Trade and Switch?

[Wolf6151]

There's been lots of talk about the Texans switching to a 3-4 defense after this season with a change at DC. IMO our player personnell aren't suited to run a 3-4 and changes would obviously need to be made. I think Mario is a great 4-3 DE but I don't think that Mario is suited for the 3-4 and I would propose trading him for draft picks to facilitate making the switch much easier and more quickly with quality talent. What do you think Mario's trade value is in terms of draft picks only and why? With those added draft picks in mind let's see the first 3 rounds of your mock keeping in mind the switch to 3-4.

I'm thinking:

1. Nick Fairley-DT/DE
1. Akeem Ayers-OLB/pass rush, from the Mario trade
2. Jerrell Powe-NT
2. Deandre McDaniel-S or best Safety available, from the Mario trade

I think Antonio Smith plays the other DE, Cushing and Ryans are the MLB's, and either Diles, Adibi, Bentley, Barwin or a later round draft pick at the other OLB until we can get someone better. With the trade of Mario we could facilitate a switch to the 3-4 in one off season.

[kiwitexansfan]

Mario has the size and strength to play the end position in the 3-4.

[nero THE zero]

Why would Mario not fit in a 3-4? I can understand the "wasting his talent" argument, though I might not agree with it. But, I can't fathom how he "doesn't fit." In fact, I'd argue to the contrary that he's the ideal 3-4 DE.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

There's been lots of talk about the Texans switching to a 3-4 defense after this season with a change at DC. IMO our player personnell aren't suited to run a 3-4 and changes would obviously need to be made. I think Mario is a great 4-3 DE but I don't think that Mario is suited for the 3-4 and I would propose trading him for draft picks to facilitate making the switch much easier and more quickly with quality talent. What do you think Mario's trade value is in terms of draft picks only and why? With those added draft picks in mind let's see the first 3 rounds of your mock keeping in mind the switch to 3-4.

I'm thinking:

1. Nick Fairley-DT/DE
1. Akeem Ayers-OLB/pass rush, from the Mario trade
2. Jerrell Powe-NT
2. Deandre McDaniel-S or best Safety available, from the Mario trade

I think Antonio Smith plays the other DE, Cushing and Ryans are the MLB's, and either Diles, Adibi, Bentley, Barwin or a later round draft pick at the other OLB until we can get someone better. With the trade of Mario we could facilitate a switch to the 3-4 in one off season.

Although I am an advocate for switching to 3-4, I'd be ok with keeping the 4-3 with the right coordinator.
I think your evaluation of Mario as a 3-4 DE in incorrect. If you go 3-4 and select Powe in second, which I did propose on some thread yesterday, you keep Mario and Antonio Smith as your DE's. I like Fairley & is on my current bye week mock (which may be undergoing a renovation as I type) but he is not needed with defensive front 3 I've named. With a pick in the top 15 (or higher imo) draft a shutdown type corner. I think Prince and Brandon Harris might be available @ #8. I would not be opposed to a trade down and this off season may create opportunities not available last two years.

I do applaud your thinking however but not sure Williams is worth 1st and second.

[Wolf6151]

I see Mario as having the upper body strength but not the lower body strength to play 3-4 DE which is essentially a DT. Mario's main move is a speed rush and he wouldn't be able to do that as a 3-4 DE and don't think that he'd hold up well to a constant double team and bull rush. Maybe I'm wrong but I just don't see him as a good fit at 3-4 DE and could be used as trade bait to facilitate the switch.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

I see Mario as having the upper body strength but not the lower body strength to play 3-4 DE which is essentially a DT. Mario's main move is a speed rush and he wouldn't be able to do that as a 3-4 DE and don't think that he'd hold up well to a constant double team and bull rush. Maybe I'm wrong but I just don't see him as a good fit at 3-4 DE and could be used as trade bait to facilitate the switch.

My thought would be a great NT would tie up two blockers and the DEs would be one on one and Mario should excell at that.

[Wolf6151]

Regardless of my opinion of Mario as a 3-4 DE, let's see your mocks based on a hypothetical switch to the 3-4 defense. Who would you trade if any, who would you draft, and who would you play in the new system?

[JB]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

Regardless of my opinion of Mario as a 3-4 DE, let's see your mocks based on a hypothetical switch to the 3-4 defense. Who would you trade if any, who would you draft, and who would you play in the new system?

Isn't that assuming that another team out there would want players on our worst in NFL history defense?

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

Regardless of my opinion of Mario as a 3-4 DE, let's see your mocks based on a hypothetical switch to the 3-4 defense. Who would you trade if any, who would you draft, and who would you play in the new system?

I did that here

Currently based on the current standings, I have the Texans picking #14, and judging from the play I have been seeing that is close to where I think they pick. I am thinking 12th, but could be between 10th and 20th.

So based on the 14th pick, I see a coaching change and a move back to the 3-4. Say goodbye to Okoye, Daniel, Jones, and Turk.

I want us to sign two of the following FA NTs: Paul Soliai, Dolphins, Shaun Rogers, Browns, Alan Branch, Cards, Chris Hoke, Steelers.

The draft is as follows:

12 Brandon Harris CB Miami 5'11 195
44 Sione Fua NT Stanford 6'2" 307
76 Jeron Johnson S Boise State 5' 11" 194
108 Steven Friday OLB Virginia Tech 6'4" 254 .
140 Wayne Daniels OLB TCU 6' 2" 250
172 Kai Forbath K UCLA 6'0" 192
204 Derek Epperson P Baylor 6'3" 235


My 3-4 looks like this;
LDE - Williams,
NT - Soliai,Hoke,Fua
RDE - Smith, Mitchell
LOLB- Cushing, Friday
LILB - Diles
RILB - Ryans, Sharpton
ROLB - Barwin, Johnson
CB - Harris, Jackson, McManis
S - Quinn, Nolan, Pollard, Johnson

Fill the holes with vets that fit the new coaches schemes.