Priority needs for 2012 Texans

[TexCanada]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

1. WR -- We need a better #2 and a player to groom to grow into the #1 spot. This should be a big, fast WR so I think we've got to go early here.

2. G -- I think the weaknesses in our offensive line are Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel. They're working well together as a unit but I think it can be improved.

3. ILB -- At first, this is about getting rid of Dobbins. But if we could get a guy who can play better than Demeco has been or just better than Sharpton, I'll be fine with that.

4. DT -- Note, NOT NT. I don't think we're going to see a big, immoveable NT in this defense. But if there's a dominating penetrating 4-3 DT, we would be in the market for him. He'd have to beat out Cody and Mitchell, though.

But, personally, after round 1 which should be WR, I think we should go BPA.

I agree with this. When it comes to the draft though, I really believe that we just need to go BPA after targeting a WR in the first. Guys like Cody and KJ have stepped up enough to turn most of the "needs" on this team into "wants" or "could improves".

[badboy]

TJ Yates has what it takes to be our #2 QB and Leinert can fulfill #3 under his last year in 2012. I want to see how Yates matures next season under Kubes and the QB coach. I've moved QB off my mock.

[Kaiser Toro]

WR, ILB, OG/C, DE, OLB

Fortunately our only immediate need is WR, outside of that, it is about raising the talent level across the 53.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by Kaiser Toro

WR, ILB, OG/C, DE, OLB

Fortunately our only immediate need is WR, outside of that, it is about raising the talent level across the 53.

Yep ... it's WR , then look for deals where depth is needed at LB , DL , and OL .

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

Yep ... it's WR , then look for deals where depth is needed at LB , DL , and OL .

While there should be good receivers at later rounds, I would go for the guy I want in first and resolve that spot. If Mario returns that reduce need for OLB and DE imo to late rounds if at all.

[srrono]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

I think a 4-3 DT is exactly what Wade wants at the nose. He wants a penetrator. He doesn't want the big guy that everyone's been asking for (I include myself in that everyone).

I think we all need to back away from the NT requirement because I don't think Wade's defense uses it.

Unless a really, really good one falls to us.

so u guys think wade would pass on a Haloti Ngata NT 6-4 330

[srrono]

list of top 50 FA
Texans address some needs in FAs
http://nfltraderumors.co/2012-nfl-free-agents/

[badboy]

Originally Posted by srrono

so u guys think wade would pass on a Haloti Ngata NT 6-4 330

Good point. Many think Wade prefers smaller DTs. I disagree. He goes with what he has. I just wished there was better to choose from.

[Texan4Ever]

I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Texan4Ever

I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?

With OLB playmakers like Mario, Barwin & Reed Wade wants/needs his nose tackle to command double teams. I would say a larger, more powerful force inside would do wonders for this defense, screw this one gap penetrator non-sense

However, I do think Winn would make an excellent 5 tech DE.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Texan4Ever

I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?

Mitchell is the back up and Cody starts @ 301; both were already on team and not "chosen" by Wade. When questioned about the NTs size he replied that he had success in past with smaller & bigger NTs. I think most folks rate Wade's choices in last draft as excellent; filling holes very well. It will be interesting to see what defensive moves are to be made this coming draft.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by srrono

so u guys think wade would pass on a Haloti Ngata NT 6-4 330

No! I don't think Wade would pass on Ngata if he were coming out in this draft. The question is, is there anybody in this draft class like Ngata? I have to think the answer is no! This seems to be a weak class of NT's and Ngata is in a class of NT's that are rare. Wade may go after a NT in this draft but I doubt he will have the size and ability that Ngata has. JMHO!

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by Texan4Ever

I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?

I don't think Wade would necessarily go after a smaller NT, but I don't think he wouldn't either. As for Winn, I think he is better suited as a DE in a 3-4, like I think Mitchell is. Not saying they both can't play NT in a 3-4, but I think they are better suited at DE. Having said that, I think/hope the Texans will look for someone like Derek Wolfe from Cincinnati to fill their NT needs. He's listed at 6' 5" and 302 lbs and has a "relentless motor." Sound familiar? Watt and Reed anyone....

[Wolf6151]

I think Wade has 2 different types of NT's based on the down/yardage and field position. Cody plays 1st and 2nd downs and Mitchell comes into the game on 3rd downs or obvious passing downs. Cody plays the run better because of his size/strength, he can hold up to the pounding better than Mitchell, and Mitchell plays passing downs because he's quicker and better at penetrating and putting pressure on the QB. Now it would obviously be nice to have one NT that could do both and be an every down player but those type of guys are rare and no I don't see a Ngata type of player in this draft. I still think there are several DT/NT players depending on round that can fit our style of defense. In the 1st round Brandon Thompson from Clemson is the obvious pick since he could possibly be a 3 down NT, he's got size, quickness, athleticism, strength for the double teams. In the 2nd round Josh Chapman from Alabama could be our guy, he holds up to the double teams well, gets good leverage, and is very strong. Chapman can also collapse the pocket from time to time. In the 3rd round Sylvester Williams from UNC looks good, he's got the size and athleticism to penetrate and play the run, not sure if he's powerful enough to collapse the pocket but all of these guys on an NFL strength and conditioning program should be able to add some size/strength/agility. Dontari Poe from Memphis is anther guy to look for, I haven't seen him play, but I read that he's got the size and athleticism to handle NT in the NFL. Poe is a bit of a mystery though having no film on him to watch and he played against lesser competition, but from what I read he's got potential and could go in the 2nd round or possibly with a great Combine in the 1st round if he decides to come out, he's a junior. If you want the big 2 gap traditional NT then Alameda Ta'amu from Washington is your man. Ta'amu was a 1st round prospect most of the season but is falling on draft boards because I think people are realizing that he's got 1st round size but 3rd round skills. He's huge and strong, can play the run and collapse the pocket occasionally but also slow and non-athletic.

Question:

How important is NT to us in this draft, where is it on your priority list 2nd round, 3rd round, late round? Where do you see us drafting, mid 20's or early 20's?

Also my priority list keeps changing, it was WR, NT, OG now it's becoming WR, OG, NT

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

I think Wade has 2 different types of NT's based on the down/yardage and field position. Cody plays 1st and 2nd downs and Mitchell comes into the game on 3rd downs or obvious passing downs. Cody plays the run better because of his size/strength, he can hold up to the pounding better than Mitchell, and Mitchell plays passing downs because he's quicker and better at penetrating and putting pressure on the QB. Now it would obviously be nice to have one NT that could do both and be an every down player but those type of guys are rare and no I don't see a Ngata type of player in this draft. I still think there are several DT/NT players depending on round that can fit our style of defense. In the 1st round Brandon Thompson from Clemson is the obvious pick since he could possibly be a 3 down NT, he's got size, quickness, athleticism, strength for the double teams. In the 2nd round Josh Chapman from Alabama could be our guy, he holds up to the double teams well, gets good leverage, and is very strong. Chapman can also collapse the pocket from time to time. In the 3rd round Sylvester Williams from UNC looks good, he's got the size and athleticism to penetrate and play the run, not sure if he's powerful enough to collapse the pocket but all of these guys on an NFL strength and conditioning program should be able to add some size/strength/agility. Dontari Poe from Memphis is anther guy to look for, I haven't seen him play, but I read that he's got the size and athleticism to handle NT in the NFL. Poe is a bit of a mystery though having no film on him to watch and he played against lesser competition, but from what I read he's got potential and could go in the 2nd round or possibly with a great Combine in the 1st round if he decides to come out, he's a junior. If you want the big 2 gap traditional NT then Alameda Ta'amu from Washington is your man. Ta'amu was a 1st round prospect most of the season but is falling on draft boards because I think people are realizing that he's got 1st round size but 3rd round skills. He's huge and strong, can play the run and collapse the pocket occasionally but also slow and non-athletic.

Question:

How important is NT to us in this draft, where is it on your priority list 2nd round, 3rd round, late round? Where do you see us drafting, mid 20's or early 20's?

Also my priority list keeps changing, it was WR, NT, OG now it's becoming WR, OG, NT

There is a better chance of a everydown NT being available in 1st rd. vs 2nd vs whichever WR is on still on the board. even Todd McShay is mocking Texans selecting a OT instead of reaching for a WR too early (Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, 6056 300).

Texans should have their pick of NT group. You know the drill, they will evaluate group, then rank them on their draft board weighting position perhaps just below WR.

[steelbtexan]

If you're looking for a couple of 3rd rd NT types

Star Lotuleli, 6'3 325 LBS, 1st team all Pac 12, Morris trophy winner best DL in Pac 12, Kalil won the Morris trophy for best OL in Pac12.

Hebron Fangupo, 6'1 331 LBS, He really impressed me against UT this yr. Suffered a high ankle sprain this yr. Cutting down on his effectiveness, this is the only reason he will fall in the draft. Fangupo is a difference maker.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

If you're looking for a couple of 3rd rd NT types

Star Lotuleli, 6'3 325 LBS, 1st team all Pac 12, Morris trophy winner best DL in Pac 12, Kalil won the Morris trophy for best OL in Pac12.

Hebron Fangupo, 6'1 331 LBS, He really impressed me against UT this yr. Suffered a high ankle sprain this yr. Cutting down on his effectiveness, this is the only reason he will fall in the draft. Fangupo is a difference maker.

excellent work SB

[badboy]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

If you're looking for a couple of 3rd rd NT types

Star Lotuleli, 6'3 325 LBS, 1st team all Pac 12, Morris trophy winner best DL in Pac 12, Kalil won the Morris trophy for best OL in Pac12.

Hebron Fangupo, 6'1 331 LBS, He really impressed me against UT this yr. Suffered a high ankle sprain this yr. Cutting down on his effectiveness, this is the only reason he will fall in the draft. Fangupo is a difference maker.

I like Fangupo also and he could learn under Cody. I have him no higher than 4th though.

[steelbtexan]

Thanks,

I really dont see a NT that's worthy of a 1st rd pick in 2012.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by badboy

I like Fangupo also and he could learn under Cody. I have him no higher than 4th though.

Agreed,

But with Texans picking late in the 4th I could see Fangupo being already being taken when the Texans pick.

To get him you would either have to take Fangupo late in the 3rd or trade up to the top half of the 4th.

I'm for trading up. The price for trading up in the 4th shouldn't be to much. Probably a swap of 4th rd draft positions and a 6th rd pick.