Some encouraging news on Brooks!

[HOU-TEX]

IIRC, last week Kubiak said he'd lost about 15 lbs. I'm not sure where his actual weight is now though

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by HOU-TEX

IIRC, last week Kubiak said he'd lost about 15 lbs. I'm not sure where his actual weight is now though

Judging by what the article posted further up said, that must be the weight they wanted him to target.

[beerlover]

Texans have learned not to throw a rookie into the fire until ready. Brooks is a talent who has to develop & cover his assignments. I can't see him beating Jones out, unless of another injury. Caldwell has been an under performer, but in his defense he seems constantly hampered by nagging injury's & his natural position is Center which he played well @ Alabama. Brooks can play RT too if his weight drops so he can maintain his stamina, which has been the real issue.

[Goldensilence]

Good news on Brooks in that he seems to be catching on far as weight and game speed. I didn't think he would likely be ready for a starting spot this season, but physically the guy has the tools you want in dominant guard. It's good to hear he's eager to get on the field and hasn't been happy about being unsuited on the sidelines. While he might have the frame of a RT, I just don't get why people would even consider the idea if he hasn't even learned to play G at the NFL level yet.

Jones was a great draft pick and with his experience in the SEC and some big time DTs he is probably more ready to play.

I feel good about those two moving forward overall.

I've always felt a bit bad for Caldwell, guy was an All-American center and when Myers caught on at center FT (also got some much better guard play) he was shifted to G. I think he's probably a better fit at center and if he's a FA this next year it wouldn't surprise me to see him sign elsewhere to try and move back to C.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Good news on Brooks in that he seems to be catching on far as weight and game speed. I didn't think he would likely be ready for a starting spot this season, but physically the guy has the tools you want in dominant guard. It's good to hear he's eager to get on the field and hasn't been happy about being unsuited on the sidelines. While he might have the frame of a RT, I just don't get why people would even consider the idea if he hasn't even learned to play G at the NFL level yet.

Regarding Brooks, I have some question for the FO.
They drafted him at that weight, right?
They knew what they're getting.
It wasn's his fault for being at that weight (whatever he was playing in college at).

But as a mid-round draft pick, the Texans "have the right" to say that if you want to get on the field (instead of being a career back-up), we want you to loose some weight.

Another team, like New Orleans, for example, with Carl Nicks at some 343 lbs at Guard, may not having much problem with Brooks' weight.
But of course, since we're a zone blocking team, so we want our guys to be as fit and trim as possible.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

I've always felt a bit bad for Caldwell, guy was an All-American center and when Myers caught on at center FT (also got some much better guard play) he was shifted to G. I think he's probably a better fit at center and if he's a FA this next year it wouldn't surprise me to see him sign elsewhere to try and move back to C.

I like Ben Jones for the long term, but I think Caldwell has been progressing OK, except for the injuries.

He came back last year and played quite solidly when Brisiel was out.
And now he has another setback.

An O-lineman who cannot stay on the field may not earn much as far as contract goes. Who knows, he may very well resign with us next year. I wouldn't mind that.

[76Texan]

Here's an interesting article that I found:

http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/spo...ive-lines.html

It looks like the trend of the big O-linemen has been reversing, albeit not by very much.

And I quote:

"So, you think that athletes are getting bigger, stronger and faster. Well, part of that statement is a misconception, of sort.

Players competing to excel in all sports are certainly showing the results that would indicate that today's athlete is faster and stronger than their predecessors. But the bigger part? Actually, the average size of college football offensive linemen is shrinking.

About five seasons ago, the average O-lineman in college football was a little over 304 pounds per man. Back in the late '90's, the standard size was in the 307 pound range.
....

The average starter in college football in 2012 is 302.8 lbs. per man.
...

I know what you're wondering. What does this all mean and which teams (and conferences) are the biggest today? Well, here are the facts.

The SEC is the heaviest conference on the O-line per team with an average weight of 307.54 lbs. per team (averaged 8 wins per team in 2011, 2nd most of any conference)
The ACC is 2nd with a 305.15 average (averaged 6.5 wins per team last season)
The Big 12 303.58 lbs.(averaged 8.4 wins per team last season, most of any conference)
The Big Ten with a 301.5 average (with 7.3 wins per team in 2011)
The Big East 300.5 lbs. (7 wins per member in 2011)
Sun Belt 300.2 lbs. (5.5 wins per team)
PAC Ten 299.95 lbs. (6.75 wins per team)
Conference USA 299.43 lbs. average.(6.1 wins per team)
Mid American 299.27 lbs. (5.6 wins per team)
Western Athletic 293.57 lbs. (5.1 wins in 2011)
Mountain West 293.4 lbs. (5.8 wins per team last fall)
Independents 289.3 (including Army and Navy; 6.5 wins per member)."

[ItsMyFault]

Does this mean Caldwell is already ruled out for Monday's game?

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by 76Texan

Regarding Brooks, I have some question for the FO.
They drafted him at that weight, right?
They knew what they're getting.
It wasn's his fault for being at that weight (whatever he was playing in college at).

But as a mid-round draft pick, the Texans "have the right" to say that if you want to get on the field (instead of being a career back-up), we want you to loose some weight.

Another team, like New Orleans, for example, with Carl Nicks at some 343 lbs at Guard, may not having much problem with Brooks' weight.
But of course, since we're a zone blocking team, so we want our guys to be as fit and trim as possible.

I guess the biggest question I would have is what weight he played at Miami (OH) vs what he showed up to TC as. Which is what I think is the problem is and why he was in the doghouse a bit.

Originally Posted by 76Texan

I like Ben Jones for the long term, but I think Caldwell has been progressing OK, except for the injuries.

He came back last year and played quite solidly when Brisiel was out.
And now he has another setback.

An O-lineman who cannot stay on the field may not earn much as far as contract goes. Who knows, he may very well resign with us next year. I wouldn't mind that.

We both agree on Ben Jones being more long term and with Wade Smith's contract coming up soon could be transitioning both G positions. Question for Caldwell is going to be does he want to compete for a possible G position or find another team where he could go back to C. If he resigns I don't see a big cap hit.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

Not suiting up wasn't a good thing. His being pissed off about not suiting up was a good thing.

We do not know that. The quote was He’s disappointed he’s not part of what’s going on right now.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

That is pretty exciting, with Jones, Caldwell and Brooks that is a good guard rotation for when we don't resign Smith.

actually it is not. Caldwell has not played good. This is his last contract year & I'd be stunned if he is offered a new deal. Both rookies have to play very well for us not to draft RT/RG high.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by badboy

We do not know that. The quote was He’s disappointed he’s not part of what’s going on right now.

Which I translate from the CoachSpeak as being, "He's pissed off and he wants to play." Kubiak thought it was a good thing, this "disappointment." If the kid is just "disappointed" with the regular connotations of that word, then it's not a good thing because then he's a *****. For Kubiak to think it's a good thing, then it means he's really saying the kid is pissed off and fired up and working hard trying to get on the field and be a part of it. Otherwise, it's not a good thing.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by NastyNate

Why would they freak out about a rookie guard? Seriously GP, your logic is so flawed here.

What are you talking about? Good Guard play is essential in our offense.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by badboy

What are you talking about? Good Guard play is essential in our offense.

I think the OP was referring to someone being scared of an untested rookie G.

[drs23]

Originally Posted by badboy

actually it is not. Caldwell has not played good. This is his last contract year & I'd be stunned if he is offered a new deal. Both rookies have to play very well for us not to draft RT/RG high.

How high though? By high is that 3rd rnd? If so I can see that. See: Brooks, Caldwell. The rest of the line guys are 6ths & 7ths with Jones coming in the 4th as the 2nd in that round. I don't see Rick Smith throwing a second at the line when it's been proven in excess that we can get players in the late rounds that can start for us. I say a 2nd 'cause we all KNOW that Wade gets the 1st. (kinda)

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by badboy

actually it is not. Caldwell has not played good. This is his last contract year & I'd be stunned if he is offered a new deal. Both rookies have to play very well for us not to draft RT/RG high.

To me he has done OK. The only guys that graded better than him, for me, are Myers and Brown. It's kinda somewhat close to call among Wade Smith, Newton, and Caldwell (considering we can't be sure what they are supposed to do on every snaps).

Jones is still raw and therefore inconsistent.
Harris doesn't have enough snaps to be evaluated fairly.

And what do you mean by both rookies having to play well for us not to draft RG/RT?

Who is the rookie at RT?

[CloakNNNdagger]

Wade Smith has not practiced in the past 2 days. He had his knee drained yesterday.

[GP]

Originally Posted by Lucky

You do realize that you are just making stuff up, right? Brooks has been criticized by Kubiak for weight and stamina. Not his make up. A total fabrication.

Slow down, sparky. You and rey's reading comprehension fluid levels are running a quart low.

I said he has the talent/skill set. His ability to harness that is lacking. I don't know what preseason games you were watching, but he's not nearly close enough to be this guy a lot of you are expecting him to be.

Right now, he needs to just be around the game and soak it in. I don't want him out there this year.

Kubiak takes a guy every so often, a guy who has crazy wicked upside, and Brooks is that guy. He's bigger than what Kubiak has used in the ZBS. He's the latest project pick.

Jacoby, then Holliday, and now Brooks. All three guys, IF they hit their potential...end up being phenomenal players for where they're picked and what skill set they possess.

And so far, Jacoby's gone, Holliday is getting his chance now, and Brooks will be that guy in 2013.

The Kool Aid is strong with a lot of you on Brandon Brooks. I personally think he is a project pick. No use in me trying to elaborate any further, though. You guys get back to salivating over his size.

That first twitch action at the snap looked suspect in preseason. If he gets a head of steam, yeah he's a beast. At the snap, he needs a lot of progress there IMO. I hope our season doesn't come down to Brooks pass blocking for Schaub. That's all.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

I think the OP was referring to someone being scared of an untested rookie G.

GP speaking about Brooks said he needed to get a nasty going on and let that be his inner self (which I happen to agree with). Nasty Nate said who would be afraid of an OG. GP was not talking about an untested rookie but a rookie with all the skills bringing out his toughness & wanting to dominate his opponent. At least that is how I interpreted GP. I guess if I'm wrong he will come in and set me straight.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by drs23

How high though? By high is that 3rd rnd? If so I can see that. See: Brooks, Caldwell. The rest of the line guys are 6ths & 7ths with Jones coming in the 4th as the 2nd in that round. I don't see Rick Smith throwing a second at the line when it's been proven in excess that we can get players in the late rounds that can start for us. I say a 2nd 'cause we all KNOW that Wade gets the 1st. (kinda)

If Newton doesn't do well, Harris better be outstanding as replacement or Kubes will draft OT no later than second & maybe trade up. With OG different story because of how well Jones is doing. If Brooks doesn't come along I see an OG not later than 3rd and maybe a trade up. He has used a third and 5th to move into second before.

Using Brooks and Caldwell as your examples is not very encouraging to me. lol

You want a Duane Brown or a maybe good Newton or Gardner? We are good spot to go to Super Bowl and have a dynasty type team; spend the higher pick to get the better odds player.