The 2006 NFL draft: a surprising turn for the Houston Texans
In short: When the Houston Texans stepped to the podium in New York City, most expected a superstar running back or a star quarterback. Instead, they chose a defensive end, sparking a draft sequence that would define the careers of several legendary players and leave many commentators stunned.
Held at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and 30, 2006, the 71st NFL draft was a landmark event for broadcasting, marking the first time the NFL Network provided coverage alongside ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. The draft was also notable for being the final one overseen by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue before his retirement on September 1. The event was broadcast for the 27th straight year on ESPN and ESPN2. This edition also included a supplemental draft held before the start of the regular season.
The selection of Mario Williams, a defensive end from North Carolina State, as the first overall pick surprised many. The Texans had already signed Williams to a contract the evening before the draft. This decision diverted the spotlight from highly anticipated candidates like Southern California's Reggie Bush and Texas's Vince Young, who were selected second and third overall by the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans, respectively. The Texans had already secured Williams on a contract the night before the event. This unexpected choice shifted the focus away from the expected superstars.
The draft showcased the immense depth of collegiate talent, with Southern California producing eleven total selections and Ohio State leading the first round with five picks. However, the class also featured unusual outliers. Two individuals, Jai Lewis and Ed Nelson, declared for the draft without ever having played college football, both being basketball players from George Mason and Connecticut, respectively. The draft also included Jeremy Bloom, a wide receiver drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, John David Washington, the son of Denzel Washington, went undrafted out of Morehouse College.
While many players from this class achieved greatness, the longevity of the 2006 cohort is striking. By 2026, just two individuals out of the 255 chosen are still playing in the NFL via free agency: kicker Matt Prater and tight end Marcedes Lewis. The class consisted of 255 players in total. This group included several notable individuals such as return specialist Devin Hester.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2006 NFL draft
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