The Texans rookies started practicing with the team’s veterans on Monday and five of them celebrated by signing contracts with the team.
Houston signed the last five of their eight draft picks, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Center Ben Jones, wide receiver Keshawn Martin, defensive end Jared Crick, kicker Randy Bullock and offensive lineman Nick Mondek all signed four-year deals.
Martin and Bullock are likely to have the most impact in 2012. Martin’s skills as a return man helped ease Jacoby Jones out the door and he could also see some time as a slot receiver. Greg Cosell of NFL Films was a fan of Martin’s during the run up to the draft. Bullock won the Lou Groza Award as college football’s best kicker in 2011 and he has a clear path to the job with the Texans with Neil Rackers now in Washington.
Linebacker Whitney Mercilus, wide recever DeVier Posey and guard Brandon Brooks, the first three Texans draft picks, remain unsigned at this point.