By PFW staff
July 25, 2008

The Texans signed first-round pick Duane Brown on the eve of their first training-camp practice Friday, ensuring the young left tackle will be on the field and competing with veteran Ephraim Salaam for a starting job. Terms of Brown's deal were not disclosed.

The 6-4, 308-pound Brown was a surprise first-round pick to many draft observers, but the Texans believe he is a strong fit in Alex Gibbs' zone-blocking scheme. Indeed, Gibbs' input played a strong role in the club's decision to select Brown, who only played three years at Virginia Tech at tackle after beginning his career at tight end.

Writing in Pro Football Weekly's 2008 Draft Preview book, draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki noted that Brown "stood out at the East-West Shrine Game and the Combine (because of) his natural athleticism and physical tools." However, Nawrocki also observed that Brown was "raw" and "will need a lot of coaching before he is ready to play with the big boys."

The Texans have all of their rookies under contract.