I’ve been kinda quit posting this season because it got so depressing, but this thread is too good to pass up.
I see a huge, huge shortage of talent on this team and a huge, huge shortage of spirit for lack of a better word. Because this team has come to accept losing, which makes it worse then the original 2002 team, it is now harder for the Texans to become a winning franchise. To turn this around, I recommend changing the roster as much as possible as quickly as possible.
2007 Off-season
I look at our roster and the only players who are not trade bait at the time are MLB Ryans and TE Daniels. If I had interest, in any of the other players, I’d seriously consider any trade that got us draft picks. Some players I wouldn’t let go unless we got multiple picks such as WR Johnson, CB Robinson and KR Mathis. The rest of the team is expendable for any pick I can get. I want this losing spirit off this team and I want if off right now.
You may be asking yourself “How can you let Johnson go? He’s our best player.” I agree with you, he is our best player and sometimes you have to give to receive. Also, frankly, I don’t have a QB right now and I’m probably not drafting one yet either so I have no use for a stud WR.
Draft: Since at most we will only get 5 wins this year, that will put somewhere between 4th and 10th in the upcoming draft. This pick would get traded for either a proven player (unlikely) or more picks. I’d keep trading down until the 15th or later pick. I like what we did last year with Spencer and Winston. I hope Spencer comes back 100%, but just in case he doesn’t my priority in this draft is o-line and defense. Take the best players available. Also, on defense, if the scouting report on a player doesn’t say something like “has a nasty streak” or “has a motor that runs all the time”, then don’t bother drafting them. One of the negatives on the scouting reports on Williams was that he took plays off in college. Well, he takes them off in the pros too.
Free Agency: Who cares. Do just enough to fill in the roster. Get quality back-ups. Save your money and fee up cap room for next year.
The 2007 SeasonThe 2007 season is a bust already and I wouldn’t expect anything from it at all. Don’t even talk to your team about winning any games in 2007. The Texans should have a ton of new players so use the entire season for teaching. Record 5-6 wins. Build for 2008 or 2009.
2008 Off-season
Do the exact same thing with the trades. If you didn’t unload AJ last off-season, unload him this off-season. There has to at least one stupid GM out there who will give up a ton of draft picks for this guy. Really pull a Hershel Walker trade.
Draft: Trade down again. Now go after skill players including a 2nd to 3rd round QB. Ala Phillip Rivers, this QB won’t see a single play in 2008.
Free Agency: If there is a stud QB go out and get him ala Drew Brees. If he’s not there, don’t bother. My theory on QBs is this – Don’t spend good money for potential. QB is the hardest position to draft for, so don’t. If you’re going to have to pay a ton of money for these guys, why not get a free agent who is proven and not a rookie who only has potential. Carr has a lot of potential and look how good he’s become. Other then QB, don’t do too much in FA, were building through the draft but don’t pass up on a quality player. Do a little more then fill in the roster now. Again, save your money and fee up cap room for next year.
2008 Season.Keep teaching in the fore front, but now start talking about winning. Expectation for this year is 7-8 wins.
2009 Off-season. Get that QB now. Either move up last years pick or get one in free agency. Fill in holes in the draft or free agency.
2009 Season is for winning. If we aren’t winning by the end of the season, I’d be fired.
Lets play some