Pick your final 53 and PS

Ok this thread can really serve multiple purposes. We've got a lot of new guys, rookies, etc and watching these games and seeing a number and not knowing who it is can be an issue. So, I've copied all this into Word to have with me Friday. Ok, I know that's geeky but it might help.

We have no long term injuries yet (knock on wood) and we are sure to get at least a couple of players cut from other teams, so this is very much less than perfect. It's simply an exercise to look at this roster and play GM for a minute and take a wild guess. Some will be easy, some we have no idea without seeing them play. That's what makes it interesting - a way to pass the time until Friday. So, I've got my 53 below, with my 8 man Practice Squad. More than likely, a couple of the 8 could also be from other teams, but let's go with what we currently have on the roster.

A * means makes the final 53 as it looks opening day. PS is a guy that makes the Practice Squad. PUP should be obvious to football fans. Nothing next to a player means he is cut outright and does not make the PS or PUP. Players are listed in alphabetical order, divided by position.

Offense -

QB’s: (3)
* 7 Keenum, Case QB 6-1 209 25 R Houston
3 McGee, Stephen QB 6-3 225 27 4 Texas A&M
* 8 Schaub, Matt QB 6-5 239 32 9 Virginia
* 13 Yates, T.J. QB 6-4 219 26 2 North Carolina

OL: (8)
* 79 Brooks, Brandon G 6-5 340 23 R Miami (Ohio)
* 76 Brown, Duane T 6-4 320 27 5 Virginia Tech
61 Collins, Bryan G 6-3 301 R SMU
66 Gardner, Andrew T 6-6 308 27 2 Georgia Tech
* 68 Harris, Ryan T 6-5 300 28 5 Notre Dame
78 Horn, Tyler C 6-4 305 1 Miami
* 60 Jones, Ben C 6-3 303 24 R Georgia
62 Kupper, Alex G 6-3 300 23 R Louisville
69 Mondek, Nick T 6-5 303 24 R Purdue
* 55 Myers, Chris C 6-4 290 31 8 Miami (Fla.)
* 75 Newton, Derek T 6-5 318 25 2 Arkansas State
* 77 Quessenberry, David T 6-5 302 R San Jose State
* 74 Smith, Wade G 6-4 307 32 10 Memphis
67 White, Cody G 6-3 301 25 R Illinois State
PUP -73 Williams, Brennan T 6-6 318 R North Carolina

RB: (3)
* 23 Foster, Arian RB 6-1 229 26 4 Tennessee
37 Graham, Ray RB 5-9 199 R Pittsburgh
* 28 Johnson, Dennis RB 5-7 196 R Arkansas
39 Karim, Deji RB 5-8 209 26 4 Southern Illinois
* 44 Tate, Ben RB 5-11 215 24 3 Auburn
PS 41 Wood, Cierre RB 5-11 213 R Notre Dame

FB: (2)
PS 45 Boren, Zach FB 6-0 238 R Ohio State
* 40 Clutts, Tyler FB 6-2 260 28 2 Fresno State
*33 Jones, Greg FB 6-1 265 32 9 Florida State

TE: (3)
PS 89 Byrne, Jake TE 6-4 260 23 R Wisconsin
* 81 Daniels, Owen TE 6-3 249 30 7 Wisconsin
* 88 Graham, Garrett TE 6-3 244 27 3 Wisconsin
* 84 Griffin, Ryan TE 6-6 247 R Connecticut
85 Schiltz, Adam TE 6-4 256 R Emporia State

WR: (5)
* 16 Bonner, Alan WR 5-10 193 R Jacksonville State
12 Cruse, Andy WR 6-3 212 23 R Miami (Ohio)
* 10 Hopkins, DeAndre WR 6-1 214 R Clemson
* 18 Jean, Lestar WR 6-3 212 25 2 Florida Atlantic
* 80 Johnson, Andre WR 6-3 230 32 10 Miami (Fla.)
PS 17 Lemon, Alec WR 6-1 202 R Syracuse
15 Maehl, Jeff WR 6-0 185 24 1 Oregon
* 82 Martin, Keshawn WR 5-11 190 23 R Michigan State
87 Nwachukwu, Uzoma WR 5-11 196 22 R Texas A&M
PUP 11 Posey, DeVier WR 6-1 206 23 R Ohio State
86 Smith, Mike WR 6-0 204 R Connecticut

Defense -

DL: (7)
98 Browner, Keith DE 6-4 276 25 R California
* 93 Crick, Jared DE 6-4 287 23 R Nebraska
72 Hunter, David NT 6-2 303 23 R Houston
* 96 Jamison, Tim DE 6-3 285 27 4 Michigan
PS - 95 Jones, Chris DT 6-2 302 R Bowling Green
* 97 McClain, Terrell NT 6-2 300 25 2 South Florida
* 92 Mitchell, Earl NT 6-3 300 25 3 Arizona
* 91 Muir, Daniel DT 6-2 322 29 7 Kent State
71 Okine, Earl DE 6-6 284 R Florida
* 94 Smith, Antonio DE 6-4 284 31 8 Oklahoma State
* 99 Watt, J.J. DE 6-5 295 24 2 Wisconsin

OLB: (5)
* 50 Braman, Bryan LB 6-5 251 26 2 West Texas A&M
* 63 Jefferson, Willie OLB 6-5 233 R Stephen F. Austin
64 Johnson, Delano OLB 6-4 280 25 R Bowie State
* 59 Mercilus, Whitney LB 6-4 257 23 R Illinois
53 Mohamed, Mike LB 6-3 245 25 2 California
PUP 57 Montgomery, Sam OLB 6-3 262 23 R LSU
* 58 Reed, Brooks OLB 6-2 250 26 2 Arizona
PS 47 Tuggle, Justin OLB 6-3 244 R Kansas State
*54 Williams, Trevardo OLB 6-1 241 R Connecticut

ILB: (4)
PS 49 Collins, Cameron LB 6-2 241 23 R Oregon State
* 56 Cushing, Brian ILB 6-3 255 26 4 Southern California
61 Davis, Ja'Gared ILB 6-0 238 R SMU
* 52 Dobbins, Tim LB 6-1 236 30 7 Iowa State
*51 Mays, Joe MLB 5-11 245 28 6 North Dakota State
* 51 Sharpton, Darryl ILB 5-11 234 25 3 Miami (Fla.)

CB: (6)
* 34 Bouye, A.J. CB 6-0 186 R Central Florida
* 22 Carmichael, Roc CB 5-10 195 24 2 Virginia Tech
* 26 Harris, Brandon CB 5-10 194 23 2 Miami (Fla.)
27 Howard, Travis CB 6-1 200 R Ohio State
* 25 Jackson, Kareem DB 5-10 192 25 3 Alabama
* 24 Joseph, Johnathan CB 5-11 189 29 7 South Carolina
43 Mack, Elbert CB 5-10 175 27 6 Troy
* 21 McCain, Brice CB 5-9 184 26 4 Utah

Safety: (4)
30 Johnson, Orhian S 6-3 215 R Ohio State
* 31 Keo, Shiloh S 6-0 202 25 2 Idaho
* 38 Manning, Danieal S 5-11 210 30 7 Abilene Christian
PS 35 Pleasant, Eddie SS 5-10 210 24 R Oregon
29 Starling, Jawanza S 6-0 202 R S California
* 36 Swearinger, D.J. S 5-10 208 R South Carolina
* 20 Reed, Ed FS 5-11 205 34 11 Miami (Fla.)


Special Teams - (3)
* 4 Bullock, Randy K 5-9 208 23 R Texas A&M
* 9 Lechler, Shane P 6-2 230 36 13 Texas A&M
14 Shapiro, Andrew P 6-0 198 22 R Fresno State
* 46 Weeks, Jon LS 5-10 248 27 3 Baylor

Just a note but I don't think Sam Montgomery is PUPable. He's played some TC snaps, iirc.

The Pencil Neck said:

Just a note but I don't think Sam Montgomery is PUPable. He's played some TC snaps, iirc.

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Good point. What about Brennan Williams? Both guys could end up on IR as well. IR is just so difficult to predict but obviously to pretend that we come out of preseason totally clean is a pipe dream.

Porky said:

Good point. What about Brennan Williams? Both guys could end up on IR as well. IR is just so difficult to predict but obviously to pretend that we come out of preseason totally clean is a pipe dream.

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I'm not sure if Williams has had any TC snaps. He might be PUP-able but I'm not sure. I checked HT.com but they only show Arian, Posey, and Reed on the PUP.

Appreciate the work Porky. Anyone voice how Clutts is doing? Don't remember seeing him mention in TC thread.

The Pencil Neck said:

I'm not sure if Williams has had any TC snaps. He might be PUP-able but I'm not sure. I checked HT.com but they only show Arian, Posey, and Reed on the PUP.

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PUP-able isn't a new word, but you certainly gave it a new meaning.
I like it! Hahahaha!

badboy said:

Appreciate the work Porky. Anyone voice how Clutts is doing? Don't remember seeing him mention in TC thread.

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Ya I haven't heard much either on Clutts. I just picked him for the roster almost by default. I'm thinking they'll want another guy handy if Jones goes down during a game, although if he isn't a good ST'er he might not be active on game day so who knows.

badboy said:

Appreciate the work Porky. Anyone voice how Clutts is doing? Don't remember seeing him mention in TC thread.

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Clutts is having a good camp. Greg Jones appears to be rubbing off on him(?) He was staying late for extra work, nicely clearing holes, and had one of the TC pancake blocks on Braman.

Playoffs said:

Clutts is having a good camp. Greg Jones appears to be rubbing off on him(?) He was staying late for extra work, nicely clearing holes, and had one of the TC pancake blocks on Braman.

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Good info, do you see a second FB as a necessity or a luxury? I am leaning towards going with one and adding player elsewhere.

badboy said:

Good info, do you see a second FB as a necessity or a luxury? I am leaning towards going with one and adding player elsewhere.

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Ya I struggled with that when building the roster. It might/should come down to ST value.

One thing I do like is that while the rest of the NFL is moving away from a FB, the Texans still use one as an integral part of the offense. That makes acquiring talent at FB cheaper and easier.

Even though Jones is up there now, I think he is still in the conversation as the best all around FB in the NFL. And he isn't one dimensional. He can catch passes, and can take a few carries. And if injuries strike bad enough, he can even be a temporary feature back. Very versatile back, powerful blocker, and can catch passes. I'm very pleased with adding Jones to the roster.

The Pencil Neck said:

I'm not sure if Williams has had any TC snaps. He might be PUP-able but I'm not sure. I checked HT.com but they only show Arian, Posey, and Reed on the PUP.

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I don't keep up with all the rules and stuff, but if a guy gets an injury that'll keep him out for 5 or 6 weeks during pre-season he has to be IR'd or kept on the active roster if the team wanted to keep him?

badboy said:

Good info, do you see a second FB as a necessity or a luxury? I am leaning towards going with one and adding player elsewhere.

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I think special teams with be big for Clutts.

If Jones got hurt you could always run one back sets. I'd lean towards keeping him though...but he needs to have a strong pre-season I think.

badboy said:

Good info, do you see a second FB as a necessity or a luxury? I am leaning towards going with one and adding player elsewhere.

Click to expand...

I don't think we had much in the way of FB heavy blocking packages last year, and I'm guessing that will expand with the commitment to Greg Jones -- like when we had Leach. I'd be afraid to not have a replacement if Jones goes down. Remember there were a few FB needy teams bidding for Vonta -- Dolphins & Giants for sure.

But other roster needs may force us to rely on one.

We do have a rookie Zach Boren (5'11.5"/238 Ohio State) who has garnered a few mentions, too.

Alright, I'll do a quick run down:

QB: Schaub, Yates, Keenum (3)
RB: Arian, Tate, Grahm (3)
WR: Dre, Hopkins, Martin, Alan Bonner, Jeff Maehl, LeStar Jean (6)
FB: Jones, Clutts (2)
TE: OD, Grahm, Griffin (3)
OT: Brown, Newton, Harris, Quessenberry (4)
OG: Brooks, Smith (2)
C: Meyers, Ben Jones (2)

NT: Mitchell, Muir, Chris Jones (3)
DE: Watt, Smith, Crick, Jamison (4)
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins (4)
OLB: Reed, Merciless, Trevardo, Braman, Willie (5)
CB: JJo, Kjax, McCain, Harris, Carmichael (5)
FS: Reed, Swearinger (2)
SS: Manning, Pleasant, Keo (3)

K: Bullock
P: Lechler
LS: Weeks

Brennan Williams, Sam Montgomery on IR

Posey on PUP

This was tough. I'm not even close to sold on what I have here. I don't know that Mont or Williams will be on IR. Posey likely goes to PUP though...

The ILB situation is going to be interesting though. I think Behind Cushing, Sharpton, Mays or Dobbins could be cut. With Brooks Reed able to slide inside if needed and the wealth of talent at OLB (if Willie plays well) then maybe one of those guys gets chopped.

A lot of names I have I could be easily convinced to cut them and insert someone else. I think I counted right and that's 53....

I think there will be a surprise cut or two as well...I actually cringed when I put Keo on there...I hope Ohrian gets a chance and shines or Pleasant beats him out...Or, I hope Keo has actually gotten better...

Rey said:

I don't keep up with all the rules and stuff, but if a guy gets an injury that'll keep him out for 5 or 6 weeks during pre-season he has to be IR'd or kept on the active roster if the team wanted to keep him?

Click to expand...

My understanding is that to be able to be put on the PUP list at the beginning of the regular season, you have to have been on PUP from the beginning of TC. So if you've taken any snaps during TC, you're no longer PUP-able. Like you say, it's IR or on the Roster... for the regular season.

You can, I believe, be put on a PUP list during training camp so you don't count against the 90.

I think CnD posted the latest PUP rules... I'll have to look them up.

My list and reasoning:

Offense (24)

QBs (3):

Schaub, Matt
Yates, T. J.
Keenum, Case

(if Case performs like I expect, don't think they risk putting him on the practice squad, especially with Green Bay picking up from the trash heap (VY) for a backup :-P )

OL (8):

Newton, Derrick
Brooks, Brandon
Myers, Chris
Smith, Wade
Brown, Duane

Jones, Ben
Quessenberry, David
Harris, Ryan

Williams, Brennan on IR due to knee

I don't see them carrying a 9th OL with other roster needs, and Williams knee should give them a viable reason to IR him (players have been IR'ed for pretty goofy reasons in the past)

RB (3):
Foster, Arian
Tate, Wood
Johnson, Dennis

They will definitely carry three backs, and if another performs well, I could even see a 4th carried in the place of a 2nd FB

FB (2):
Jones, Greg
Clutts, Tyler

Besides the potential value on return teams/coverage of having a big body like Clutts, I think with Jones age they might want an insurance policy. Clutts is by far the most "on the bubble" of any "vet" in my eyes though, and could easily be gone if they need an extra RB, extra TE, extra WR, or extra LB.

TE (3):

Daniels, Owen
Graham, Garrett
Griffin, Ryan

Griffin is needed for 3 TE sets, and if another TE impresses, I could see them getting a spot over Clutts.

WR (5):
Johnson, Andre
Hopkins, DeAndre
Martin, KeShawn
Bonner, Alan
Jean, Lestar

PUP-Posey. When Posey is off PUP, it would most likely be Jean in my mind that gets cut because of it (or Lemon if he made it in place of Jean depending on PS eligiblity afterwards).

I think Lestar's spot may not be safe if he does not perform well in preseason. Everything I heard/saw in person of Lemon makes him look like a serious threat to Jean's roster spot. Still, if there isn't much of a gap between them, Jean might get the nod due to the bigger body/more experience with Lemon getting PS'ed.


Overall, my offense list is the same as Porky, but I do disagree some on defense:

Defense(26)

DL (7):

Watt, JJ
Smith, Antonio
Mitchell, Earl
Jamison, Tim
Crick, Jared
McClain, Terrell
Jones, Chris

I think Chris with pads on has already shown what he is capable in training camp, and while Miur's strength is impressive, until the Texans actually use a NT over 320 pounds, I'm not going to count on one making the roster.

OLB (5):
Mercilus, Whitney
Reed, Brooks
Williams, Trevardo
Jefferson, Willie
Montgomery, Sam

While I was a big fan of Braman, I'm not sure he gets a spot on special team ability alone. In my mind despite Montgomery being behind, I don't see him getting IR'ed unless he has another injury. If he gets IR'ed he won't be able to participate in team practices, and I think that is the last thing the Texans want. They will likely keep him off IR to ensure they can try to work him into shape/get Watt and Smith on him to prepare him to actually be deserving of his 3rd round pick status.

ILB(5):
Cushing, Brian
Mays, Joe
Sharpton, Darryl
Dobbins, Tim
Collins, Cameron

I think after last year and the injury questions with all 4 linebackers (Cushing knee, Mays leg, Sharpton everything :-P and Dobbins Shoulder) they will carry a 5th ILB at the cost of a DB. Of course, if they are serious about Reed sliding to ILB in an emergency that could change but unless I see Reed getting ILB snaps again in practice or preseason I won't count on it.

CB (5):
Joseph, Johnathan
Jackson, Kareem
McCain, Brice
Harris, Brandon
Bouye, A.J.

I could see another vet being brought in to replace Bouye's spot and him being PS unless he is just lights out during the preaseason. Mack obviously wasn't the answer as a vet though from what I've seen.

Safety(4):
Reed, Ed
Manning, Danieal
Swearinger, D.J.
Keo, Shiloh

As much as I would rather see Pleasant over Keo, I think Keo still has the support of the team especially considering the most recent depth chart. Keo also has performed decently (for being coached by Marciano) on special teams, so that may be a deciding factor in him being on the team.

Special Teams (3):
Bullock, Randy
Lechler, Shane
Weeks, Jon

I really really wish they had a player besides Weeks who could reliably long snap but also provide depth at another position...

Practice Squad:
Wood, Cierre
Boren, Zach
Byrne, Jake
Lemon, Alec
Johnson, Delano
Tuggle, Justin
Pleasant, Eddie

Since I have Bouye, Collins, and Jefferson making the team, I've replaced them with Johnson, Tugge, and Pleasant. If the three are practice squaded instead in favor of vets, then Johnson, Tuggle, and Boren are the 3 I expect to be cut outright. Where Chris Jones fits is a question if he gets PS'ed in place of a vet, but I don't necessarily count on them PS'ing Byrne if they feel 100% comfortable with their 3 TEs.

And Rey, I count 54 on your list. I seriously don't see Maehl making the team though, everything I've seen from him puts him in the "JAG" (just another guy) category and I'd expect they would go with someone with a potentially higher ceiling.

And my surprise cut (to some at least) would be Roc Carmichael then. Everything I've seen out of him makes me think he is cuttable, and while they won't likely give up on Harris yet, I don't think a 4th round pick has quite the same protection.

MidtownMikey said:

My list and reasoning:

Offense (24)

QBs (3):

Schaub, Matt
Yates, T. J.
Keenum, Case

(if Case performs like I expect, don't think they risk putting him on the practice squad, especially with Green Bay picking up from the trash heap (VY) for a backup :-P )

OL (8):

Newton, Derrick
Brooks, Brandon
Myers, Chris
Smith, Wade
Brown, Duane

Jones, Ben
Quessenberry, David
Harris, Ryan

Williams, Brennan on IR due to knee

I don't see them carrying a 9th OL with other roster needs, and Williams knee should give them a viable reason to IR him (players have been IR'ed for pretty goofy reasons in the past)

RB (3):
Foster, Arian
Tate, Wood
Johnson, Dennis

They will definitely carry three backs, and if another performs well, I could even see a 4th carried in the place of a 2nd FB

FB (2):
Jones, Greg
Clutts, Tyler

Besides the potential value on return teams/coverage of having a big body like Clutts, I think with Jones age they might want an insurance policy. Clutts is by far the most "on the bubble" of any "vet" in my eyes though, and could easily be gone if they need an extra RB, extra TE, extra WR, or extra LB.

TE (3):

Daniels, Owen
Graham, Garrett
Griffin, Ryan

Griffin is needed for 3 TE sets, and if another TE impresses, I could see them getting a spot over Clutts.

WR (5):
Johnson, Andre
Hopkins, DeAndre
Martin, KeShawn
Bonner, Alan
Jean, Lestar

PUP-Posey. When Posey is off PUP, it would most likely be Jean in my mind that gets cut because of it (or Lemon if he made it in place of Jean depending on PS eligiblity afterwards).

I think Lestar's spot may not be safe if he does not perform well in preseason. Everything I heard/saw in person of Lemon makes him look like a serious threat to Jean's roster spot. Still, if there isn't much of a gap between them, Jean might get the nod due to the bigger body/more experience with Lemon getting PS'ed.


Overall, my offense list is the same as Porky, but I do disagree some on defense:

Defense(26)

DL (7):

Watt, JJ
Smith, Antonio
Mitchell, Earl
Jamison, Tim
Crick, Jared
McClain, Terrell
Jones, Chris

I think Chris with pads on has already shown what he is capable in training camp, and while Miur's strength is impressive, until the Texans actually use a NT over 320 pounds, I'm not going to count on one making the roster.

OLB (5):
Mercilus, Whitney
Reed, Brooks
Williams, Trevardo
Jefferson, Willie
Montgomery, Sam

While I was a big fan of Braman, I'm not sure he gets a spot on special team ability alone. In my mind despite Montgomery being behind, I don't see him getting IR'ed unless he has another injury. If he gets IR'ed he won't be able to participate in team practices, and I think that is the last thing the Texans want. They will likely keep him off IR to ensure they can try to work him into shape/get Watt and Smith on him to prepare him to actually be deserving of his 3rd round pick status.

ILB(5):
Cushing, Brian
Mays, Joe
Sharpton, Darryl
Dobbins, Tim
Collins, Cameron

I think after last year and the injury questions with all 4 linebackers (Cushing knee, Mays leg, Sharpton everything :-P and Dobbins Shoulder) they will carry a 5th ILB at the cost of a DB. Of course, if they are serious about Reed sliding to ILB in an emergency that could change but unless I see Reed getting ILB snaps again in practice or preseason I won't count on it.

CB (5):
Joseph, Johnathan
Jackson, Kareem
McCain, Brice
Harris, Brandon
Bouye, A.J.

I could see another vet being brought in to replace Bouye's spot and him being PS unless he is just lights out during the preaseason. Mack obviously wasn't the answer as a vet though from what I've seen.

Safety(4):
Reed, Ed
Manning, Danieal
Swearinger, D.J.
Keo, Shiloh

As much as I would rather see Pleasant over Keo, I think Keo still has the support of the team especially considering the most recent depth chart. Keo also has performed decently (for being coached by Marciano) on special teams, so that may be a deciding factor in him being on the team.

Special Teams (3):
Bullock, Randy
Lechler, Shane
Weeks, Jon

I really really wish they had a player besides Weeks who could reliably long snap but also provide depth at another position...

Practice Squad:
Wood, Cierre
Boren, Zach
Byrne, Jake
Lemon, Alec
Johnson, Delano
Tuggle, Justin
Pleasant, Eddie

Since I have Bouye, Collins, and Jefferson making the team, I've replaced them with Johnson, Tugge, and Pleasant. If the three are practice squaded instead in favor of vets, then Johnson, Tuggle, and Boren are the 3 I expect to be cut outright. Where Chris Jones fits is a question if he gets PS'ed in place of a vet, but I don't necessarily count on them PS'ing Byrne if they feel 100% comfortable with their 3 TEs.

And Rey, I count 54 on your list. I seriously don't see Maehl making the team though, everything I've seen from him puts him in the "JAG" (just another guy) category and I'd expect they would go with someone with a potentially higher ceiling.

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There's a few people I don't see making the team on your list either. But I'm not going to debate that right now. I picked mahael for a reason.

Thanks for participating guys. Thoughtful stuff. It's so early in the process, it's all just a mental exercise but worth considering how the roster may play out.

Mikey, I didn't see Roc Carmichael on your list? Oversight or do you see him being cut? If you do, I would dispute that. If anything I see Harris as a potential surprise cut. JMO.

Edit: Mikey, we cross posted. I do now see your thoughts there. Disagree though as Roc has had a lot of positive reports. Of course, all this is mostly moot until the lights come on. You could certainly be right. Thanks for the clarification.

I also have trouble finding room for Maehl. He's not a bad player, but nothing stands out, and we've seen him before. From all reports Lemon is catching everything in sight, and his only issue is he can't get separation. Of course, if you are catching anything thrown your way anyway, it may not be something that keeps him from playing for a long time. It does help explain how Nassib's favorite target went undrafted though.

Having said that, I suspect Lemon makes the PS, and they give one last shot to Jean. I think it's put up or shut up time. Jean is wildly inconsistent, and that is an issue.

Been thinking about this the past few days .... Lots of battles across the roster.

Almost started a thread similar this morning but I didn't have time to put together a detailed post - Been tending my wife who had surgery on Thursday (tonsillectomy) .... Ugh , hurry up and get better so I can go fishin woman!



I'll have a detailed response in a day or two .... really have to evaluate each position critically .... when Im not feeding my wife jello ....

Rey said:

There's a few people I don't see making the team on your list either. But I'm not going to debate that right now. I picked mahael for a reason.

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I was mainly pointing out you listed 54 with only 53 spots. Since WR had 6 in the position group, I figured it would be the spot you'd cut from. Who do you see as being the most cutable out of the 54 you listed to drop to 53? Clutts, Jefferson, Chris Jones, Braman, Carmichael or someone else?

It's wayyyyy early, but Trevardo needs to step it up.

I heard he had an interception return off a tip this last practice, but none of the OLBs seem to be getting great reviews on run defense, and both Trevardo and Braman I've heard being swallowed up by tackles against the pass too. Speed doesn't help either if they let the lineman get their hands on them every time.

MidtownMikey said:

I heard he had an interception return off a tip this last practice, but none of the OLBs seem to be getting great reviews on run defense, and both Trevardo and Braman I've heard being swallowed up by tackles against the pass too. Speed doesn't help either if they let the lineman get their hands on them every time.

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Agreed. OLB is still a problem area that I don't see a readily available solution to. I hope JJ can negate that issue for at least one more season.
*fingers crossed*

I'm worried about OLB too guys, and LB in general. Inside it's health, outside its health and talent. It may be the one position that keeps this D at merely good to very good, when it has the potential to be great. I'm really happy with the talent and depth at Dline and secondary and I think that's enough to put us at or near the top 10 almost by default. The OLB's being a threat will put us over the top, and make this a top 3 type D IF we can get some guys to step it up. Big IF there.

I think Mercilus has the talent to be a double digit sack guy if he stays healthy, but yeah, health is concerning with all the linebackers getting dinged up in training camp.

Wish there was a way we could bubble wrap them all... (know the joke on Battle Red Blog is an elbow brace is the solution for everything :-P ).

MidtownMikey said:

I think Mercilus has the talent to be a double digit sack guy if he stays healthy, but yeah, health is concerning with all the linebackers getting dinged up in training camp.

Wish there was a way we could bubble wrap them all... (know the joke on Battle Red Blog is an elbow brace is the solution for everything :-P ).

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Mercilus pass rushing ability is evident .... I'm seriously concerned with the OLB;s ability to set the edge / stop the run.

Braman , Mercilus , Jefferson and Williams all have the same question mark .... One of those guys has to step up alongside Brooks Reed and take the bull by the horns .... I doubt Sam Montgomery is PUP'd. I think it boils down to Jefferson making the final roster or not - Don't think he clears waivers.

Going to be some interesting decisions to make on the final 53 this year.

Cant see them keeping two FB's in Clutts & Jones .... Its one or the other.

At WR - Does Posey make the final 53 or does he go PUP ?! AJ , Hopkins , Martin , Bonner ... and Posey. Don't see 6 sticking this year. Its four if Posey goes PUP and five if he doesn't.


At ILB , its going to be tough to let Cameron Collins go. Could see carrying one less safety (Between Keo and Pleasant) and keeping him.


Man , is this team loaded at CB / Safety or what ?! Its going to be hard to cut any of those guy's.

How many players are the Texans allowed to PUP at the beginning of the season and bring back mid-season if necessary?

OK.

Let's see what I've got... at this point from what I've heard...

Offense (24):
QB: Schaub, Yates, Keenum
FB: Jones, Clutts
RB: Foster, Tate, Johnson
WR: AJ, Hopkins, Martin, Bonner, Jean
TE: OD, GG, Griffin
OT: Brown, Newton, Harris, Williams
G: Smith, Brooks, Quessenberry
C: Myers, Jones

Defense (26):
DL: Watt, Smith, Mitchell, Crick, Jamison, Muir
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Montgomery, Jefferson, Williams
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins, Collins
CB: JJo, KJ, McCain, Harris, Bouye
S: Manning, Keo, Swearinger, Pleasant

ST (3):
K: Bullock
LS: Weeks
P: Lechler


PUP: Posey, Reed
PS: Boren (FB), Wood (RB), Lemon (WR), Tuggle (LB)
(Removed Williams from IR)

Hope they don't need to PUP Reed. I think we can manage against the Chargers without him, but would like him for some of our other matchups afterwards :-X

Also you listed Williams as OT and also listed him on IR. From the 24 count on offense my guess is you just forgot to take him off the offense list :-)

I was thinking Roc would be a cut like your list, but then I noticed an article on the main page about him, plus some more rave reviews the past few practices. I could see him being like McManis last year and used in a trade for a vet at a position we have less depth (*cough* OLB *cough*) at though depending on what is out there...

The Pencil Neck said:

OK.

Let's see what I've got... at this point from what I've heard...

Offense (24):
QB: Schaub, Yates, Keenum
FB: Jones, Clutts
RB: Foster, Tate, Johnson
WR: AJ, Hopkins, Martin, Bonner, Jean
TE: OD, GG, Griffin
OT: Brown, Newton, Harris, Williams
G: Smith, Brooks, Quessenberry
C: Myers, Jones

Defense (26):
DL: Watt, Smith, Mitchell, Crick, Jamison, Muir
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Montgomery, Jefferson, Williams
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins, Collins
CB: JJo, KJ, McCain, Harris, Bouye
S: Manning, Keo, Swearinger, Pleasant

ST (3):
K: Bullock
LS: Weeks
P: Lechler


PUP: Posey, Reed
PS: Boren (FB), Wood (RB), Lemon (WR), Tuggle (LB)
IR: Williams

Click to expand...

MidtownMikey said:

Hope they don't need to PUP Reed. I think we can manage against the Chargers without him, but would like him for some of our other matchups afterwards :-X

Click to expand...

I'm not expecting him back before the 6th game. If we get him back sooner than that, great.

Also you listed Williams as OT and also listed him on IR. From the 24 count on offense my guess is you just forgot to take him off the offense list :-)

Click to expand...

lol :kubepalm:

I debated him back and forth and back again. I meant for him to be on the roster and NOT on IR.

I was thinking Roc would be a cut like your list, but then I noticed an article on the main page about him, plus some more rave reviews the past few practices. I could see him being like McManis last year and used in a trade for a vet at a position we have less depth (*cough* OLB *cough*) at though depending on what is out there...

Click to expand...

Yeah... I'm not sure how those DBs are going to shake out. I've heard some good things about Carmichael, but I've also heard some bad. So I left him off.

Well I think you were one short on defense, so it works out numbers wise.

My guess with leaving Chris Jones off the roster is he'd be practice squaded this year? Now that Miur is back from his ankle injury I could see that happening. I had left Miur off mine because I thought his injury was more serious than it looks, plus we just don't get that planetoid NT it seems everyone lusts for :-P

The Pencil Neck said:

I'm not expecting him back before the 6th game. If we get him back sooner than that, great.



lol :kubepalm:

I debated him back and forth and back again. I meant for him to be on the roster and NOT on IR.



Yeah... I'm not sure how those DBs are going to shake out. I've heard some good things about Carmichael, but I've also heard some bad. So I left him off.

Click to expand...

MidtownMikey said:

Well I think you were one short on defense, so it works out numbers wise.

My guess with leaving Chris Jones off the roster is he'd be practice squaded this year? Now that Miur is back from his ankle injury I could see that happening. I had left Miur off mine because I thought his injury was more serious than it looks, plus we just don't get that planetoid NT it seems everyone lusts for :-P

Click to expand...

Yep, I put Jones on PS and Muir was a real toughie for me. I decided to stick him on. Wade isn't totally against planetoids as long as they're the right planetoids and I've liked what I've heard about Muir.

BUT... I totally forgot about Braman.

Tell you what, Kubes and gang have some tough decisions to make. I mean here we are, a bunch of armchair QB's and we can't even make the cuts. It's tough. Some good players will have to either go to the PS or be cut. I see about 60-65 players that could potentially make an active roster - if not ours than somewhere else, and more that deserve a spot on a PS somewhere. This is a damn good group of prospects.

Things should start to work themselves out Friday. The cream tends to rise to the top. Plus, we'll have a few hangnails that turn into IR (ie stashing guys), and we have 8 that can go to the PS.

Yeah, I think last year after our cuts 8 of the players we cut were picked up on practice squads of other teams. Grimes was also a good example of a PS player for the Texans that saw playing time on another NFL team (similiar situation with OBGY two seasons ago). We had to bring Cody White to the roster last year too due to another team wanting to snatch him from our practice squad.

Definitely an improvement from 3-4 years ago when it was the Texans often picking up scraps from other teams, not the other way around.

Here is my early twitch reaction to how the first game would affect my roster choices. Obviously a lot can change in the next 2 games though, especially as more players get healthy and see time

IN (5):

Wood, Cierre (active roster instead of PS) - I think he seemed more confident in hitting the hole then Johnson

Karem, Deji (active roster instead of being cut) - Looked good on special teams and also seemed to be a better one cut runner than Johnson. Kubes might also want a vet for the true #3.

Lemon, Alec (active roster instead of PS) - limited action/targets, but showed good hands which could keep him from being a safe practice squad stash

Mohamed, Mike (active roster instead of PS, realized he would have been #8 for me and I didn't put him on it and only had 7) - showed leadership and an understanding of the defense, also made a few nice plays

Braman, Bryan (active roster instead of being cut) - he definitely looked better as an OLB, and I think that will be key for him to make the team over Trevardo/Jefferson. The tough call is Trevardo has not looked good, but without an "injury" to stash him, I'm not sure they would be willing to cut a 4th round pick the same year they drafted him. They practice squaded Keo initially, but he was a 5th round pick and didn't have the physical talent (speed) Trevardo has.


Out (5):

Johnson, Dennis (practice squad instead of Wood) - He should have let that punt go in my mind instead of fair catching, plus he danced way too much in the 2nd quarter on runs costing negative yardage

Clutts, Tyler - He looked good to me, but Kubiak mentioned after the game that he could have 4 running backs if they played great on special teams, and if they think Boren will make it on the practice squad I could see them relying on that should Greg Jones get injured later.

Bonner, Alan (maybe IR or practice squad, hope he is heathly for Miami game) - Wanted to see him, so disappointed he was injured. If he stays injured and doesn't get reps, the Texans might not worry someone would grab him off the practice squad and may also see him as too raw to make any impact this season so I could see him being p-squad stashed til next

Collins, Cameron (practice squad if he is still eligible which I believe he is) - I didn't really notice him (didn't show up on the stat sheet either). I think Mohamed looked good enough that he'd be at risk of getting picked up if they attempted to put him on the practice squad.

Williams, Trevardo (IR if at all possible) - If they can find a way to stash him on the IR, I think they will. Right now he just doesn't look ready to play OLB in the NFL, but he has too much physical talent to give up on immediately.


I'm currenty feeling good with my prediction Roc won't make the team. He looked *bad* to me in that first game.

The Pencil Neck said:

OK.

Let's see what I've got... at this point from what I've heard...

Offense (24):
QB: Schaub, Yates, Keenum
FB: Jones, Clutts
RB: Foster, Tate, Johnson
WR: AJ, Hopkins, Martin, Bonner, Jean
TE: OD, GG, Griffin
OT: Brown, Newton, Harris, Williams
G: Smith, Brooks, Quessenberry
C: Myers, Jones

Defense (26):
DL: Watt, Smith, Mitchell, Crick, Jamison, Muir
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Montgomery, Jefferson, Williams
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins, Collins
CB: JJo, KJ, McCain, Harris, Bouye
S: Manning, Keo, Swearinger, Pleasant

ST (3):
K: Bullock
LS: Weeks
P: Lechler


PUP: Posey, Reed
PS: Boren (FB), Wood (RB), Lemon (WR), Tuggle (LB)
(Removed Williams from IR)

Click to expand...

I really like the picks! However, I'm not feeling it with D Johnson RB, I like C Wood or DJ Karim. I'm tired of waiting for Harris CB to step it up. I hope they stash Shapiro P for a year, & take over for old man Shane L. I hope they keep Jefferson OLB.

phantom17 said:

I really like the picks! However, I'm not feeling it with D Johnson RB, I like C Wood or DJ Karim. I'm tired of waiting for Harris CB to step it up. I hope they stash Shapiro P for a year, & take over for old man Shane L. I hope they keep Jefferson OLB.

Click to expand...

I put that together prior to the Vikings game. I'd change some of that around now.

I think Wood instead of Johnson at RB and McClain instead of Muir at DT. I'm not sure what's going to happen at OLB between Braman, Jefferson, and Tuggle.

I think someone needs to twist Shapiro's ankle or something so we can stash him on IR because the way he's punting, he's not going to stay on the PS.

Can't wait for the next game to see more.

The Pencil Neck said:

I put that together prior to the Vikings game. I'd change some of that around now.

I think Wood instead of Johnson at RB and McClain instead of Muir at DT. I'm not sure what's going to happen at OLB between Braman, Jefferson, and Tuggle.

I think someone needs to twist Shapiro's ankle or something so we can stash him on IR because the way he's punting, he's not going to stay on the PS.

Can't wait for the next game to see more.

Click to expand...

I AGREE! I'm also hoping they stash Shapiro for the near future!

Offense (24):
QB: Schaub, Yates
FB: Jones
RB: Foster, Tate, Wood
WR: AJ, Hopkins, Martin, Posey, Bonner (Jean until Posey comes off the PUP)
TE: OD, GG, Griffin
OT: Brown, Newton, Harris, Gardner , Williams
G: Smith, Brooks, Quessenberry
C: Myers, Jones

Defense (26):
DL: Watt, Smith, Mitchell, Crick, Jamison, McClain
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Montgomery, Braman, T.Williams, Jefferson
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins,
CB: JJo, KJ, McCain, Harris, Bouye
S: Manning, Reed, Keo, Swearinger, Pleasant

ST (3):
K: Bullock
LS: Weeks
P: Lechler

Corrosion said:

Offense (24):
QB: Schaub, Yates
FB: Jones
RB: Foster, Tate, Wood
WR: AJ, Hopkins, Martin, Posey, Bonner (Jean until Posey comes off the PUP)
TE: OD, GG, Griffin
OT: Brown, Newton, Harris, Gardner , Williams
G: Smith, Brooks, Quessenberry
C: Myers, Jones

Defense (26):
DL: Watt, Smith, Mitchell, Crick, Jamison, McClain
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Montgomery, Braman, T.Williams, Jefferson
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins,
CB: JJo, KJ, McCain, Harris, Bouye
S: Manning, Reed, Keo, Swearinger, Pleasant

ST (3):
K: Bullock
LS: Weeks
P: Lechler

Click to expand...

No case? You trying to stash him on the PS? Also, only 3 RB and 1 FB seems thin to me. I think it's either 4/1 or 3/2 myself.

Porky said:

No case? You trying to stash him on the PS? Also, only 3 RB and 1 FB seems thin to me. I think it's either 4/1 or 3/2 myself.

Click to expand...

Keenum has to earn that spot. He hasn't done that just yet ... Its highly possible he sticks but I cant give him the roster spot "Yet."


Look what they had at RB last season - Foster , Tate & Forsett with only Casey until they brought in Clutts late in the year. I think Jones will be the only FB on the roster , many teams don't carry any.

Corrosion said:

Keenum has to earn that spot. He hasn't done that just yet ... Its highly possible he sticks but I cant give him the roster spot "Yet."


Look what they had at RB last season - Foster , Tate & Forsett with only Casey until they brought in Clutts late in the year. I think Jones will be the only FB on the roster , many teams don't carry any.

Click to expand...

I like your list personally, but its a little OT, Safety, and OLB heavy liking. I understand the extra safety because Reed probably won't be back by week 1, but I think either Gardner, Harris, or Williams won't make it at Tackle. OLB is another position where I just can't see us taking 6.

Texn4life said:

I like your list personally, but its a little OT, Safety, and OLB heavy liking. I understand the extra safety because Reed probably won't be back by week 1, but I think either Gardner, Harris, or Williams won't make it at Tackle. OLB is another position where I just can't see us taking 6.

Click to expand...

OT - If Keenum earns a spot , I think that one of those guys go. The question is who .... Maybe one of them gets a mysterious injury.


OLB & Safety - I'd prefer to keep another corner and a DE/DT. If one of the OLB's goes , I think its Jefferson to the PS.

I cant decide between Keo & Pleasant. Going to be hard for both to make the final 53.




This list is fluid , it'll change from week to week during the preseason based upon who shows well. A big part of keeping extra players at those positions at this point is .... we haven't seen sh!t from the draft picks at OT & OLB.

Corrosion said:

OT - If Keenum earns a spot , I think that one of those guys go. The question is who .... Maybe one of them gets a mysterious injury.


OLB & Safety - I'd prefer to keep another corner and a DE/DT. If one of the OLB's goes , I think its Jefferson to the PS.

I cant decide between Keo & Pleasant. Going to be hard for both to make the final 53.




This list is fluid , it'll change from week to week during the preseason based upon who shows well.

Click to expand...

I agree with everything you said except I think Williams will be stashed. Jefferson can probably help us more right now situationally.

I think Pleasant and Keo can both make it, but it all depends on Reed and how the team feels about his health moving forward. Its tough to carry that many safeties.

QB: Schaub, Yates, case
RB: Arian, Tate, karim
FB: Jones, Clutts
WR: Dre, Hopkins, Martin, Bonner, Posey
OT: brown, newton, Harris, quess
OG: brooks, smith
OC: Meyers, Jones
TE: OD, grahm, griffen

DE: watt, smith, Jamison, crick
NT: Mitchell, mcClain, Chris jones
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Willie, trevardo, Montgomery, Braman
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins
CB: Kareem, Joseph, McCain, Harris, Bouye
Safety: reed, manning, swearinger, pleasant

K: Bullock
P: Lechler
LS: Weeks

PS:
Ja'gared Davis
Shapiro
Cierre Wood
Lemon
Nwachuku
Tuggle
Boren
Ohrian johnson




That was hard. Even putting together a practice squad is hard.

That's where I think I'm at right now. I wish trevardo and/or Montgomery could be PS. Or even Case.

Either way I'm not sold or dead set on this roster, it's just where I'm at right now...and really I hate my own roster. Well..I don't hate it...it's just frustrating putting the fringe guys here they should go.

I'm definitely expecting someone that the Texans put on their practice squad (or at least attempt to) will get snatched up by another team and see some actual regular season playing time.

State of the Texans put up their "version 3" of a 53-man roster and I saw a few surprises there I do not agree with.

First Patrick Starr had only 3 running backs and 1 FB, which seems a bit low, even if that is what the Texans were going to have last year before Clutts.

Second, he puts David Hunter on the roster over McClain, which I just don't see, especially since McClain was on the active roster last year. Only way that makes sense if if there is a lot in practice where Hunter is outshining McClain that I just haven't seen.

Third, he has them carrying both Tuggle and Jefferson, when I think it is one or the other. To do that he has them practice squading Trevardo Williams, which I just don't see with a 4th rounder that they just drafted (though I would be a fan of IR-stashing him if he gets "injured"). He also has them cutting Braman outright, which unless he has a stinker of a next 2/3 games, I think he still keeps his roster spot due to his special teams ability.

Finally, because he has them cutting Braman, he includes Mack on the roster. Nothing I've seen out of Elbert Mack makes me think he is a viable "vet presence" so I'm not sure how someone could put him in the same category as a Jason Allen type corner.

Definitely like your most recent version of the roster Rey better than the State of the Texans one.

Of course, if Mack has a 2 interception game, Hunter comes away with 3 sacks, Braman doesn't do anything right, and Trevardo remains a ghost, Patrick Starr will look like a fortune teller.

I had Jefferson on my roster, but tuggle had the better game.

Really, I'd cut trevardo if it was just based on performance.

Corrosion said:

Keenum has to earn that spot. He hasn't done that just yet ... Its highly possible he sticks but I cant give him the roster spot "Yet."


Look what they had at RB last season - Foster , Tate & Forsett with only Casey until they brought in Clutts late in the year. I think Jones will be the only FB on the roster , many teams don't carry any.

Click to expand...

They traded for Clutts before the season started. It was right at the cut-deadline.

Rey said:

QB: Schaub, Yates, Keenum
RB: Arian, Tate, Woods
FB: Jones, Clutts
WR: Dre, Hopkins, Martin, Bonner, Lemon (until Posey gets back)
OT: brown, newton, Harris, quess
OG: brooks, smith
OC: Meyers, Jones
TE: OD, grahm, griffen

DE: watt, smith, Jamison, crick
NT: Mitchell, mcClain, Chris jones
OLB: Reed, Mercilus, Jefferson, Tuggle, Williams, Braman
ILB: Cushing, Sharpton, Mays, Dobbins
CB: Kareem, Joseph, McCain, Harris, Bouye
Safety: reed, manning, swearinger, pleasant

K: Bullock
P: Lechler
LS: Weeks

IR - Sam Montgomery

Click to expand...

I agree with everything on here, but see my changes.