The Houston Texans have signed second-round pick DeMeco Ryans, a linebacker from Alabama. Ryans was taken with the first pick in the second-round of the 2006 NFL Draft, meaning he is as close as you can get to a first-round pick without actually being one. The signing of Ryans could set the bar for more second-round signings and late first-round signings around the NFL.

Last year, Ryans won the Lott Award, which represents him as the top defensive player in the nation. He was also the SEC defensive player of the year, recording 76 tackles, one interception, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Ryans stands at 6-foot-1, and weighs 239 pounds.

In college, Ryans was very versatile and could play in various schemes at different positions. He runs very well and shows solid tackling skills as a result of good instincts. He could challenge for a starting position on the Texans on training camp.