Rick Smith Pre-Draft Press Conference

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by Rey

I wonder if Rick is being sincere with his words...

He may be...

When has Rick been sincere with his words?

He tows the company line. 1 playoff birth isn't going to change that.

[GP]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

When has Rick been sincere with his words?

He tows the company line. 1 playoff birth isn't going to change that.

He went into great length a few weeks ago, talking about how they all go about the draft process. He couldn't have been lying about that. He wouldn't go into the depth of detail like he did.

He explained it in vivid detail, about how they rank, how they assemble the draft board, and even how they make the selection on draft day. I think Allstar, on here, posted the entire transcript of Rick's interview with NFLN. It was a crazy amount of detail.

Rick ain't playin. Remember that movie where Denzel wasn't gangster, but then Denzel becomes the head gangster? Rick is now Gangster Denzel. Rick. Is. Not. Playin.

[Porky]

I don't think we go OLine in rd 1 unless there is overwhleming value there. I just don't see it but I could be wrong. I just don't think they want two 1st rd tackles money wise and I just don't think a G is a wise investment at #26.
They have to pay the LT next year.

Put your money on the skill spots or a playmaking spot. I'm also looking at Smithiak's history. Other than Brown, everyone else on OL EVER is 3rd or lower. Hell, the RG was an NFL Europe project. They have proven they can take guys that are projects and turn them into players. What makes you think this year is any different?

I think it's Fleener or a pass rusher if they stay at that spot, and my money is on the rusher. Lots of choices there. I'm slightly partial to Shea McCellen, but there are numerous guys there who can rotate in and provide a rush. I think they would prefer to trade down, but finding a partner won't be easy. I put trade down odds at 20%.

I was high on Wright, but as I move along in my own eval's, I'm not sure I want to spend a #1 on a guy that looks like a slot WR to me - albeit a good one. I just don't think he has the frame to be a top shelf outside guy. Could be wrong there but that's how I view it.

The other WR's other than Fleener? Let's TRY to trade down if that's the idea. I don't see the value at #26 other than Fleener who is a WR in a TE body so for my purposes I'm calling him a WR. I would rather go OLB other than Fleener UNLESS an OL is overwhelming value at the pick.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

He seems to have a lot of injuries, so I would prefer that we don't have to count on him.

I can only remember the high ankle strain and that led to his other side straining per CloakandDagger.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Porky

I don't think we go OLine in rd 1 unless there is overwhleming value there. I just don't see it but I could be wrong. I just don't think they want two 1st rd tackles money wise and I just don't think a G is a wise investment at #26.
They have to pay the LT next year.

Put your money on the skill spots or a playmaking spot. I'm also looking at Smithiak's history. Other than Brown, everyone else on OL EVER is 3rd or lower. Hell, the RG was an NFL Europe project. They have proven they can take guys that are projects and turn them into players. What makes you think this year is any different?

I think it's Fleener or a pass rusher if they stay at that spot, and my money is on the rusher. Lots of choices there. I'm slightly partial to Shea McCellen, but there are numerous guys there who can rotate in and provide a rush. I think they would prefer to trade down, but finding a partner won't be easy. I put trade down odds at 20%.

I was high on Wright, but as I move along in my own eval's, I'm not sure I want to spend a #1 on a guy that looks like a slot WR to me - albeit a good one. I just don't think he has the frame to be a top shelf outside guy. Could be wrong there but that's how I view it.

The other WR's other than Fleener? Let's TRY to trade down if that's the idea. I don't see the value at #26 other than Fleener who is a WR in a TE body so for my purposes I'm calling him a WR. I would rather go OLB other than Fleener UNLESS an OL is overwhelming value at the pick.

Agree with your post but just for discussion, Zeitler #26 would give you a 10-12 year starter day one with a low 4-5 year contract. How could that not be wise?

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

It might be the Jags on the line, do you make the trade to help them get a competent QB? Maybe try to get the Browns into a bidding war with the Jags and send him to a team not in our division. Right now, those are the only two teams I can foresee trading up for Weeden. I'd prefer he goes to the Browns and let the Jags reach for a QB in the 2nd.

If they'd part with their 2nd, a 3rd or 4th, and next year's 1st that'd be something you have to do regardless i think. Not that they'd offer that to us.


That'd be relatively similar to the Browns/Falcons trade last year but not as much and not as far of a trade up value wise.

[GP]

Originally Posted by Porky

I don't think we go OLine in rd 1 unless there is overwhleming value there. I just don't see it but I could be wrong. I just don't think they want two 1st rd tackles money wise and I just don't think a G is a wise investment at #26.
They have to pay the LT next year.

Put your money on the skill spots or a playmaking spot. I'm also looking at Smithiak's history. Other than Brown, everyone else on OL EVER is 3rd or lower. Hell, the RG was an NFL Europe project. They have proven they can take guys that are projects and turn them into players. What makes you think this year is any different?

I think it's Fleener or a pass rusher if they stay at that spot, and my money is on the rusher. Lots of choices there. I'm slightly partial to Shea McCellen, but there are numerous guys there who can rotate in and provide a rush. I think they would prefer to trade down, but finding a partner won't be easy. I put trade down odds at 20%.

I was high on Wright, but as I move along in my own eval's, I'm not sure I want to spend a #1 on a guy that looks like a slot WR to me - albeit a good one. I just don't think he has the frame to be a top shelf outside guy. Could be wrong there but that's how I view it.

The other WR's other than Fleener? Let's TRY to trade down if that's the idea. I don't see the value at #26 other than Fleener who is a WR in a TE body so for my purposes I'm calling him a WR. I would rather go OLB other than Fleener UNLESS an OL is overwhelming value at the pick.

With the departure of Winston and Brisiel, I think there will be sufficient value at 26 for us to justify the pick on an OL. And by saying "value" I mean "need." LOL.

Signing Foster and Myers to new deals was the first half of a plan that inlvoves signing a 1st round OL that makes the Foster/Myers signings as effective as possible. Whatever depth we had on the right side of the line just got promoted to starter roles.

Bob, Gary and Rick know the fans will CRUSH them (Bob, Gary, Rick) if they had cut Winston and then failed to have a quality, 1st round ZBS-style OL to help Butler/Caldwell. The health and depth of the line is paramount for 2012. Winston, IMO, was cut for piss poor pass pro. A statement is being made that the chances of this team hinge upon Foster/Myers and the quality of guys surrounding them.

Now is the time for us to grab a ZBS-style OL like we did when we grabbed Duane Brown.

Fleener is the wild card, like you and everyone else is saying, and for all the reasons you stated. I agree 100% on that.

I cannot see Wade being given a pick in round 1. I mean, it would have to be an exceptionally top-rated guy that they think every team before them failed to take and so we gotta' take him at #26. Kubiak needs groceries pretty bad.

[GP]

Originally Posted by badboy

Agree with your post but just for discussion, Zeitler #26 would give you a 10-12 year starter day one with a low 4-5 year contract. How could that not be wise?

Zeitler would be tremendous value at 26, and for the money too.

He becomes an instant camp challenger to the veterans on the right side of the line...but can be better used as depth as he sits behind the vets and soaks up the pro game in year 1.

Kubiak's "background" guys (Butler, Caldwell) are now being transitioned into starters. Kubiak needs to put more background guys, like Zeitler, into the depth spots once held by Butler and Caldwell.

It's re-loading, and it makes the most sense with where we came from, where we are, and where we're headed.

Wade Phillips shows what happens when the front seven is (a) the RIGHT type of players, and when (b) you put enough in the cupboard to compensate for injuries to your starters. Mario dropped, and BAM! it was Next Man Up. Never before has a Texans team been able to withstand THAT amount of injury problems and still end up winning as much as it did in 2011.

Kubiak knows this. Wade got the groceries in 2011, and now Kubiak has a list of his own that is two years in the making. I think people better be prepared for an offense-heavy draft this year.

[Rey]

Zeitler is a day 1 starter. That dude is a beast and IMO he's a better player than Decastro.

[76Texan]

It's hard for me to imagine a ZBS team going for any O-lineman (except for LT) in the first round unless they are very set at other positions or in case of finding such good value at #26 they simply can't resist even when they know that they can improve the team NOW with another position.

[drs23]

Originally Posted by GP

With the departure of Winston and Brisiel, I think there will be sufficient value at 26 for us to justify the pick on an OL. And by saying "value" I mean "need." LOL.

Signing Foster and Myers to new deals was the first half of a plan that inlvoves signing a 1st round OL that makes the Foster/Myers signings as effective as possible. Whatever depth we had on the right side of the line just got promoted to starter roles.

Bob, Gary and Rick know the fans will CRUSH them (Bob, Gary, Rick) if they had cut Winston and then failed to have a quality, 1st round ZBS-style OL to help Butler/Caldwell. The health and depth of the line is paramount for 2012. Winston, IMO, was cut for piss poor pass pro. A statement is being made that the chances of this team hinge upon Foster/Myers and the quality of guys surrounding them.

Now is the time for us to grab a ZBS-style OL like we did when we grabbed Duane Brown.

Fleener is the wild card, like you and everyone else is saying, and for all the reasons you stated. I agree 100% on that.

I cannot see Wade being given a pick in round 1. I mean, it would have to be an exceptionally top-rated guy that they think every team before them failed to take and so we gotta' take him at #26. Kubiak needs groceries pretty bad.

The bolded and the "set your watch by" false start/holding penalties.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by GP

Bob, Gary and Rick know the fans will CRUSH them (Bob, Gary, Rick) if they had cut Winston and then failed to have a quality, 1st round ZBS-style OL to help Butler/Caldwell. The health and depth of the line is paramount for 2012. Winston, IMO, was cut for piss poor pass pro. A statement is being made that the chances of this team hinge upon Foster/Myers and the quality of guys surrounding them.

I think you're missing something... Derek Newton.

I think the reason they felt comfortable letting Winston go wasn't just about how comfy they felt with Rashad Butler but because of how comfortable they felt with Derek Newton. I think Smithiak is just fine with our OT situation.

If we go oline, I think we're going Guard. Caldwell didn't look good to me last season. Maybe it was because of his injuries, I don't know. But I don't feel great about Smith and Caldwell as our starters.

And I think Smith is laying down a smokescreen. Did he mention TE? I expect to draft a TE somewhere in the first 4 rounds and I doubt Fleener gets past us IF he falls to us.

[GP]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

I think you're missing something... Derek Newton.

I think the reason they felt comfortable letting Winston go wasn't just about how comfy they felt with Rashad Butler but because of how comfortable they felt with Derek Newton. I think Smithiak is just fine with our OT situation.

If we go oline, I think we're going Guard. Caldwell didn't look good to me last season. Maybe it was because of his injuries, I don't know. But I don't feel great about Smith and Caldwell as our starters.

And I think Smith is laying down a smokescreen. Did he mention TE? I expect to draft a TE somewhere in the first 4 rounds and I doubt Fleener gets past us IF he falls to us.

I do not know much about Newton, so yeah that explains it.

Now I'm re-thinking things. Dammit. LOL.

[Playoffs]

Viddy well, my droogies:

http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-medi...d-bd577e78a19e

[Rey]

Originally Posted by GP

I do not know much about Newton, so yeah that explains it.

Now I'm re-thinking things. Dammit. LOL.

Newton was our swing tackle all last season.

Butler got hurt early on and Newton was the guy. He even played some.

He played in some regular sets, but he also played in short yardage situations when we went heavy.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by GP

I do not know much about Newton, so yeah that explains it.

Now I'm re-thinking things. Dammit. LOL.

When Newton was drafted, I expected him to be sent to the PS. He's just another late round guy.

But even with all the injuries and everything they had last year, they kept Newton on the squad (iirc). I kept expecting him to be waived or shuffled about somehow but they didn't even try to sneak him onto the PS.

In the little bits I've heard from Kubiak about him, he's sounded really impressed with Newton. He's gone out of his way to mention him in some press conference during the season.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

When Newton was drafted, I expected him to be sent to the PS. He's just another late round guy.

But even with all the injuries and everything they had last year, they kept Newton on the squad (iirc). I kept expecting him to be waived or shuffled about somehow but they didn't even try to sneak him onto the PS.

In the little bits I've heard from Kubiak about him, he's sounded really impressed with Newton. He's gone out of his way to mention him in some press conference during the season.

I think a lot of people missed when he came into the games...

I don't know how often it was but I noticed him in the game a few times when we went to heavy formation in short yardage.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by Rey

I think a lot of people missed when he came into the games...

I don't know how often it was but I noticed him in the game a few times when we went to heavy formation in short yardage.

I have to admit, I didn't notice him in there. But I noticed him suited up on the sideline quite a bit instead of walking around in sweats.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

When Newton was drafted, I expected him to be sent to the PS. He's just another late round guy.

But even with all the injuries and everything they had last year, they kept Newton on the squad (iirc). I kept expecting him to be waived or shuffled about somehow but they didn't even try to sneak him onto the PS.

In the little bits I've heard from Kubiak about him, he's sounded really impressed with Newton. He's gone out of his way to mention him in some press conference during the season.

I think I'm the only one here with a couple of Newton's college tapes.
And I did watch him coming in from time to time in a few games.
Nothing was really answered except I haven't written him off, which is not bad for a guy in his place.

[The Medic01]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

I think you're missing something... Derek Newton.

I think the reason they felt comfortable letting Winston go wasn't just about how comfy they felt with Rashad Butler but because of how comfortable they felt with Derek Newton. I think Smithiak is just fine with our OT situation.

If we go oline, I think we're going Guard. Caldwell didn't look good to me last season. Maybe it was because of his injuries, I don't know. But I don't feel great about Smith and Caldwell as our starters.

And I think Smith is laying down a smokescreen. Did he mention TE? I expect to draft a TE somewhere in the first 4 rounds and I doubt Fleener gets past us IF he falls to us.

You know that Caldwell was the starter in 2012 when Foster led the league in rushing. Yeah he didn't do amazing but he had two high ankle sprains and Foster had a 100 yards in the two games he played and vs th Titans we still had over 100 yards rushing.