July 21, 2008

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans agreed to terms with a pair of third-round draft picks — CB Antwaun Molden and RB Steve Slaton — on Monday.

Molden was taken with the 79th overall pick in April, while Slaton came off the board at No. 89. Neither pick is expected to challenge for a starting spot during their rookie seasons. Molden could see time in nickel and dime packages, while Slaton could contribute as a third-down back initially.

In the Pro Football Weekly 2008 Draft Preview, draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki summed up Molden this way: "A better athlete than football player, Molden lit up the Combine with a phenomenal workout and caught the attention of scouts who were quick to revisit his tape and see what they might have missed. Has the natural physical tools to be molded but is far from a finished product. Certainly does not play to his measurements and is still learning how to play the game."

As for Slaton, Nawrocki wrote: "A soft-running system player who is best in space, Slaton could fit a dynamic , change-of-pace, situational-type role and brings most value on third downs. Could be overdrafted on hype but still has a lot to prove and could disrupt chemistry in a locker room."