HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have traded a second- (47th overall) and third-round pick (78th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft to the Oakland Raiders for CB Phillip Buchanon, it was announced today.
"I'm excited about the opportunity I have with the Texans," Phillip Buchanon said. "When I spoke with Andre (Johnson) after I was traded, he made me feel confident about where the Texans are headed. I know the team has a lot of young talent and I look forward to doing what I can to make the team even better."
The University of Miami product was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the 17th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. In three seasons, Buchanon has totaled seven touchdown returns (four interceptions, three punt returns) in 36 career games. He has recorded 122 career tackles (111 solo), 11 interceptions, four touchdowns, including 83 and 82 yard returns. Buchanon has also returned 72 punts for 790 yards (11.0 avg.) and three touchdowns, with a long of 83 yards.
"We're excited about the addition of Phillip Buchanon to our football team," Texans head coach Dom Capers said. "It gives us another young corner. Phillip will be 25 at the start of the season. He's been a productive starter in the NFL. He has three seasons under his belt. He came in as a very young player and not only has excellent athletic ability, but also is an excellent punt returner in this league."
Buchanon (5-11, 185) has been productive in three NFL seasons. In 2004, he started 14 games at right cornerback where he recorded a career-high 59 tackles, and a team-high three interceptions and nine passes defensed. Buchanon played in all 16 games in 2003, starting 11 at right cornerback. He registered 44 tackles, two forced fumbles, with a team-high six interceptions (tied for second in the AFC) and 10 passes defensed. He racked up 176 return yards on his six picks (29.3 avg.), taking two to the end zone. Buchanon played in six games as a rookie for the eventual AFC champions, starting three at right cornerback where he posted 21 tackles, two interceptions and five passes defensed.
In 32 career collegiate games at Miami, Buchanon totaled 88 tackles and seven interceptions. He also returned 32 punts for 477 yards (14.9 avg.) and two touchdowns. As an all-state selection at Lehigh High School in Ft. Myers, Fla., he amassed 102 tackles and seven picks, while rushing for 928 yards and 13 touchdowns.
