Taking a rest from the defense (though we’ll be back to look at linebackers soon) we move to the offensive side of play. We’ll start with the running backs.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy football upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

First up is Steve Slaton of the Houston Texans.

Steve Slaton pretty much broke every record whilst at West Virginia, and made the decision to enter the NFL draft early – missing his senior year at college to do so. He then fell deep in the third round of the 2008 draft before being signed up by the Texans.

Steve Slaton cuts against the Lions.

Steve Slaton cuts against the Lions.


Settling into his first season, it was only his second game when he got his first TD and 100 yard game and from there he didn’t look back. There were a couple of quiet games, and his coach handled him well to keep him fresh, but he was a force to be reckoned with running out of the backfield with the ball or to catch. His 71 yard TD run against divisional rivals the Colts stands out, he cut through the line and stiff-armed Melvin Bullitt on his way. Though as with so many games last year, it ended in defeat for the Texans.

By any standards this was a great year. He ended the season with over 1,200 rushing yards – 6th best in the NFL and the best rookie – and over 1,500 yards from scrimmage. He can consider himself very unlucky not to have been at the Pro Bowl.

But the main thing that stands out for him is how he comes across in interviews. This is a grounded young man: he’s thoughtful and respectful and knows what to say. I don’t use “young man” carelessly either. He won’t be 24 until the post-season of 2009, and is probably hoping to be involved in the post-season, rather than at home resting with his family.

Going into 2009 there is some expectation now. He’s bulked up a few pound to improve areas of his game and the team will look to use him across the board to open up the offense. Last season, he improved as the season went on and there’s no reason he can’t continue that into 2009.

So I wish him all the best for this coming season. I’ve said elsewhere that the Texans are a team that you really want to do well, and I’m hoping Steve Slaton is a part of that.