Houston

REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Houston Texans Practice Facility, Houston, TX

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Job number one for new head coach Gary Kubiak and coordinator Mike Sherman will be to whip the Texans' offensive unit into shape. Finding a way to protect quarterback David Carr will be among the top directives, with a trio of free agents - center Mike Flanagan (Packers), guard David Loverne (Lions), and tackle Ephraim Salaam (Jaguars) - along with a couple of draft picks - tackles Eric Winston (Miami (FL)) and Charles Spencer (Pittsburgh) - among those making a serious push for starting duties there. Carr and new arrival Eric Moulds (Bills) need to build some chemistry in the receiving game. On defense, coordinator Richard Smith needs No. 1 draft pick Mario Williams (N.C. State) to develop into a major pass-rushing threat, and will require free agent pickups Anthony Weaver (Ravens) and N.D. Kalu (Eagles) to become a part of the end rotation as well. The linebacking situation should also be interesting, with free agent acquisitions Sam Cowart (Vikings) and Barrett Green (Giants) attempting to win jobs along with youngsters like second-round draft choice DeMeco Ryans (Alabama). The Texans finished last in the league in rushing defense a year ago, so Smith's primary focus will be within the defensive front seven.