. For the first seven seasons of his career, he started every single game. First at left tackle then switching to left guard at a few years.
Pitts will go down as one of the better linemen in team history. But, he can’t climb higher on this list. He was a part of an offensive line that allowed 70+ sacks three times. However, Pitts history though allows him to be an honorable mention.
Glover Quin, Safety, 2009 4th round pick
Quin was a revelation in the fourth round out of New Mexico. His first two years he helped he was more than serviceable at the cornerback spot. However, when the Texans switched him to safety in his third year, he absolutely took off. Quin only amassed five interceptions but, had an astounding 48 pass breakups in four years.
Quin, likely, would be way higher on this had he remained a member of the Houston Texans. But, after his first four years, he moved on to Detriot and has remained a stalwart for them. The first four years of his career
Dunta Robinson, CB, 2004 10th overall pick
Robinson was the first elite defender to don a Houston Texans uniform. In his six years as a Texans, he garnered 13 interceptions and forced six fumbles. He brought swagger, energy, and athleticism to a franchise that desperately needed it.
Injuries slowed him down for two years. Though he was healthy in his last season as a Texans, he was the same player. That coupled with the lack of longevity and lack of defensive transformation keeps him further down on this list.
Andre Hal, Safety, 2014 7th round pick
Give Hal a couple more years at his current production levels and he could climb this list. Hal has vastly outplayed his draft slot thus far. In his rookie season, Hal played sparingly as a corner and on special teams.
After moving to safety in his second year out of Vanderbilt, Hal took off. Since that switch, he has accrued nine interceptions and 22 pass breakups. Hal has three more years, at least, as a Texan to continue to climb up this list.