The Texans defense took some more baby steps towards cromulence Friday during the second day of the 2011 NFL Draft. Both players will be counted on to contribute immediately, with Reed taking an outside linebacker spot and Harris looking like he can contribute immediately in the slot at worst. Depending on how Kareem Jackson deals with his second year in the league, it's easy to think that Harris could wind up starting on the outside opposite a potential free agent fit.
These two draft picks are pretty hard to criticize. I'm not a Brooks Reed guy, because I don't think he can rush the passer enough to be worth the draft slot he was picked at, but the Texans desperately needed a linebacker at that pick and it's likely that they character-flagged Justin Houston. The knock on Harris is his height, but he has plenty of believers in the league and should be a decent addition to a secondary that needs every new chess piece it can get. His selection also probably sets into motion the chain of events where the Texans add a veteran cornerback and move Glover Quin to free safety.