As photographer George Jenson and I left Reliant Stadium .... the team's first round pick in 2008, offensive tackle, Duane Brown was still unsigned. I found differing opinions among the Texans on what advice they would give the top-pick. Quarterback Matt Schaub was clear,"We need him in here from day one to be able to understand what we're doing and to understand what training camp is all about." Offensive tackle Eric Winston on the other hand said,"I hope he gets as much money as he can. I really do...ya know if he has to hold out for a day or two .... if that's what he feels like he has to do ....I'm not going to tell him one way or the other."

Brown will sign ... but I do question the Texans guaranteeing any rookie a starting position.
I understand letting him get most of the snaps during the first part of training camp ... but if Ephraim Salaam is outplaying him during the pre-season ... then play the 11 year veteran. This is sports .... there are no guarantees. Everyone should have to earn their position. Look at the problems the Astros have had the last two seasons ... guaranteeing Chris Burke the starting centerfield position in 2007 and Michael Bourn in 2008 .. and then J.R. Towles at catcher. The point is ....when a team guarantees a player a starting spot it's so different from everything in sports ... when the best performer at his or her position ..... get the nod.

Anyway .... the biggest thing the Texans' veterans are focusing on ..is this: Posting a winning season ....(for the first time ever) ...and make the playoffs. Offensive guard Fred Weary says,"Going 8 and 8 last year ..we kind of pushed the envelope last year and now I think going into this year ..... we're expecting a lot more from this football team." Eric Winston added"Last year I think we were really ... trying to put ourselves in position to make the playoffs .... this year I think it's playoffs or bust."

I'll make my predictions for 2008 at the end of the pre-season. But for now ....it's time to get to work for coaches, players ...and of course all of us reporters. I look forward to it. Stay tuned for updates.