NFL Draft Starts With Early Bang

The Houston Texans sent shockwaves throughout the sports world yesterday by signing and making DE Mario Williams the No.1 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

While every draftnik was tearing up their mock drafts - the obvious question floating through the ether is why? How can you take Mario Williams ahead of Reggie Bush?

I feel that Williams has the biggest upside of anyone in the draft, but that's upside. Not right now. Williams is still inconsistent, lacks some technique and takes plays off. Bush is the most explosive back to enter the draft since Barry Sanders.

He's a combination of Sanders, Marshall Faulk and somebody named Sayers all rolled into one. Mario Williams will be a great player, but Bush is a game changer. With one run, one catch, one punt return - he can reshape the outcome of any contest. Very few people can do that. Lawrence Taylor was one of a tiny minority of defensive players able to it.

I really have trouble understanding the thinking of the Texans. If they decided that Williams was better for them than Bush, why not trade out of the top spot for more picks? They could have struck a deal with the Saints or Jets and still picked up Williams. In addition to grabbing the extra picks by trading out.

This could end up being one of the biggest blunders in the history of the NFL Draft, but you never know, stranger things have happened. Bush could get hurt or just not make the transition to the NFL, but that's highly unlikely.

Mario Williams will eventually be a great player. Houston's major mistake is that Reggie Bush already is.

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I still stand by my mock draft. The only change will be Williams at No.1; Bush will go second to the Saints; and the Jets will take D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Everything else stays pat. I hope.

This is just the beginning. It should be an awesome day. This is the most unpredictable draft in years. Just ask Reggie Bush. I for one have my food tray ready and the TV warmed up. I hope your team gets the player you want as long as it doesn't interfere with my team and its needs.

Take care, enjoy the day, and watch for the Corners draft analysis for day one on Sunday and for overall grades on Monday.