Roster Cut Diamond In The Rough

[beerlover]

Who is the one player in danger of being cut that you hope the Texans keep & why?

WR is an obvious position in both young talent, depth & need. This roster decision could be a key move down the line in a couple years so its imperative Kubiak & his assistants come together & make the right decision. Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones & Kevin Walter already locked in 1-2-3. WR roster positions 4-5 are up for grabs.

As much as I like 2010 6th rd. pick Trindon Holiday & 7th rd. pick Dorin Dickerson I feel they've been unable to prove themselves as important members of this team moving forward, unless they really standout & produce this pre-season, otherwise its probably practice squad for them?

Derrick Townsel & Terrence Toliver will be cut in a numbers game early & be allowed to catch on with another team.

By releasing fan favorite David Anderson Kubiak opened the door for another slot type of WR, one that I feel confident will turnout to be ready is Jeff Maehl, undrafted rookie from Oregon. Texan fans are going to love this kid, very aware with great intangibles.

My diamond in the rough however, is Lestar Jean, Florida Atlantic, 6030 212. Specialist in over the head catch, red zone target, a willing blocker & someone who can hold up physically including special teams. Eventually I beleive he will move his way up the depth chart, remember too this is Andre Johnson's 9th season & another big play, red zone target helps relieve some of the pressure off Andre. He reminds me a little of Marques Colston how he can control his body, adjust to the ball in air, letting his natural instincts take over in pressure situations.

1. Andre Johnson
2. Jacoby Jones
3. Kevin Walter
4. Lestar Jean
5. Jeff Maehl

[aussie_texan]

by all accounts DD has been performing very well at camp, extremely doubtful he gets dropped.
holiday has no chance.
Jean will make the squad.
Toliver even though he hasn't had a great camp i think they will try keep him on the PS but someone else will take a chance on him before we can do that.

[Rey]

I don't even want to think about roster cuts.

[GP]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Who is the one player in danger of being cut that you hope the Texans keep & why?

WR is an obvious position in both young talent, depth & need. This roster decision could be a key move down the line in a couple years so its imperative Kubiak & his assistants come together & make the right decision. Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones & Kevin Walter already locked in 1-2-3. WR roster positions 4-5 are up for grabs.

As much as I like 2010 6th rd. pick Trindon Holiday & 7th rd. pick Dorin Dickerson I feel they've been unable to prove themselves as important members of this team moving forward, unless they really standout & produce this pre-season, otherwise its probably practice squad for them?

Derrick Townsel & Terrence Toliver will be cut in a numbers game early & be allowed to catch on with another team.

By releasing fan favorite David Anderson Kubiak opened the door for another slot type of WR, one that I feel confident will turnout to be ready is Jeff Maehl, undrafted rookie from Oregon. Texan fans are going to love this kid, very aware with great intangibles.

My diamond in the rough however, is Jean Lestar, Florida Atlantic, 6030 212. Specialist in over the head catch, red zone target, a willing blocker & someone who can hold up physically including special teams. Eventually I beleive he will move his way up the depth chart, remember too this is Andre Johnson's 9th season & another big play, red zone target helps relieve some of the pressure off Andre. He reminds me a little of Marques Colston how he can control his body, adjust to the ball in air, letting his natural instincts take over in pressure situations.

1. Andre Johnson
2. Jacoby Jones
3. Kevin Walter
4. Jean Lestar
5. Jeff Maehl

Much respect to your knowledge of college players (I know you keep a close watch on recruits all year long).

But I don't agree that DD slips off the 53 man, much less onto our PS. If he is waived, he gets claimed. FAST.

AJ, KW, JJ, DD, and Lestar Jean will be the 5 WRs.

Townsel has, reportedly, some ST skills and Kubiak might want to put him on Joe Ma's ST squad as an emergency 6th WR in case we get depleted as the season wears on.

Maehl and Toliver, IMO, are going to be two guys whom the Texans waive and claim and place on PS. Remember this, guys: The Texans have a good shot at retaining UDFAs like Toliver and Maehl because they came in off-the-radar (via UDFA route) and they know the Texans system...which is something the other 31 teams will do, too--The other 31 teams will pass on taking most other teams' cuts because each team wants to retain its own guys they cut, because their own guys put in the work and know the system and can be plug-and-play IF NEEDED in the reg season. No need in going after other teams' cuts who might not fit your team and will be behind on learning your plays, the signals, the style, the rapport with the teammates, coaches, etc.

I just don't think Maehl and Toliver pose a risk to be claimed like Lestar Jean does. They are GOOD, but there are 62 other Maehls and Tolivers out there who are going to get cut and then brought back on PS (31 teams x 2 guys at WR who get cut, but brought back for PS = 62 similar type WRs).

I think this is why Kubiak doesn't mind going with only 5 WRs. He knows he's getting a 6th WR on Joe Ma's ST squad, and he'll bring back at least 1 or 2 more WRs (Toliver and Maehl) onto the PS.

The only kicker here, is if Kubiak has a hard-on for a David Anderson type slot guy--small, quick cutting, slant and curl guy--and to me, that's where things could get goofy on us. Personally, I think it's time we left behind that philosophy that we need a Wes Welker, Amendola, David Anderson type guy. Go for reach, height, vertical, bigger body frame if you're going to put a WR out there. I just think it's time to abandon that sacred "little guy" idea.

[El Tejano]

Originally Posted by GP

The only kicker here, is if Kubiak has a hard-on for a David Anderson type slot guy--small, quick cutting, slant and curl guy--and to me, that's where things could get goofy on us. Personally, I think it's time we left behind that philosophy that we need a Wes Welker, Amendola, David Anderson type guy. Go for reach, height, vertical, bigger body frame if you're going to put a WR out there. I just think it's time to abandon that sacred "little guy" idea.

Agreed. To me, if we could get one of the guys behind Walter to step up, Walter becomes a very explosive slot guy. He runs precise routes and he has good hands.

[TimeKiller]

I don't think a guy who physically resembles AJ has much of a chance of getting beat out by rookies unless he just falls flat on his face. Dickerson has to work but the guy will be productive sooner than later. He could turn out to be AJ v.2, I'm not willing to let that slip just yet...

aj, kw, jj, dd, ?

Assuming they roll with 5, who makes the last spot? I think the most impressive figure at camp has been L-Jean, at least there has been more noise about him than any other udfa WR. Game time will matter though, so I'm sure they'd like to see him produce when the bullets go live.

Maehl, IMO, would make it if they ran 6 deep, which is totally possible. Maehl might even make the 5 on the basis that with AJ, KW, JJ, DD Jean isn't really bringing anything different. Maehl IS that quick, little guy who will get open, catch the ball and run for a few yards.

Interesting stuff.

[painekiller]

From being out at the practices, DD seems to be a lock. Jean is ahead of the other UDFA guys, but not by much. Maehl has looked solid. He catches everything, and he just has a knack for getting open. Maehl should be on the PS at the very least.

I agree that Toliver is interesting but he has not had the camp that Jean and Maehl have had.

Holiday is gone, unless he blows up a few punts during the games. Then he might be trade bait.

[badboy]

Everyone is talking WR but I re-read the first two sentences in the thread and am going with a different position. Sherrick McMannis is my player and I think cornerback has some of the same issues all are talking about at receiver.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by GP

Much respect to your knowledge of college players (I know you keep a close watch on recruits all year long).

But I don't agree that DD slips off the 53 man, much less onto our PS. If he is waived, he gets claimed. FAST.

AJ, KW, JJ, DD, and Lestar Jean will be the 5 WRs.

Townsel has, reportedly, some ST skills and Kubiak might want to put him on Joe Ma's ST squad as an emergency 6th WR in case we get depleted as the season wears on.

Maehl and Toliver, IMO, are going to be two guys whom the Texans waive and claim and place on PS. Remember this, guys: The Texans have a good shot at retaining UDFAs like Toliver and Maehl because they came in off-the-radar (via UDFA route) and they know the Texans system...which is something the other 31 teams will do, too--The other 31 teams will pass on taking most other teams' cuts because each team wants to retain its own guys they cut, because their own guys put in the work and know the system and can be plug-and-play IF NEEDED in the reg season. No need in going after other teams' cuts who might not fit your team and will be behind on learning your plays, the signals, the style, the rapport with the teammates, coaches, etc.

I just don't think Maehl and Toliver pose a risk to be claimed like Lestar Jean does. They are GOOD, but there are 62 other Maehls and Tolivers out there who are going to get cut and then brought back on PS (31 teams x 2 guys at WR who get cut, but brought back for PS = 62 similar type WRs).

I think this is why Kubiak doesn't mind going with only 5 WRs. He knows he's getting a 6th WR on Joe Ma's ST squad, and he'll bring back at least 1 or 2 more WRs (Toliver and Maehl) onto the PS.

The only kicker here, is if Kubiak has a hard-on for a David Anderson type slot guy--small, quick cutting, slant and curl guy--and to me, that's where things could get goofy on us. Personally, I think it's time we left behind that philosophy that we need a Wes Welker, Amendola, David Anderson type guy. Go for reach, height, vertical, bigger body frame if you're going to put a WR out there. I just think it's time to abandon that sacred "little guy" idea.

From your valued comments, is Jeff Maehl then your Diamond in the Rough? They have a guy on from NY right now (610) who just talked about how Texans have built their WR corp the right way, everyone knows their roles. Nobody is crying for touches, Andre sets the tone & leads by example, everyone else blocks, plays special teams & supports passing game around him. This is Why I choose this route despite both Holliday & Dickerson being worthy developmental prospects. Its based not just on talent but how they compliment & fit with players already on team.

Maehl is a "Diamond in the rough" because people don't know his college career with Oregon. I know what he is & think he is capable in this system of being another Kevin Walter (will need to add strength & size to his frame) but can assume David Anderson role because he can best replicate that style now. We can discuss Dickersons athletic ability all day & I could easily buy him being labeled as a player who is still a "Diamond in the Rough". Yet even when Andre was shutdown end of last season he never made the progress in practice to make meaningful impact in actual games. I asked myself, WHY? many, many many times & this is how I rationalized it- Dorin Dickerson is a dynamic, athletic physical specimen who is a TE (stuck on a team loaded @ his position) being converted to WR @ the highest level of competition. So I'm not going to even argue with your feeling he will not be cut, that's a trait of Kubiak, his loyalty to players. Lestar Jean is proving, very early on, he is a pure WR with a dynamic skill set that transcends to the next level.

Place Maehl, Dickerson or Jean on PS they're gone. I chose to put Dickerson out there because he is taking longer to develop (changing positions) Maehl is ready to contribute immediately & Jean is a "Diamond in the Rough" who compliments Andre Johnson best. Keeping thee QB's plus other tough roster cuts, I just can't see the Texans keeping 6 WR's?

[281]

sorry dude... dorin is a lock.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by badboy

Everyone is talking WR but I re-read the first two sentences in the thread and am going with a different position. Sherrick McMannis is my player and I think cornerback has some of the same issues all are talking about at receiver.

Good one. McMannis is caught in a tight battle for a roster spot. I would give him an edge over Brice McCain if for no other reason he has better size. "Roc" Carmichael going on PUP may save him though. McMannis, in this scheme, as a "Diamond in the Rough" a definite possibility.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by 281

sorry dude... dorin is a lock.

then Texans will keep 6 WR? or do they put Maehl/Jean on PS?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Good one. McMannis is caught in a tight battle for a roster spot. I would give him an edge over Brice McCain if for no other reason he has better size. "Roc" Carmichael going on PUP may save him though. McMannis, in this scheme, as a "Diamond in the Rough" a definite possibility.

WHoa, I missed this. What happened to Carmichael? I think McCain is going to be gone.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by beerlover

From your valued comments, is Jeff Maehl then your Diamond in the Rough? They have a guy on from NY right now (610) who just talked about how Texans have built their WR corp the right way, everyone knows their roles. Nobody is crying for touches, Andre sets the tone & leads by example, everyone else blocks, plays special teams & supports passing game around him. This is Why I choose this route despite both Holliday & Dickerson being worthy developmental prospects. Its based not just on talent but how they compliment & fit with players already on team.

Maehl is a "Diamond in the rough" because people don't know his college career with Oregon. I know what he is & think he is capable in this system of being another Kevin Walter (will need to add strength & size to his frame) but can assume David Anderson role because he can best replicate that style now. We can discuss Dickersons athletic ability all day & I could easily buy him being labeled as a player who is still a "Diamond in the Rough". Yet even when Andre was shutdown end of last season he never made the progress in practice to make meaningful impact in actual games. I asked myself, WHY? many, many many times & this is how I rationalized it- Dorin Dickerson is a dynamic, athletic physical specimen who is a TE (stuck on a team loaded @ his position) being converted to WR @ the highest level of competition. So I'm not going to even argue with your feeling he will not be cut, that's a trait of Kubiak, his loyalty to players. Lestar Jean is proving, very early on, he is a pure WR with a dynamic skill set that transcends to the next level.

Place Maehl, Dickerson or Jean on PS they're gone. I chose to put Dickerson out there because he is taking longer to develop (changing positions) Maehl is ready to contribute immediately & Jean is a "Diamond in the Rough" who compliments Andre Johnson best. Keeping thee QB's plus other tough roster cuts, I just can't see the Texans keeping 6 WR's?

It's just difficult to pick two out of these four.

[281]

Originally Posted by beerlover

then Texans will keep 6 WR? or do they put Maehl/Jean on PS?

i think either maehl/jean will be put on PS.

[jaayteetx]

Originally Posted by 281

sorry dude... dorin is a lock.

what he said

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by badboy

WHoa, I missed this. What happened to Carmichael? I think McCain is going to be gone.

I believe he separated his shoulder which would put him back around time Texans would need to designate status. I'm projecting they keep him & stash him away on PUP while secondary shakes itself out.

[rmartin65]

Nice thread topic.

This sucks to say, but we there is a solid chance the Texans lose a talented young receiver- Dickerson, Jean, Maehl, Holliday (yep, still holding onto the pick until I see some preseason snaps).

I think Dickerson is a lock for the team. He has freakish athleticism, can contribute on ST due to his experience as both a LB and a TE, and by all accounts is having a good camp.

The real competition is between Maehl and Jean. Maehl gives the Texans a sure handed route-runner with excellent body control, while Jean is a more explosive player. They fill different holes, but only one will make it. I gave the nod to Maehl earlier, but Jean is blowing the socks off of people. I really cant say who will make it, but I hope the other guy lands on the PS.

Holliday is an interesting player to project. He brings the breakaway return ability that the other guys dont. I think if Holliday makes the team, the Texans go with 6 WRs, meaning one of Maehl/Jean make the team.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by 281

i think either maehl/jean will be put on PS.

Original question.

Originally Posted by beerlover

Who is the one player in danger of being cut that you hope the Texans keep & why?

Let me rephrase this.

So out of all the players who don't make the cut, who is the diamond in the rough?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

Nice thread topic.

This sucks to say, but we there is a solid chance the Texans lose a talented young receiver- Dickerson, Jean, Maehl, Holliday (yep, still holding onto the pick until I see some preseason snaps).

I think Dickerson is a lock for the team. He has freakish athleticism, can contribute on ST due to his experience as both a LB and a TE, and by all accounts is having a good camp.

The real competition is between Maehl and Jean. Maehl gives the Texans a sure handed route-runner with excellent body control, while Jean is a more explosive player. They fill different holes, but only one will make it. I gave the nod to Maehl earlier, but Jean is blowing the socks off of people. I really cant say who will make it, but I hope the other guy lands on the PS.

Holliday is an interesting player to project. He brings the breakaway return ability that the other guys dont. I think if Holliday makes the team, the Texans go with 6 WRs, meaning one of Maehl/Jean make the team.

Trindon need to exhibit some of the skills we drafted him on our mock.