NC State’s Mario Williams signed a deal with the Houston Texans to become the #1 overall pick today’s NFL Draft.
Mario is the first #1 NFL overall pick in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference. NC State’s Roman Gabriel was the Oakland Raiders #1 overall pick in the 1962 AFL draft (and the #2 overall pick of the LA Rams in the NFL version of the draft).
Although NC State fans are very excited about the recent developments that came about to make Mario the #1 pick, things aren’t as smooth and happy in Houston. Not only is Vince Young a Texas legend almost solely responsible for restoring the University of Texas’ place at the top of the college football landscape…Vince Young is from Houston. Throughout the week, local businesses and wealthy individuals have been placing full page advertisements in the Houston Chronicle pleading with the Texans to draft Vince Young.
The rest of the Texans fans and media were dead set on drafting USC running back, Reggie Bush. The Chronicle’s Richard Justice says that by-passing Bush “smacks of stupidity”. To be clear, most of the criticism that is being levied at the Texans is not that disparaging of Mario – it is more focused on the fans desire to add the excitement and versatility of Reggie Bush to their offensive firepower.
Other Notes:
* KHOU in Houston is running a live draft webcast in Houston that you can see by clicking here.
* John McClain of the Houston Chronicle is one of the NFL’s most respected local beat writers. You can hear his comments on the situation (from Friday) by clicking here.
* This entry at Houston’s Clear Thinkings is pretty good.
* The Texans play in one of the NFL’s newest and nicest facilities, Reliant Stadium. You can see a full featured special from the Houston Chronicle on Reliant by clicking here. Reliant Stadium hosted Super Bowl 38 in 2004 between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots. (Wardrobe Malfunction).
* The Texans are primarily owned by Bob McNair, a graduate of the University of South Carolina (undergraduate). I also think that there is some connection with McNair to the University of North Carolina (graduate school?).
* You can see a photographic history of Mario @ The N&O by clicking here.
* You can follow the Texans’ draft and do some research on the Texans by clicking on their official webpage.
* This link highlights how dominant the ACC has been in today’s draft and this link directs you to a live blogging experience of the NFL Draft.
…developing…
