Babin Q&A

[infantrycak]

How do you think the adjustment is going to be from a small school like Western Michigan to a huge city like Houston?

I don't think it is going to be too much of an adjustment. I'm able to adjust to things pretty well. I have been to Houston before with my roommate, who is from Austin. It isn't that far of a drive so one weekend we drove over to Houston.

How do you think your 4.6 speed will translate in switching to linebacker from defensive end?

I think that was one of the reasons they thought I could do that, because of how well I could run and my 40 time. They thought I could make an impact. My junior year in college my position is sort of what Houston is asking me to play. I had some linebacker stuff and played some defensive line stuff. It is not too much of a stretch for me.

What do you think about the trade up with Houston's division rivals in the Titans?

It is pretty interesting, actually. I am not that familiar with the rivalry and why they are such rivals, I know it is though. It is pretty interesting, I'd like to see what happens and people are going to be talking about it.

Charley Casserly is notable for loving draft picks and he gave up three for you, does that motivate you to play harder?

I'm going to play no matter if I got picked first round or third round, whatever. I'm going to play my butt off and work my butt off no matter what.

Did you know the Texans were interested in you?

I knew they were interested in me since they are a 3-4 team and I fit the profile for the type of player that is most suited for their system.

Link

[rittenhouserobz]

I particularly like the 260lbs running a 4.6 40. Tell me that is not scary. He may not get the target evertime, but when he gets a direct hit the other guy will be in trouble.

[infantrycak]

For a look back, from ProFootballWeekly before the last draft:

Cincinnati’s Antwan Peek is creating quite a stir after a strong Combine and even better pro-day showing, and at least one scout thinks he could be a first-round pick. If the amount of attention Peek is receiving from teams is any indication, it looks like a good possibility. Pro Football Weekly has learned that Peek is visiting the Patriots today and has already visited the Rams.

Every other team that employs a 3-4 scheme has scheduled Peek for a private workout, including the Steelers, Texans and Ravens. Like Julian Peterson, whom the 49ers drafted 16th overall out of Michigan State in 2000, Peek is a special player because he has the speed and athleticism to play outside linebacker but can also line up on the edge and be a speed rusher.

Peek would allow Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith to be more creative, after using a 4-1-6 scheme part of the year last season. He would also be a good replacement for Texans OLB Jeff Posey, who departed for Buffalo in free agency. The Panthers, who have a similar player in Julius Peppers, have also expressed interest in scheduling a visit.

Peek was one of the top performers at the Combine among defensive ends and improved his 20-yard shuttle from 4.33 to 4.21 at his pro day, which would have led all ends at the Combine. So would his 40-time, as he was clocked under 4.5 by some scouts after having run a 4.66 40 at the Combine. His 37-inch vertical jump wasn’t too shabby either. While he may be a tad light at 243 pounds, his speed and athleticism make up for his lack of size.

If history is any indication of the future, Peek shouldn’t have any problem adding weight. He began his career as a receiver and wanted to keep playing the position, but his body kept growing, and after adding 20 pounds beyond his control, he was moved to the secondary. After putting on another 20 pounds, he was moved to playing down linebacker, which he was not overly excited about doing. But he liked the opportunity to play the same position as the player he grew up idolizing — Lawrence Taylor. And it didn’t take long before he was wreaking havoc off the edge, leading the Bearcats in sacks the last three seasons and rewriting the school record book. With a few years in the right program, he shouldn’t have any problem adding weight and could develop into an outstanding player.

[Fiddy]

Originally Posted by rittenhouserobz

I particularly like the 260lbs running a 4.6 40. Tell me that is not scary. He may not get the target evertime, but when he gets a direct hit the other guy will be in trouble.

I read somewhere, I think NFL.com, that Babin shed 20 pounds before the draft and the 40 times might be a little decieving because he played at 280 last year and not 260. I dont think it will be much of a problem to keep the weight off.

[BigTex]

Listening to babin and reading about him makes me think he will do WHATEVER to help out The Texans Org. I think he will have no problem what so ever playing at 240 I think he could be Defensive Rookie Of The Year. I know that is a stretch saying at this point but hey DC & CC said they found more in him then they did in Terell Suggs? So makes me wonder what this kid can do

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

im hoping Babin and Peek will be our OLBs this season.

[clandestin]

me too, I really like the idea of having a peek/babin combo on the field to bring the pass rush. I was struck by peek's raw athleticism last year, this year I hope to see some refinement and technique to go along with that athleticism. I think peek's quickness may allow him to play at LOLB where he would have more coverage responsibilities then if he played on the right side. I think he's a much more natural pass rusher then Wong, but he'll have to prove he can support the run and defend the pass in order to take wong's spot at ROLB.

[edo783]

Babain and Peek would be great!

[RiotCommander]

Personally, I would as of right now start Peek, Sharper,Coleman, Babin.
I have never been a fan of Wong. Reason is that he is an ok player, he doesn't make a lot of mistakes, but he doesnt make many big plays either. Peek may miss a tackle now and again, but he is more likely to make a big play.

[Fiddy]

Originally Posted by RiotCommander

Personally, I would as of right now start Peek, Sharper,Coleman, Babin.

(I think you mean Foreman) I would love that!!! Pass rushers in Peek and Babin would be great. I would use Wong as the backup at all 4 spots. I think Sharper was on the field way to much last year.

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

then we're all in agreement

[RiotCommander]

Yeah I do, its been a long day. Thx for the correction

[trutexan67]

I think Jason Babin will start from day 1.

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

Originally Posted by trutexan67

I think Jason Babin will start from day 1.

i think the job is his to lose.

[sctx109]

It is scary to think about the athleticism that we will have when Babin and Peek are both starting at the OLB spots. I think that will solve any pass rushing problems, and fix any seemingly gaping holes in the secondary.

[777texans]

Babin sounds great to me after reading that article! He's gona be great this year!

[AlexVanderpool]

Peek and Babin are our "Lathon & Greene"...An avg of 15 sacks per? i can live with that...

I hope that Walker, Payne and Smith can remain healthy throughout the season... It is their ability to attract double-teams that will allow peek and babin to shine and reak havoc on opposing QBs and ball carriers.

[777texans]

Originally Posted by trutexan67

I think Jason Babin will start from day 1.

I sure hope so!!!! He's my favorite rookie player.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by 777texans

I sure hope so!!!! He's my favorite rookie player.

Same here. For some reason im drawn to like him.

[texans]

Im prety sure thell start sciense we cut charlie today and will probly move wong inside