The Houston Texans have selected Arkansas State offensive tackle Derek Newton with their first of two seventh-round picks in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Though the Texans would love to re-sign swing tackle Rashad Butler, he isn't likely to return to Houston in 2011. The team is likely to address that need in free agency, but the team will hope they have something in the raw Newton.

...And raw he is. Newton doesn't have the bulk or build you'd like from the perfect right tackle, but hey - we're talking about a seventh round pick here. He's got the long arms you like at the position, but doesn't really have the strength to use them at maximum effectiveness. He needs a lot of help in the weight room, and with his technique. He's solid as a run-blocker when he's on the move, but he has issues with his footwork in pass protection. 

Derek Newton was a first-team all Sun-Belt choice, voted on by the conference's coaches.