3rd round Brandon Brooks, G,

[Porky]

I wasn't that familiar with this guy, but man his measurables for a man of that size are unreal. 4.52 short shuttle at 350 lbs? That beat all lineman in Indy. Wow, just wow. Having not ever seen him play, I can't offer a true opinion yet, but it looks like we might have a massive road grader who can also move like a ZBS lineman must.

I don't think Wade Smith is supplanted any time soon but that new RG of ours might not have slept too good last night.

Since I know little about the man coming in, I can't really grade the pick totally, but the thinking on this one is an A+ to me. Massive mountain man road grader at a need position. Great job Smithiak!

[Brisco_County]

This guy is the ideal solution for the problems with ZBS in the red zone. He can switch from zone to power to punch it in. I love the pick.

[TimeKiller]

Myers now has an enforcer on his side. Brisiel might've been a tough son of a gun but this guy looks like a beast mode waiting to happen. He can soak up big 3-4 NTs while Myers runs up to the LBer, freeing Foster.

IDK about day 1 but this guy sure has a shot to be a difference maker.

[kiwitexansfan]

Originally Posted by Brisco_County

This guy is the ideal solution for the problems with ZBS in the red zone. He can switch from zone to power to punch it in. I love the pick.

Will be interesting if we get to the point where Brooks and Mondek are lined up with each other and get pulling with their size and speed.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Yankee_In_TX

Hmmm, does seem a bit large for our scheme....?

No, not IMO. I don't listen to the stuff about kubiak wanting certain sized players. He's like every head coach. Talent is talent. If you're talented enough to play, you'll play.

[IDEXAN]

For the Texans to invest a 3rd and 4th round pick on their offensive line, especially the interior, is like most teams investing a 1st and 2nd rounder.
They are dead serious about sustaining the quality and level of performance of the Oline, and I'm looking forward to see how the competition progresses thru TC and preseason and who emerges as the starters and OLine roster members for the upcoming season.

If this guy lines on Meyers right, he will be what TimeKiller wrote, Meyers enforcer. Nice to have one of those. Someone to point to and look at someone acting squirrelly on the other side, or hell it could be your side, and shake your head as if to say you don't want me to activate this.

[Playoffs]

Four-year starter with long arms and big hands for the position. Demonstrates quick feet and a solid punch. Good agility in space. The big guy was not invited to the Combine, so the Shrine East/West game and practices gave him a chance to showcase his talent. He passed the eyeball test and built on his impressive size during the week with consistent practices. -- Dan Shonka/Ourlads.com who had Brooks ranked #60

[Lucky]

Hey, Mike Lombardi. Are the Texans still a finesse team?

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

hmmm...
massive, strong, fairly fast....
do ya think that Wade can teach him to play NT??


...Hey I'm just askin' okay....

Tongue in cheek I know, but why would you try nonetheless? It'd be different if Cody was just outright terrible last year or the DL struggled.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

In the bottom picture you can clearly see he is holding his breath. Seriously thanks for posting as I had thought he was flabby but is not.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by mussop

May I ask how you came to this conclusion?

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...brandon-brooks
He lacks the range and overall movement skills to be anything more than a short-area blocker and his on-field temperament leaves a lot to be desired. Brooks has the size and strength, but is still rough around the edges and is not yet a finished product ? a developmental guard prospect with definite pro upside who will need a strong positional coach in the NFL, but should fit somewhere in the top-125 picks.


Weaknesses: Has some bad weight (*my comment in parentheses as I think this slows him against speed rushers.)

looking sluggish with heavy feet when trying to cover a lot of ground. Doesn?t have great range Heavy-handed in pass protection with a bad habit of grabbing, which attracts holding penalties.

[badboy]

Hope he does start but before we just give it to hi, let's see if Wade had an off season or was he possibly hurt? Also, CND has posted Caldwell had ankle sprain that then effect other leg when he continued to play on it. Boith may come back much better than last season. Just saying.....

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by badboy

Hope he does start but before we just give it to hi, let's see if Wade had an off season or was he possibly hurt? Also, CND has posted Caldwell had ankle sprain that then effect other leg when he continued to play on it. Boith may come back much better than last season. Just saying.....

I think he can and will push both, but from all reports I've heard of, Caldwell is going to be given every chance to start at RG and same with Wade at LG.

[ObsiWan]

From ESPN Insider.....
(1 - Excellent; 2 - Above Avg.; 3 - Avg.; 4 - Below Avg.; 5 - Marginal)

Pass Protection - 3:
Matches up well with power rushers even though he sets too high. Wide base, relatively low center of gravity and thick lower body. Gets adequate hand placement and locks out but should have some problems keeping quicker interior rushers out of the backfield. Average initial quickness and doesn't deliver a violent initial punch. Above-average balance and can redirect once locked on but not agile enough to recover if oversets to the outside and defensive tackle shoots inside.

Run Blocking - 1:
Footwork is inconsistent when drive blocking. Can catch defender before taking first step. Limited athlete and some problems changing directions in space. On the other hand, an effective zone blocker that can seal front side three-techniques, cut off backside one-techniques and work up to the second level. Though doesn't roll hips into blocks flashes the ability to move defenders off the ball. Relatively low center of gravity makes it easier for him to get under defenders and drives legs once locked on. Masks limited athletic ability by taking sound angles to second level blocks. Pivots well and shows adequate range when asked to pull.

Awareness - 3:
Picks up blitzes more times than not but missed several gap calls in the 2011 Western Michigan game. Turns to locate backside pressure when no one comes to him in slide protection. Keeps eyes up and locates linebackers when asked to combo block up to the second level.

Toughness - 3:
Finishes blocks. Flashes a mean streak and doesn't back down but doesn't show enough of a killer instinct to be considered a mauler. Appears to gear down at times and weight and frame raises concerns about conditioning.

I apologize if this is a re-post...

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

I think he can and will push both, but from all reports I've heard of, Caldwell is going to be given every chance to start at RG and same with Wade at LG.

agreed, if a 4th rounder can push the starter at any position it was a good pick. I'm thinking he can replace Smith at end of his contract 2013 I think.

I am also looking for Ben Jones and Fangupo to push the starters. If Dwight Jones can be starightened out he could be a solid player. His games were solid until the end and he seemed to go stupid at combine.

A Little of AJ could help him.

[Wolf]

posted this on the Posey thread also

Dennison on Texans third rounders (5:19)
Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison shared his thoughts on the team's third round selections, in guard Brandon Brooks and receiver DeVier Posey.
http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-medi...c-9c7af9968aed

Brandon will stay inside, even though he played tackle also
most of Brandons weight is in his lower body, and he runs a sub 5.5(which they ask the guys to do )

[SteveSlaton20]

350 LBs and runs a sub 5 40...that's unbelievable.

i cannot wait for this season to start, this dude is going to be exciting to watch.


and kinda off topic, but i think it'd be awesome if we used him as FB on goal line... who the hell is going to get through him?

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by badboy

agreed, if a 4th rounder can push the starter at any position it was a good pick. I'm thinking he can replace Smith at end of his contract 2013 I think.

I am also looking for Ben Jones and Fangupo to push the starters. If Dwight Jones can be starightened out he could be a solid player. His games were solid until the end and he seemed to go stupid at combine.

A Little of AJ could help him.

Agree with everything you said here BB. Brooks should push both Smith and Caldwell for some starting time and Ben Jones just vastly improved our interior O-line depth at C and OG. Fangupo may take a year on the practice squad but I really look forward to seeing him in some short yardage/goal line stands. Also if Jones can get his head on straight he's got the physical tools to be great, he sounds like a kid that just needs to be put in his place and grow up. Once he gets his head on right he might be our next Foster from UDFA list.

[Blake]

I cant wait to see this guy in action. I dont care what size he is as long as he has the speed to quickly get where we tell him to go. And he does.