The Houston Texans didn’t with three picks in the 2009 draft.
Linebacker Brian Cushing became a Pro Bowler and all-time leader in tackles for Houston before retiring in 2017. Connor Barwin was one of the league’s better No. 2 pass rushers for several seasons in both Houston and Philadelphia. And Glover Quin eventually transformed into a Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive back when he left for Detroit.
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If history could be revisited, how many players would land in Houston a second time? Overall, one.
In a recently published 2009 NFL re-draft, Pro Football Focus had two of Houston’s picks that year going off the board in the first round. While both Cushing and Quin were on the board, PFF has the Texans going with Quinn because of his potential in coverage.
“While Brian Cushing was often the heart and soul of Houston’s defense, the Texans instead select a player they originally drafted in the fourth round in Glover Quin. He made the Pro Bowl in 2014 after leading the league with seven interceptions. Quin earned an 88.0 PFF overall grade for his career.”
Quin spent four seasons in Houston, totaling six interceptions and 47 pass deflections. Once he left for Detroit, everything changed. During his six seasons in the Motor City, he led the league in interceptions (seven) and ranked second in pass deflections (10) during 2014.
Quin retired after the 2018 season, totaling 24 interceptions and 84 pass deflections. Cushing, who was selected 20th overall in the re-draft, finished with 644 tackles, 30 pass breakups, eight interceptions and 13.5 sacks.
“Cushing wasn’t always consistent, but he earned PFF tackling grades above 81.0 in four of his first five seasons. He also garnered 77.0-plus PFF pass-rush grades in each of his first three NFL campaigns,” PFF wrote. “The Lions needed a better presence at linebacker heading into the 2009 NFL Draft, and they get one here.”
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2009 Texans re-draft: Houston lands Day 3 player with top 20 pick