Linemen Draft

[Texans Horror]

Assuming that the #8 spot goes to a safety, running back, quarterback, etc., I've been wondering about what the Texans can do to fix the line. Right now there are four players I like. I like them because they are fast and smart, two qualities that Kubes looks for in linemen. Only one of them currently looks like first-round material

Marshal Yanda - OG, Iowa. 6-4, 305.
Joe Staley - OT, Central Michigan. 6-5, 300. The Texans tackles came down to this weight-range last year.
Ryan Kalil - C, USC. 6-3, 285. Man, this guy seems like the real deal and one of the most solid linemen in the draft (JMO). I won't be surprised if he goes up to the first round, but if he is available, I'm thinking Demeco, part II.
Doug Datish - C, OSU. 6-5, 295. Has played lots of positions, which Kubes likes. I bang that drum too much, though, so I'll add that he is a smart guy. A lot of board members will like hearing that he has a real nasty streak.

What the Texans do at OT is a big mystery because of Spencer. Everything I hear is that he is getting better, but that he is still questionable. After the Dominic Williams debacle last year, I don't think they want to float a guy from week-to-week on the injured reserve list.

If the Texans take a LT, that sets them back. It also means the Texans concede that Spencer won't be starting material ever again. That makes me think that as good Levi Brown may be or as fitting as Joe Staley appears, the Texans may actually draft a guard in the second or third, then move Pitts to Left Tackle. Pitts was about the closest the Texans had to a real, uninjured tackle. Pitts' other great attribute? He knows the system, and with no prospects coming out of Denver...

If Kalil is available in the second round, though, I think he is the pick the Texans should take. Yanda may survive to the third. Kalil is a real offensive line leader, which the Texans need.

Next year's line:

Pitts - Yanda - Kalil - Weary - Winston

This line bolsters the left side and the interior. As far as the run game is concerned, I was real concerned with the interior. The only success the Texans had was if Dayne could push defenders back. I didn't see the line doing him any favors, and I'd like to see that fixed.

[noxiousdog]

If they draft a left tackle, it may be because they want Spencer on the right.

[Please_Evolve]

Originally Posted by OSQ

Assuming that the #8 spot goes to a safety, running back, quarterback, etc., I've been wondering about what the Texans can do to fix the line. Right now there are four players I like. I like them because they are fast and smart, two qualities that Kubes looks for in linemen. Only one of them currently looks like first-round material

Marshal Yanda - OG, Iowa. 6-4, 305.
Joe Staley - OT, Central Michigan. 6-5, 300. The Texans tackles came down to this weight-range last year.
Ryan Kalil - C, USC. 6-3, 285. Man, this guy seems like the real deal and one of the most solid linemen in the draft (JMO). I won't be surprised if he goes up to the first round, but if he is available, I'm thinking Demeco, part II.
Doug Datish - C, OSU. 6-5, 295. Has played lots of positions, which Kubes likes. I bang that drum too much, though, so I'll add that he is a smart guy. A lot of board members will like hearing that he has a real nasty streak.

What the Texans do at OT is a big mystery because of Spencer. Everything I hear is that he is getting better, but that he is still questionable. After the Dominic Williams debacle last year, I don't think they want to float a guy from week-to-week on the injured reserve list.

If the Texans take a LT, that sets them back. It also means the Texans concede that Spencer won't be starting material ever again. That makes me think that as good Levi Brown may be or as fitting as Joe Staley appears, the Texans may actually draft a guard in the second or third, then move Pitts to Left Tackle. Pitts was about the closest the Texans had to a real, uninjured tackle. Pitts' other great attribute? He knows the system, and with no prospects coming out of Denver...

If Kalil is available in the second round, though, I think he is the pick the Texans should take. Yanda may survive to the third. Kalil is a real offensive line leader, which the Texans need.

Next year's line:

Pitts - Yanda - Kalil - Weary - Winston

This line bolsters the left side and the interior. As far as the run game is concerned, I was real concerned with the interior. The only success the Texans had was if Dayne could push defenders back. I didn't see the line doing him any favors, and I'd like to see that fixed.

I don't think it means he'd be not be starting material again. I think it'd mean that we'd be protected if Spencer doesn't come back healthy we've got a good prospect in Levi Brown and that is worst case scenario. Best Case is we've got Levi Brown who i don't think would get beat out for the LT spot, Spencer Rotates to RT, Weary at C if we don't land Kalil or Datish, Pitts at LG, and we decide who to put at RG. or Weary at RG and Flannigan or gawd help us to see McKinney there again. Personally i see the line being aproblem once again if we don't get the C and LT spot settled once and for all with this draft. This isn't that deep of a draft really and i expect next years class to look like last year where you had a LOT of top end talent falling to mid rounds. So why not bite the bullet and make this a big uglies draft?

[DocBar]

Originally Posted by OSQ

Assuming that the #8 spot goes to a safety, running back, quarterback, etc., I've been wondering about what the Texans can do to fix the line. Right now there are four players I like. I like them because they are fast and smart, two qualities that Kubes looks for in linemen. Only one of them currently looks like first-round material

Marshal Yanda - OG, Iowa. 6-4, 305.
Joe Staley - OT, Central Michigan. 6-5, 300. The Texans tackles came down to this weight-range last year.
Ryan Kalil - C, USC. 6-3, 285. Man, this guy seems like the real deal and one of the most solid linemen in the draft (JMO). I won't be surprised if he goes up to the first round, but if he is available, I'm thinking Demeco, part II.
Doug Datish - C, OSU. 6-5, 295. Has played lots of positions, which Kubes likes. I bang that drum too much, though, so I'll add that he is a smart guy. A lot of board members will like hearing that he has a real nasty streak.

What the Texans do at OT is a big mystery because of Spencer. Everything I hear is that he is getting better, but that he is still questionable. After the Dominic Williams debacle last year, I don't think they want to float a guy from week-to-week on the injured reserve list.

If the Texans take a LT, that sets them back. It also means the Texans concede that Spencer won't be starting material ever again. That makes me think that as good Levi Brown may be or as fitting as Joe Staley appears, the Texans may actually draft a guard in the second or third, then move Pitts to Left Tackle. Pitts was about the closest the Texans had to a real, uninjured tackle. Pitts' other great attribute? He knows the system, and with no prospects coming out of Denver...

If Kalil is available in the second round, though, I think he is the pick the Texans should take. Yanda may survive to the third. Kalil is a real offensive line leader, which the Texans need.

Next year's line:

Pitts - Yanda - Kalil - Weary - Winston

This line bolsters the left side and the interior. As far as the run game is concerned, I was real concerned with the interior. The only success the Texans had was if Dayne could push defenders back. I didn't see the line doing him any favors, and I'd like to see that fixed.

I don't think taking a bona fide LT at #8 is a setback. It would increase the level of talent and the competition for a starting spot. Both steps forward. I DON'T see them moving Pitts anywhere. They would've done it last season.
I would love for Kalil to be there in the 2nd. That would be a steal just like Demeco. I hope we don't have the line that you listed. 2 rookies, and a 2nd year backup at RT?? OUCHIEMOMMA!!!!! I would like to see them pursue Damian McIntosh in FA as LT. He's been on some pretty good lines. Then go BPA at #8.

[Texans Horror]

Originally Posted by Please_Evolve

I don't think it means he'd be not be starting material again. I think it'd mean that we'd be protected if Spencer doesn't come back healthy we've got a good prospect in Levi Brown and that is worst case scenario. Best Case is we've got Levi Brown who i don't think would get beat out for the LT spot, Spencer Rotates to RT, Weary at C if we don't land Kalil or Datish, Pitts at LG, and we decide who to put at RG. or Weary at RG and Flannigan or gawd help us to see McKinney there again. Personally i see the line being aproblem once again if we don't get the C and LT spot settled once and for all with this draft. This isn't that deep of a draft really and i expect next years class to look like last year where you had a LOT of top end talent falling to mid rounds. So why not bite the bullet and make this a big uglies draft?

You're probably right. Levi won't set them back (how could they be set further back at that position?).

I think in your case Winston is RG. Some people think he will make a better RG than a RT anyways. Not necessarily my opinion, but I can see it happen.

The line still needs work, and I would love to land that coveted stud left tackle, but I think with the possibility of a RB/QB being taken in the first round and the possibility of Spencer returning, the focus should be on a center and not tackle, which is where the media is focusing their attention.

Originally Posted by DocBar

I don't think taking a bona fide LT at #8 is a setback. It would increase the level of talent and the competition for a starting spot. Both steps forward. I DON'T see them moving Pitts anywhere. They would've done it last season.
I would love for Kalil to be there in the 2nd. That would be a steal just like Demeco. I hope we don't have the line that you listed. 2 rookies, and a 2nd year backup at RT?? OUCHIEMOMMA!!!!! I would like to see them pursue Damian McIntosh in FA as LT. He's been on some pretty good lines. Then go BPA at #8.

You gotta build these lines from the draft, JMO. A freelance or two is fine, especially for depth, but in the Texans' situation, I think they are going to have to live with a young line. And IMO, I think there will be big improvement from Winston this year.

[DocBar]

Originally Posted by OSQ

You're probably right. Levi won't set them back (how could they be set further back at that position?).

I think in your case Winston is RG. Some people think he will make a better RG than a RT anyways. Not necessarily my opinion, but I can see it happen.

The line still needs work, and I would love to land that coveted stud left tackle, but I think with the possibility of a RB/QB being taken in the first round and the possibility of Spencer returning, the focus should be on a center and not tackle, which is where the media is focusing their attention.



You gotta build these lines from the draft, JMO. A freelance or two is fine, especially for depth, but in the Texans' situation, I think they are going to have to live with a young line. And IMO, I think there will be big improvement from Winston this year.

I'm not against drafting for the OL at all. I'm more into those kinds of picks than I am the flashy, skills picks. I wouldn't die if we drafted AP, but I would come close if we draft BQ(or any QB) before we
fix our issues on the OL. My thing this year is D. This is a great draft and I would love to see them draft that way. Just opinion on that. That's why I would like McIntosh as a FA. He's 29 and it would fill a HUGE hole for us AND free us up to do what we want on draft day...whatever that may be.

[threetoedpete]

Well at least you guys are talking about it. After five seasons that is progress. Rep your way Please evolve, very nice post.

[keyfro]

i'm telling all of you guys this right now...by the time the draft hits levi brown will be a top ten pick...no doubt about it...with so little talent at the LT position he will be drafted higher than most of ya'll are expecting...especially with the recent failures of robert gallery due to supposed "arm length"...something joe thomas is starting to be questioned about...levi brown doesn't have that problem and some scouts are projecting him to be a better LT in the pros than joe thomas

ryan kalil if available in round 2 is the guy i think we should draft unless an aaron ross or paul posluszny is available

other names to look at for mid to late round picks are:

doug free OT (very athletic and really runs well)
james martin OT (plays with a real mean streak)
herbert taylor OL
brian daniels G (this guy was the only impressive lineman on CU's squad this year)
scott stephenson C (a guy flying under the radar that is going to be a very productive pro)
gabe hall OL (developemental guy i'm thinking more G than RT)
brandon frye OL (i think this guy is one of the more versitle lineman in the draft)
allen barbre OL
mike jones G
andy alleman G (athletic)

[threetoedpete]

Staley article:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...702200371/1126

[Meloy]

Originally Posted by OSQ

Assuming that the #8 spot goes to a safety, running back, quarterback, etc., I've been wondering about what the Texans can do to fix the line. Right now there are four players I like. I like them because they are fast and smart, two qualities that Kubes looks for in linemen. Only one of them currently looks like first-round material

Marshal Yanda - OG, Iowa. 6-4, 305.
Joe Staley - OT, Central Michigan. 6-5, 300. The Texans tackles came down to this weight-range last year.
Ryan Kalil - C, USC. 6-3, 285. Man, this guy seems like the real deal and one of the most solid linemen in the draft (JMO). I won't be surprised if he goes up to the first round, but if he is available, I'm thinking Demeco, part II.
Doug Datish - C, OSU. 6-5, 295. Has played lots of positions, which Kubes likes. I bang that drum too much, though, so I'll add that he is a smart guy. A lot of board members will like hearing that he has a real nasty streak.

What the Texans do at OT is a big mystery because of Spencer. Everything I hear is that he is getting better, but that he is still questionable. After the Dominic Williams debacle last year, I don't think they want to float a guy from week-to-week on the injured reserve list.

If the Texans take a LT, that sets them back. It also means the Texans concede that Spencer won't be starting material ever again. That makes me think that as good Levi Brown may be or as fitting as Joe Staley appears, the Texans may actually draft a guard in the second or third, then move Pitts to Left Tackle. Pitts was about the closest the Texans had to a real, uninjured tackle. Pitts' other great attribute? He knows the system, and with no prospects coming out of Denver...

If Kalil is available in the second round, though, I think he is the pick the Texans should take. Yanda may survive to the third. Kalil is a real offensive line leader, which the Texans need.

Next year's line:

Pitts - Yanda - Kalil - Weary - Winston

This line bolsters the left side and the interior. As far as the run game is concerned, I was real concerned with the interior. The only success the Texans had was if Dayne could push defenders back. I didn't see the line doing him any favors, and I'd like to see that fixed.

Hodgdon at 6 foot 3 has been said to be too short to play center.