The Replacements... Who should we target?

[GP]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

I would like the Texans to bring back Mark Anderson as an OLB. We need a vet to add to our OLB rotation, not another draft pick. We are already young at that position, no need to get younger this year.

Is he available? I have watched a few Pats game this year and he was doing very well there. He could DOMINATE in Wade's 34 Defense. No doubt.

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by GP

Is he available? I have watched a few Pats game this year and he was doing very well there. He could DOMINATE in Wade's 34 Defense. No doubt.

Yep, free agent this season. Had a good year in New England in 2011. Haven't heard anything about him making visits though. Hopefully he hits the bargain bin and we can pick him up.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by GP

Is he available? I have watched a few Pats game this year and he was doing very well there. He could DOMINATE in Wade's 34 Defense. No doubt.

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

Yep, free agent this season. Had a good year in New England in 2011. Haven't heard anything about him making visits though. Hopefully he hits the bargain bin and we can pick him up.

Nice. I liked Anderson. I think he could be HUGE for us as well.

[GP]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Nice. I liked Anderson. I think he could be HUGE for us as well.

He did OK for us as "fill-in" service back in 2010. And that was in a 43 defense, too.

He's got that length and speed that your OLB needs in the 34.

I hope he's an option. I think it'd work out.

[ObsiWan]

Available centers per WalterFootball.com

1. Scott Wells, C, Packers. Age: 31.
Scott Wells is one of the top centers in the NFL. He excels in all areas, and is due for a big contract.
2. Nick Hardwick, C, Chargers. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Chargers (3 years)
Nick Hardwick is one of the top centers in football, but he told the media recently that he's going to consider retirement this offseason.
3. Chris Myers, C/G, Texans. Age: 30.
Chris Myers has been exceptional as Houston's center, but his value isn't really high as it should be because he doesn't fit with non-zone-blocking teams.
4. Dan Koppen, C, Patriots. Age: 32.
Dan Koppen performed very well in 2010, but missed most of 2011 with a fractured fibula. He turns 33 in September, which is the concern.
5. Samson Satele, C, Raiders. Age: 27.
Samson Satele missed one game with a concussion last year, but otherwise had another solid season.
6. Matt Birk, C, Ravens. Age: 36.
Matt Birk is still getting the job done, but he'll be 36 in July. His skills could quickly erode without warning.
7. Jeff Saturday, C, Colts. Age: 37.
Jeff Saturday is coming off a great season, but the wheels could fall off at any moment because of his age. He'll be worth a 1-year deal though.
8. Todd McClure, C, Falcons. Age: 35.
Todd McClure turns 35 in February, but he still gets the job done. His skills could erode without warning, however, which is why I'm listing him at just three stars.
9. Will Montgomery, C/G, Redskins. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Redskins (4 years)
Will Montgomery is a good fit in Mike Shanahan's scheme as a lineman who can play guard and center. He's worth more to the Redskins than most other teams, so he should re-sign with them.
10. Casey Wiegmann, C, Chiefs. Age: 39.
The Chiefs will welcomed back Casey Wiegmann if he still wants to play, but at 39, his performance could fall off at any point without warning.
11. Jason Brown, C/G, Rams. Age: 29.
Jason Brown was considered a top-tier free agent center in 2009 when he signed a 5-year, $37.5 million deal with the Rams. But like most players who go from a good team to an inferior organization solely for the money, Brown's performance really dropped off. He was benched last season. He's still young enough to turn his career around though, so he might be worth signing to an incentive-laden contract.
12. Jeff Faine, C, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
Jeff Faine has battled way too many injuries over the years. He managed to play in 15 contests last season, but he looked like a shell of his former self. Perhaps he can get healthy and rebound, but no one should hold their breath.
13. Mike Pollak, C/G, Colts. Age: 27.
Mike Pollak was in and out of the lineup in 2011 due to inconsistency, but he played well at times. He won't kill you if you have to start him at guard or center.

[ObsiWan]

Most of those guys are geezers... we better push hard to get Myers back.

[mussop]

If we do lose some of these guys who will replace them. Obviously some current backups will be taking over but wee can't expect that in every situation and if they do what of our depth? Just thought I would throw a few names out to get conversation started.

DT Jason Jones (26, 6-5, 276, Titans): He's a good interior pass rusher who might also work outside in a 3-4 defense.

G Ben Grubbs (28, 6-3, 310, Ravens): He's probably the best interior O-line option after Nicks.

TE Jacob Tamme (27, 6-3, 236, Colts): He was a Dallas Clark clone while filling in for him in 2010 (67 rec., 631 yards, 4 TDs). With the spreading trend of two-tight-end offenses, Tamme could be a better option now than Clark, who's 33 and often in the trainers' room.

C Scott wells (31, 6-2, 300, Packers): FA Type: Unrestricted
A bit undersized and maybe a bit underappreciated, though he earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2011.A key part of the Packers' offensive line, Wells has a good rapport with QB Aaron Rodgers and ranks as one of the top interior linemen available. The question is: Will Packers GM Ted Thompson give a multiyear deal to a lineman on the wrong side of 30? Considering Wells' value to the line, there are some who believe that would be a good move.


TE John Carlson (28, 6-5, 241, Seahawks): A shoulder injury cost him last season and probably some money in the market. Still, he's got good hands and blocks well enough.

Jeremy Zuttah (TB) - OG

Brett Romberg (ATL) - OC

Kendall Langford DE | Miami Dolphins Age: 26 | FA Type: Unrestricted Solid against the run, the 6-6, 295-pound Langford wasn't as productive in 2011 as he had been in past seasons, but he certainly could hold appeal to clubs employing 3-4 fronts. He might be on the underrated side.

Mark Anderson DE | New England Patriots Age: 29 | FA Type: Unrestricted The pass-rush specialist had 10 sacks in the regular season and added 2½ more in the playoffs, with 1½ coming in Super Bowl XLVI. While Anderson isn't an every-down player, he has shown he can get after opposing QBs, which gives him value in a pass-happy league.


Michael Robinson FB | Seattle Seahawks Age: 29 | FA Type: Unrestricted The one-time collegiate quarterback earned Pro Bowl honors as a blocker in 2011. He also is an exceptional special-teams player.

Manny Lawson OLB | Cincinnati Bengals Age: 28 | FA Type: Unrestricted Lawson, who has starting experience in 3-4 and 4-3 fronts, notched 51 tackles and 1½ sacks for Cincinnati a season ago. He's shown some pass-rush ability in the past, most notably in 2009 with San Francisco, when he recorded 6½ sacks.

[leebigeztx]

Originally Posted by mussop

What are you talking about? Mario is on a Plane headed back right now to sign a hometown discount contract.

Never said anything about a hometown discount. I do know the texans had a good offer,but when buffalo gave the 25m guarantee regardless of injury, that was the ace of spade.

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

Most of those guys are geezers... we better push hard to get Myers back.

Meyers ain't exactly a spring chicken either. He'll be 31 this year.

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by mussop

If we do lose some of these guys who will replace them. Obviously some current backups will be taking over but wee can't expect that in every situation and if they do what of our depth? Just thought I would throw a few names out to get conversation started.

DT Jason Jones (26, 6-5, 276, Titans): He's a good interior pass rusher who might also work outside in a 3-4 defense.
Can he work in the 3-4 or would you move him into the DE rotation to keep Watt and Smith fresh??

G Ben Grubbs (28, 6-3, 310, Ravens): He's probably the best interior O-line option after Nicks.
If we can't afford Brisiel, we most likely cannot afford him.

TE Jacob Tamme (27, 6-3, 236, Colts): He was a Dallas Clark clone while filling in for him in 2010 (67 rec., 631 yards, 4 TDs). With the spreading trend of two-tight-end offenses, Tamme could be a better option now than Clark, who's 33 and often in the trainers' room.
The Colts would be insane to let him get away.

C Scott wells (31, 6-2, 300, Packers): FA Type: Unrestricted
A bit undersized and maybe a bit underappreciated, though he earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2011.A key part of the Packers' offensive line, Wells has a good rapport with QB Aaron Rodgers and ranks as one of the top interior linemen available. The question is: Will Packers GM Ted Thompson give a multiyear deal to a lineman on the wrong side of 30? Considering Wells' value to the line, there are some who believe that would be a good move.
I think you're right, the Packers won't let him get away

TE John Carlson (28, 6-5, 241, Seahawks): A shoulder injury cost him last season and probably some money in the market. Still, he's got good hands and blocks well enough.

Jeremy Zuttah (TB) - OG

Brett Romberg (ATL) - OC

Kendall Langford DE | Miami Dolphins Age: 26 | FA Type: Unrestricted Solid against the run, the 6-6, 295-pound Langford wasn't as productive in 2011 as he had been in past seasons, but he certainly could hold appeal to clubs employing 3-4 fronts. He might be on the underrated side.

Mark Anderson DE | New England Patriots Age: 29 | FA Type: Unrestricted The pass-rush specialist had 10 sacks in the regular season and added 2½ more in the playoffs, with 1½ coming in Super Bowl XLVI. While Anderson isn't an every-down player, he has shown he can get after opposing QBs, which gives him value in a pass-happy league.


Michael Robinson FB | Seattle Seahawks Age: 29 | FA Type: Unrestricted The one-time collegiate quarterback earned Pro Bowl honors as a blocker in 2011. He also is an exceptional special-teams player.
We'll probably get a FB in the draft... if we need one besides Casey.

Manny Lawson OLB | Cincinnati Bengals Age: 28 | FA Type: Unrestricted Lawson, who has starting experience in 3-4 and 4-3 fronts, notched 51 tackles and 1½ sacks for Cincinnati a season ago. He's shown some pass-rush ability in the past, most notably in 2009 with San Francisco, when he recorded 6½ sacks.
Worth a look. Definitely.

See my comments in red.

[TheMatrix31]

I'd like to pick up Early Doucet.

[amazing80]

I think center is the important position. Butler is good enough to start and play well, and we have Caldwell in a pinch, but how is gonna play center and make all of our line calls? We need Myers back and then we need to draft someone in the middle rounds to develop...

I loved Anderson I was sad to see him go last time, hopefully he considers us if we want him, but not to sure, we could have burned that bridge

Losing Mario was expected by most users so that's not too crazy, but losing Myers would be HUGE.....

[BullNation4Life]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

I'd like to pick up Early Doucet.

why is it every time I hear that name I think of a feminine product?

"Tired of having that no-so-fresh feeling?"

"Try Early Doucet and fight that feeling before it starts."

Early Doucet... by Massengill

[EVOLVIST]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

I'd like to pick up Early Doucet.

Early Doucet or Mario Manningham...maybe...MAYBE Eddie Royal on the cheap tip. Free up that Jacoby Jones money and it makes it a little easier under the cap. I mean, who wouldn't want to play for the Texans now?

And to Amazing80's post: Yeah, I wouldn't mind picking up a center to develop. I believe Molk would be that guy, in the later rounds.

The thing is, I think Meyers is coming back, though I could be wrong. I don't believe the Titans can use him and why would they want to change centers on Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay? Meyers and Wells are the same age and it's not like Wells is a sore spot on GB's line.

These guys on the offensive line? They're not just plug n play. Not to say that we can't find someone who really communicates on the OL and works out right off the bat; but I am saying the chances are slim.

Perhaps getting a solid FA WR is just a pipe dream of mine, but I don't think I'm dreaming to keep the rest of our OL intact. I hope Foster and Schaub share my dream or all that money spent on these guys will be a waste.

Mark Anderson? Yeah, I've thought about him several times, but he should pull more than the vet minimum, and if we're up against the cap wall, as everyone suspects, our money would probably be best served getting a young OLB in the draft or some of these tweeners. This year's draft has a glut of young pass rushers. All we're asking is for a rotation guy to come in and get 5 to 6 sacks, develop, knock some balls down and get some pressures.

There's so many options, but since the war is fought and won in the trenches, I'm just saying go with option A, which is signing our own guys back and then hitting the draft. Keep that Mark Anderson money in pocket for 2014, sign players like Demps and Barber for depth, keep last year's OL selections for depth, don't screw around too much with a good thing.

That will be all, y'all.

Edit: Scratch that...and wash your hands afterwards: Eddie Royal signed with San Diego and Manningham wants 7mil per year (don't think he'll get it though). Screw it, just keep the friggin OL together

[Norg]

whatever Center/Guard this is outta Colardo State in the draft LOL

[badboy]

Originally Posted by BullNation4Life

Ok, they got Shelly Smith that could replace Meyers right? Caldwell could replace Briesel, although not a very good replacement, still could. Could go get a guard in the draft.

Levi Brown is sitting out there, not sure how much but maybe the Texans can talk him into moving to RT, then you have the Brown Bookends. Good run blocker but wasn't a good pass blocker, at least not on the left side but possibly that can get corrected.

Texans also have Newton,could move to guard, and they have Butler that could play RT.

Personally, I don't think it is as bad as folks make it seem. Butler and Newton know the scheme, Caldwell MUST get better and we haven't really seen what Shel-Smith can do so forgive me if I am not one to be standing on some ledge ready to jump....

Smith played 2 games in 2010 at guard and I can find none in 2011. He has never played center. Caldwell impressed no one in brief relief of Briesel.


TRANSACTIONS:
Selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round (187th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft...signed by Texans on June 16, 2010...waived by the Texans on Oct. 2, 2010...signed to the Texans' practice squad on Oct. 5, 2010...signed to active roster on Dec. 1, 2010...placed on reserve/injured list with an ankle injury on Aug. 30, 2011.

2010 (Houston 0/0):
• Inactive for the first three games of the 2010 season
• Waived by Texans (10/2)
• Signed to Texans practice squad (10/5)
• Signed to active roster (12/1)
• Inactive for final five games of 2010 season

TRANSACTIONS: Selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round (187th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft...Signed by Texans on June 16, 2010...Waived by the Texans on Oct. 2, 2010...Signed to the Texans' practice squad on Oct. 5, 2010...Signed to active roster on Dec. 1, 2010...Placed on reserve/injured list with an ankle injury on Aug. 30, 2011.

2010 (Houston 0/0):
• Inactive for the first three games of the 2010 season
• Waived by Texans (10/2)
• Signed to Texans practice squad (10/5)
• Signed to active roster (12/1)
• Inactive for final five games of 2010 season

COLLEGE:
• Played in 36 games with 31 starts over four seasons at Colorado State
• Two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection, earning second-team honors in 2008 and honorable mention in 2009

2009:
• Senior starter at weakside guard, played in nine games with eight starts, but did not miss a conference game
• An honorable-mention all-conference selection
• Preseason all-conference selection
• Entered the year on the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list, the first such CSU player since Erik Pears in 2004
• Named in the season’s opening week one of five permanent team captains, one of two on offense (also current Texan Cole Pemberton)

2008:
• A second-team all-MWC choice, played in 12 games, with 11 starts, including the New Mexico Bowl (12/20)
• Started the season opener at weak-side guard vs. Colorado (8/31) and played the entire game, making a block on Gartrell Johnson’s 18-yard run in the first quarter
• Considered by coaches the team’s most talented offensive lineman, with the ability to pull and adjust on the run, complementing great speed and strength

2007:
• Beat out several competitors to earn starting role at left guard, and made first career start in season opener at Colorado (9/1)
• Started all 12 contests and impressed coaches despite his inexperience

2006:
• Saw playing time in three games

HIGH SCHOOL:
• Was an all-star offensive lineman at Westview High School in Phoenix, Ariz.
• Earned three varsity letters in football, and was a two-year starter
• Lettered once in track, where he threw the shot put and discus
• Received first-team all-region honors in 2004 as an offensive tackle and was second-team as a defensive lineman
• Was a two-time all-state performer in football and was named to the all-Arizona team as a senior
• Was named the West Valley Player of the Year as a senior
• High school coach was Jeff Bowen

PERSONAL:
• Full name is Shelley Andres Smith
• Born in Phoenix, Ariz.
• Son of Ishmia Reed-Smith
• Has one brother and one sister
• Majored in nutrition and food science
• Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

Most of those guys are geezers... we better push hard to get Myers back.

Myers will be 31 Sept 15th; no spring chicken going into a new contract.


OOPS did not see Bill's post.

[Oz Texan]

Why is everyone so concerened with getting a def player with the first pick. thats where you pick up supposed starters not back ups. While i think we should look for depth in the draft I also think our starter last year with the exception of NT are great. DOnt get me wrong our NTs are servicable if we dont upgrade but a space eating NT would be great.

I think "if" we end up losing some of our need to keep guys on the OL i think we should seriously look at that right now. In the first round I personally think we should go WR. I will say though not to reach for one if you dont hink he is worth it or if the others are off the chart already. In this case I would go OL if possible for futures sake and for the just in case factor.

[welsh texan]

Originally Posted by Oz Texan

Why is everyone so concerened with getting a def player with the first pick. thats where you pick up supposed starters not back ups. While i think we should look for depth in the draft I also think our starter last year with the exception of NT are great. DOnt get me wrong our NTs are servicable if we dont upgrade but a space eating NT would be great.

I think "if" we end up losing some of our need to keep guys on the OL i think we should seriously look at that right now. In the first round I personally think we should go WR. I will say though not to reach for one if you dont hink he is worth it or if the others are off the chart already. In this case I would go OL if possible for futures sake and for the just in case factor.

I'd imagine our draft board will be in a constant state of flux until FA works itself out, not much point deliberating on what to do in the draft just yet, we don't have any idea if we'll end up with a glaring need by this time next week.

[80tothezone]

Originally Posted by DonnyMost

With the cap room we have, we're not replacing anybody with FAs.

It will be a next man up season. Several young guys getting their chance, even some of our draftees.

Going to be up to the vets to keep this thing on the rails.

I dunno man not resigning Mario or any of those 4 trading Tate.... we got to have made some room there....