2006 NFL Draft: The Reggie Bush sweepstakes

While it's still quite a few months before the NFL Draft, with the regular season winding down, it's a good time as any to take a glance at the teams who are "competing' for the league's worst record and the right to draft the lone "can't miss" college player, USC running back/receiver/kick return specialist Reggie Bush. If you weren't convinced of this kid's potential at the beginning of the college football year, after watching him blow by defenses in 2004, after watching his last two games against Fresno State and UCLA, you have to be convinced now, right?? Current favorite: The Houston Texans They'll be a few changes here, especially in the coaching department, as Dom Capers and his staff will either be shown the door at the end of the season, or sooner. David Carr was supposed to develop into the franchise QB by now, but we really don't know how good he is because of the lack of talent around him. The Texans management still believe he has potential, so they won't be drafting his replacement in 2006. Bush would give the team at least a watch-able player, something they don't have at the moment. Not sure about you, but Domanick Davis doesn't exactly get the juices flowing. The San Francisco 49ers This may be the best scenario for the the San Diego native, since the hometown Chargers won't pick til late in the 1st round. Also, he and last year's #1 pick Alex Smith were teammates at Helix High. near San Diego. The 49ers were once a proud organization, and with a underrated coach like Mike Nolan at the helm, all he needs are a few difference-makers, which Bush definitely is. Interesting enough, the Niners face the Texans in week 17, possibly with the USC star as the prize for the loser. I knew Direct TV offered Sunday Ticket for some reason. New York Jets With the team having so much uncertainty about thir current quarterback situation, namely the health of Chad Pennington, Matt Leinart may be the more helpful choice. The Jets still have Curtis Martin in the backfield, and he can still run despite his age by evidenced by his rushing title in 2004. And with Eli Manning starring for the cross-town Giants, the Jets would also love to have a marquee signal-caller. But could they really pass on Bush?? Green Bay Packers Brett Favre probably won't allow the Pack to finish with the league's worst record, especially with the Lions and Ravens remaining on the schedule. Who even knows yet if he'll be back next year, as it's pretty much assured that head coach Mike Sherman is a goner. And the team certainly won't draft another QB, since Aaron Rodgers is the future, I guess? If Favre returns for another year or two, he may never see the field. The health of Ahman Green is also an issue, so Bush would be the perfect fit for GB. He'd also give Favre a dump-off guy, so hopefully he won't continue to throw into coverage. But old habits are hard to break, especially 14 year old habits.