Texans will draft a RB in the 1st or 2nd

[Vinny]

You seem to be missing where half the defense, the better half at that, missed a lot of time, or were hampered by injuries. If all of our returning starters are healthy, plus Smith, and a 2nd round safety I think it's a good unit, that's pretty much middle of the road. Obviously if you lose half your defensive starters for long stretches it's not going to be great.

They're switching from the terrible scheme they ran last year, that will put guys like Okoye in better position to play to their strengths. Bush wants to have a fast attacking defense that makes big plays. They're not going to stuff the run, and there's nobody at 15 that's going to change that. I see signs that they will be an average defense without spending 8 draft picks on defense.

What do you think our offense would have looked like if Schaub, Johnson, Winston, Walter, Daniels and Slaton had missed, or been slowed for 6-10 games each last season? I'm guessing somewhere around 30.

I'm not overlooking anything. TJ and Okoye get pushed around quite a bit and being healthy doesn't change that. Drob didn't play well and may not ever play well again. All the rest of our DB's look like nickel backs. Our linebackers are still smallish and slowish outside of Adibi who stands at smallish without the slowish. Mario should be on the strong side and we SHOULD be looking for a linebacker a DB that has starting potential and an edge rusher...hopefully we find one like the Giants did with Tuck a few years ago. The defense has had long standing problems that have not been resolved since Kubiak has taken over and if he doesn't address them he will find himself as a highly sought after OC within a few years if he doesn't inject more talent into this defense.

 

[badboy]

I think it's terribly funny that anyone thinks that adding a 3rd round pick to our backfield will amount to much. Especially when Slaton wasn't supposed to be anything more than a reliever, change of pace, 3rd down back, returner...

I doubt the Texans have as much faith in third round picks becoming starter caliber RB's as most of you guys.

Actually many of the pre-season mocks had Slaton going in late first round. I was very against his selection in first two rounds but delighted when we got him with our 2nd pick in 3rd as part of Brown trade down. Don't forget DDW that was a 4th round I believe and did very well. Speaking of well, Johnathan Wells did ok for a while too.

I think your position is we need another strong candidate to ease Slaton attempts back. I am for that and if they select Wells in first, I won't scream as Smith thinks that is best move. I think many of us are saying that an Rb can be pcik up later with very good credentials to accomplish what you want.

 

[badboy]

I have to stop this one. Williams looks good, but upon further review I do not like him. He has very stiff hips, and had the benefit of running behind one of the better FCS lines.

But would you give a 6th or 7th if you do not get a back earlier?

 

[Polo]

I'm just not seeing how the defensive players slated to be around when we pick add more value than a really good back-up RB would. I can't think of one defensive player that would come in and be a sure fire starter.

Atleast if you take a a back in the first round you know that they are starting caliber.

Someone please convince me that Clay Matthews would be a better pick than Beenie Wells. I am seriously listening. I want to be convinced.

 

[Polo]

Again...



There isn't even a flat out clear cut #1 back in this draft, while Wells is very talented he also has his fualts. He's struggled with injuries last season and I know Ohio State fans were upset with him, but regardless of that.

Like I said RBs aren't like other positions....the reason why Houston is going to draft defensive players early is, because almost always you have to draft defensive players early. Top quality defensive players are very hard to come by in the draft...they fly off the board like hot cakes and if you're going to get quality defensive players out of the draft you almost always have to get them in the first 3 rounds of the draft. Look at Xaiver Adibi last season...when healthy he was making plays sideline to sideline...we got him in the 4th, but the moment we took him Mike Mayock (possibly the best draft guru out there) instantly new he was a still and should've gone much earlier.

RBs aren't like this, every single year there are backs that come in and make a instant impact that are taken extremely low or not even drafted at all. It's all about value and you can go to the "dollar store" and pick up a cabaple back. Houston isn't looking for a star runner, they feel they already got that guy....their just looking for a support character, a side kick for Slaton. They can easily fill that role with a 4th rounder if they have to.

I don't get into the value of positions talk and where they should be drafted. That stuff means nothing to me.

As our team is currently constructed, what defensive player that is slated to be around adds more value to our team than a starting caliber RB?

 

[Texecutioner]

I'm just not seeing how the defensive players slated to be around when we pick add more value than a really good back-up RB would. I can't think of one defensive player that would come in and be a sure fire starter.

Atleast if you take a a back in the first round you know that they are starting caliber.

Someone please convince me that Clay Matthews would be a better pick than Beenie Wells. I am seriously listening. I want to be convinced.

I will hate it if we take Mathews. He isn't anywhere near the calibur player at his position that Wells is at his.

 

[Dapper]

excuse me, but isn't chris brown still on the payroll?

 

[Carr Bombed]

Incorrect.

If you listen to Kubiaks comments on the subject then I think you'd rethink that statement.

He talks about how lucky they were that Steve held up for the whole season and he says that they want a starting caliber player for that position because he's not gonna expect for Slaton to do that again. And I think he even said that this 1b RB might play more than Slaton on some days depending on match-ups and how the games go...Says they don't want a back-up, but rather another starter...

If the Texans were just resigned to taking a mid round back, or some plug and play guy I highly doubt that they ever go after Benson. Why pay that guy when you can just get your own guy in the third or fourth...

First of all, the thing I think that's going on here is you're falling victim to the "Pre-draft smoke screen". Do you honestly think Kubiak is going to come out and say he's targeting a defensive player? Even though most teams pretty much already have them pegged to take one, nobody was happier than Kubiak and Smith than when they saw Todd McShay (who's a idiot BTW, Mayock is the best now) slot them to take Sanchez or Wells.

I've already seen and read those comments.....they're absolutely crap. Denver (which is now Kubiak and Gibbs) don't draft RBs high (I know Kubiak tried with DeAngelo Williams, but things were more desperate then), especially when they just had a 23 year old back who through up 1200+ yards rushing.

There is one golden rule to follow when leading up to the draft.....believe nothing you hear, so when you hear Kubiak talk about taking a RB early don't believe it.

And what defensive players that should be available where we pick just wow you guys?

One of the OLBers would be nice, but even if they don't decide to go defense, I don't even think a #2 RB is our biggest need on the offensive side of the ball.......A starting caliber center is. I'd like to see us draft one of those before RB.

If RB is the BPA I don't see anyway we pass that guy considering our situation and what Kubes has said and what this franchise has done.

Again read above (smoke screen) and what exactly "has this franchise done"? Last year we were WAY MORE desperate at the RB position and we waited all the way until the middle of the 3rd round to take one.

Kubes has never intended on just handing a late round pick a position in their rookie season, so I don't know why he'd start now.

Why not? Gibbs and Kubiak have done just that throughout their coaching careers???

 

[dalemurphy]

I see almost zero chance we draft a back before the 3rd round myself. Not only am I tired of seeing a rotten defense, I think the team is a bit tired of having to score 30 points to win a game also.

But that reality has nothing to do with how we've allocated our draft picks. 5 of the last 6 first round picks have been on defense, Demeco was the 1st pick of the 2nd round, Antonio Smith and Anthony Weaver are the two largest FA contracts handed out over the past 4 seasons. Clearly, the reason our defense sucks is not because we're not spending high picks on it.

 

[Carr Bombed]

I don't get into the value of positions talk and where they should be drafted. That stuff means nothing to me.

As our team is currently constructed, what defensive player that is slated to be around adds more value to our team than a starting caliber RB?

Well since we already "HAVE A STARTING CALIBER RB" Just about any defensive player that upgrades a position on defense will have more value to this team than a top rated RB

 

[Carr Bombed]

But that reality has nothing to do with how we've allocated our draft picks. 5 of the last 6 first round picks have been on defense, Demeco was the 1st pick of the 2nd round, Antonio Smith and Anthony Weaver are the two largest FA contracts handed out over the past 4 seasons. Clearly, the reason our defense sucks is not because we're not spending high picks on it.

Yes, this is true......coaching has a big factor in this as well, which is why we pretty much fired the entire staff. Hopefully that fixes that part of the problem.

 

[Polo]

I'd rather solidify our offensive unit than to pick a defensive player that leaves me feeling kind of bleh...

This all comes down to one simple thing after I thought about it.

There really isn't a defensive player that I can think of (of course the team has more insight) that adds more value to our team as it is currently constructed than another starting caliber RB.

 

[Carr Bombed]

I'd rather solidify our offensive unit than to pick a defensive player that leaves me feeling kind of bleh...

This all comes down to one simple thing after I thought about it.

There really isn't a defensive player that I can think of (of course the team has more insight) that adds more value to our team as it is currently constructed than another starting caliber RB.

Wow, I didn't know Houston fielded a top notch defense last season..(there isn't one single layer of our defense that can't be upgraded through this draft). I do know they fielded a top notch offense though hmm.

 

[badboy]

I'm just not seeing how the defensive players slated to be around when we pick add more value than a really good back-up RB would. I can't think of one defensive player that would come in and be a sure fire starter.
Atleast if you take a a back in the first round you know that they are starting caliber.

Someone please convince me that Clay Matthews would be a better pick than Beenie Wells. I am seriously listening. I want to be convinced.

No player is a sure fire stater until he is. Jenkins should be able to win a starter spot at either CB or FS (where I would have him). I think Ron Brace NT could beat out TJ; DE Robert Ayers could beat out our new FA DE. I think Delmas or Rashad Johnson FSs could possibly beat out Ferguson. I think CB Vontae Davis could beat out Dunta or Reeves. Could, I said.

 

[Texans_Chick]

Well since we already "HAVE A STARTING CALIBER RB" Just about any defensive player that upgrades a position on defense will have more value to this team than a top rated RB

We were totally lucky that Steve Slaton got through the end of that season. Even so, there were game plans that they used to protect him when he was dinged up more than the coaches were letting on at first. Game plans where the Texans barely ran at all.

You can either have to protect your one good RB, or you can get a guy who can give Slaton a breather and replace him if he gets hurt enough he has to sit, which happens a lot in the league.

Getting a dependable running game clearly helps your offense and helps your defense by putting points on the board and keeping them off the damn field.

I'm currently thinking, linebacker in the first, running back in the second. Currently, the running backs I think will be available in the second are more intriguing from an immediate impact perspective than any of the defensive candidates. Lots of the CBs available seem like more of the same project types we are already developing on the roster.

 

[Goatcheese]

I'm not overlooking anything. TJ and Okoye get pushed around quite a bit and being healthy doesn't change that.

In the new scheme they're not going to be asked to hold the line. They're going to be told to get through it and make a tackle.

Drob didn't play well and may not ever play well again. All the rest of our DB's look like nickel backs.

D-Rob remains a mystery, but I think he's going to come back at or near full potential. Reeves is a solid corner as long as he's protected over the top. Bennet and Molden have huge upside. Wilson played well at FS last year, and I think we're almost certain to snag one of the half dozen safeties that are graded in the 2nd/3rd round to play SS.

Our linebackers are still smallish and slowish outside of Adibi who stands at smallish without the slowish.

Yes, and none of the linebackers in this draft are any faster. Cushing is the same speed and weight as Diles, so all you're getting is height. Mathews is marginally faster, but can't cover to save his life. So who are you looking to draft that is going to change the defense?

Mario should be on the strong side and we SHOULD be looking for a linebacker a DB that has starting potential and an edge rusher...hopefully we find one like the Giants did with Tuck a few years ago.

Mario is a better pass rusher than anybody in this draft. There's no reason to change what's working for him.

I don't see any linebackers in this draft, save Curry and Laurinaitis who would be upgrades. If you want to go that route, I'm fine with it, but I don't want some crappy USC turd who can't play on third down.

I'm all for Jenkins at 15, or even a trade up infront of the Aints to grab him. I love the dude, and have him way above Wells on my wish list. I don't think he's getting out of the top 10 though. .06 seconds in gym shorts doesn't erase everything he did in college.

The defense has had long standing problems that have not been resolved since Kubiak has taken over and if he doesn't address them he will find himself as a highly sought after OC within a few years if he doesn't inject more talent into this defense.

The defense has talent. It just wasn't healthy last season. When your 6 best players miss a lot of time, or are slowed with injuries your defense is going to flat out suck.

 

[Texecutioner]

We were totally lucky that Steve Slaton got through the end of that season. Even so, there were game plans that they used to protect him when he was dinged up more than the coaches were letting on at first. Game plans where the Texans barely ran at all.

You can either have to protect your one good RB, or you can get a guy who can give Slaton a breather and replace him if he gets hurt enough he has to sit, which happens a lot in the league.

Getting a dependable running game clearly helps your offense and helps your defense by putting points on the board and keeping them off the damn field.

I'm currently thinking, linebacker in the first, running back in the second. Currently, the running backs I think will be available in the second are more intriguing from an immediate impact perspective than any of the defensive candidates. Lots of the CBs available seem like more of the same project types we are already developing on the roster.

Good post TC.


I think a lot of people are also forgetting that getting another RB is not just getting a back up to Slaton. It's getting a guy that would be really good and provide strengths at RB that Slaton doesn't completely have. We would be going after a guy who is bigger and stronger and better in short yard situations and that could be better for grinding out longer possessions on offense. It's not like we're just drafting a back up. We would be drafting a back up AND a guy who could bring something different to the table that Slaton currently doesn't have.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I'd be careful when talking about how certain players are ranked (ie there is not a clear cut #1 RB in this class). All we have to care about is if there is a clear cut #1 back for the Texans. That we don't know... what draftniks think is fairly useless, what Kubiak/Smith think is important.

It will be interesting to see if a defensive players falls to us (I'd take Malcolm Jenkins). If the talent just isn't there at 15 on 'D' and we can't find a suitable trade down, I'd suspect they'd take an offensive player if he's rated that much higher than the defense.

I'd like Michael Oher, Donald Brown or maybe Jeremy Maclin. Problem with Maclin now though is that we'd be adding another expensive WR. I may not select him strictly due to the $'s tied up in the WR unit.

 

[Polo]

No player is a sure fire stater until he is. Jenkins should be able to win a starter spot at either CB or FS (where I would have him). I think Ron Brace NT could beat out TJ; DE Robert Ayers could beat out our new FA DE. I think Delmas or Rashad Johnson FSs could possibly beat out Ferguson. I think CB Vontae Davis could beat out Dunta or Reeves. Could, I said.

If Jenkins or Orakpo fell to us then I'd take them.


The problem with all the defensive player talk is that Clay Matthews seems to be our most realistic option. Picking Matthews (even though he may not be BPA) because our defense was worse than our offense doesn't sit well with me.

 

[Carr Bombed]

We were totally lucky that Steve Slaton got through the end of that season. Even so, there were game plans that they used to protect him when he was dinged up more than the coaches were letting on at first. Game plans where the Texans barely ran at all.

You can either have to protect your one good RB, or you can get a guy who can give Slaton a breather and replace him if he gets hurt enough he has to sit, which happens a lot in the league.

Getting a dependable running game clearly helps your offense and helps your defense by putting points on the board and keeping them off the damn field.

I'm currently thinking, linebacker in the first, running back in the second. Currently, the running backs I think will be available in the second are more intriguing from an immediate impact perspective than any of the defensive candidates. Lots of the CBs available seem like more of the same project types we are already developing on the roster.

I'm not disregarding the running game and the overall positives it has on the team, I just don't see a huge difference between the backs that will be available in the 2nd round and the ones that will be available in the 3rd/4th rounds. In the end I don't this the FO sees a huge difference either. We should be able to find the kinda back we're looking for in the mid rounds.

 

[Carr Bombed]

If Jenkins or Orakpo fell to us then I'd take them.


The problem with all the defensive player talk is that Clay Matthews seems to be our most realistic option. Picking Matthews (even though he may not be BPA) because our defense was worse than our offense doesn't sit well with me.

How did this thinking work out in '06?

Also Clay Matthews is a hellava athlete/football player, he could be the "BPA" for this team, especially if he fills a big need.

 

[Polo]

We
I'm currently thinking, linebacker in the first, running back in the second. Currently, the running backs I think will be available in the second are more intriguing from an immediate impact perspective than any of the defensive candidates.

I'm so right there with you...

I don't want to force defense because that unit was worse than our "3rd ranked" offense ...I think more thinking needs to/will go into the decision than that.

Especially considering the fact that whichever back we pick up to play with Slaton will see their fair share of carries throughout the season...

 

[Polo]

How did this thinking work out in '06?

Ummm...It worked out great...

 

[Carr Bombed]

Good post TC.


I think a lot of people are also forgetting that getting another RB is not just getting a back up to Slaton. It's getting a guy that would be really good and provide strengths at RB that Slaton doesn't completely have. We would be going after a guy who is bigger and stronger and better in short yard situations and that could be better for grinding out longer possessions on offense. It's not like we're just drafting a back up. We would be drafting a back up AND a guy who could bring something different to the table that Slaton currently doesn't have.

That same type of back you just described will be available in the 3rd round/4th round......That is what people have been saying throughout this entire thread. There is alot of quality "big backs" in this draft.

 

[Carr Bombed]

Ummm...It worked out great...

I know it did. In '06 we clearly drafted for what we needed on this team and to win within the division.

 

[badboy]

1.Wells 2 Ron Brace NT 3. Laurentis LB 4a Canfield OG 4b David Bruton FS Notre Dame 6'2" 219 4.46 combine

 

[Texecutioner]

That same type of back you just described will be available in the 3rd round/4th round......That is what people have been saying throughout this entire thread.

YOu keep saying that but that is out of your own personal speculation. I don't see any guy that will be available in the 3rd or 4th round that will be even remotely as good as Wells or especially Moreno. I don't want Moreno though because he is to much like Slaton, but Wells is exactly what we need. I don't see anyone in the 3rd or 4th that I think will be as good as Greene either. Now, maybe I'm wrong and the best RB in the draft will go in the 5th round for all I know, but I don't think their is one guy that will be in those rounds that could help us as much as Wells could pairing him up with Slaton.

 

[Polo]

I know it did. In '06 we clearly drafted for what we needed on this team and to win within the division.

Are you thinking about what you're saying?

In '06 people were mostly clamoring for D'Brick, Reggie Bush, and Vince because our offense sucked so much. Going into the draft we had made most of our key FA signings on defense even though offense is where we felt like we needed the most help. We had no RB, a complete question at QB, our O-line sucked and we had no recievers.

All that said, we went defense....With our first two picks....Remember all the people boo'ing?

I don't see how that helps your argument "defense was worse than offense, so that's what we must pick."

 

[badboy]

If Jenkins or Orakpo fell to us then I'd take them.


The problem with all the defensive player talk is that Clay Matthews seems to be our most realistic option. Picking Matthews (even though he may not be BPA) because our defense was worse than our offense doesn't sit well with me.

We agree on Matthews at #15. If we get him later, I will not scream but not our best choice.

 

[Carr Bombed]

YOu keep saying that but that is out of your own personal speculation. I don't see any guy that will be available in the 3rd or 4th round that will be even remotely as good as Wells or especially Moreno. I don't want Moreno though because he is to much like Slaton, but Wells is exactly what we need. I don't see anyone in the 3rd or 4th that I think will be as good as Greene either. Now, maybe I'm wrong and the best RB in the draft will go in the 5th round for all I know, but I don't think their is one guy that will be in those rounds that could help us as much as Wells could pairing him up with Slaton.

Well if you're hoping to get Wells or Moreno, than be prepared to be deeply disappointed, because while I'm willing to concede there is a wild card possibility that we spend as high as a second rounder one a RB that they just go bonkers over or fall in love with....this team is not spending a first rounder on one period.

 

[Polo]

I honestly don't think we will get one of the first rd backs, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if we do.

Right now though, I'm definitely thinking atleast 2nd rd, with a possibility of Moreno or Wells in the first.

 

[Texecutioner]

What I would like to know is how in the hell did Clay freaking Mathews jump so high up on the Texans board to where they would want him over a guy like Lauranitus who was a beast in college for the last 3 years and a leader while Mathews was a freaking back up? That doesn't make any sense to me at all.

 

[Carr Bombed]

Are you thinking about what you're saying?

In '06 people were mostly clamoring for D'Brick, Reggie Bush, and Vince because our offense sucked so much. Going into the draft we had made most of our key FA signings on defense even though offense is where we felt like we needed the most help. We had no RB, a complete question at QB, our O-line sucked and we had no recievers.

All that said, we went defense....With our first two picks....Remember all the people boo'ing?

I don't see how that helps your argument "defense was worse than offense, so that's what we must pick."

Well are you thinking about what you're saying, becuause your talking about how "Houston should take BPA" (how conveniently you forgot that) and how there isn't a defensive player that'll make that much of a difference over the "BPA" Wells...

Well in '06 Mario wasn't the perceived BPA.....Bush was, which is why people booed at draft time. Houston instead took what they felt was the bigger need and what would help the team more, franchise pass rusher.

OH btw Houston's defense was WORSE than the offense that year....just like this year. (granted not by much, but they ranked worse than the offense)

 

[spurstexanstros]

I am telling ya Mike Goodson...second round

 

[Carr Bombed]

What I would like to know is how in the hell did Clay freaking Mathews jump so high up on the Texans board to where they would want him over a guy like Lauranitus who was a beast in college for the last 3 years and a leader while Mathews was a freaking back up? That doesn't make any sense to me at all.

I laugh when people try to hold Mathews being a backup against him. Maybe the reason why scouts don't hold it against him is because they recognize Mathews played on the most dominant, deepest, and talented LB core in the country and he'd easily be a starter at just about any other school.

 

[jppaul]

I am telling ya Mike Goodson...second round

Your kidding right?

Depending on who is available in the third we could go RB, and I think we will if the proper value is there otherwise, one of the 4ths.

 

[Texecutioner]

I laugh when people try to hold Mathews being a backup against him. Maybe the reason why scouts don't hold it against him is because they recognize Mathews played on the most dominant and talented LB core in the country and he'd easily be a starter at just about any other school.

Well that is a valid point, but that doesn't mean he is worth the 15th pick in the draft. He certainly is not.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

At first, I didn't think there was any way that we didn't draft defense the first 3 rounds this year. But as time has gone on, I've changed my mind a bit.

And here's why...

At the 15th pick, the only player that really has value may end up being a running back. Our biggest problem was stopping the run and I don't think we're going to get anyone at 15 that's going to stop the run. If Jenkins falls to us, maybe we go that direction but there's a good possibility he's already gone by the time we're up.

So, at 15, we're stuck looking at a bunch of linebackers that are all flawed. And probably ALL of the top running backs, the best TE, and some good wideouts.

I think we can get linebackers, safeties, and d-linemen in the later rounds that can improve our defense. If we can trade back, so much the better. The more mid-round picks we can pick up, the better off we'll be. But if we do get stuck at 15, the best bang for our buck is probably going to be picking up either Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno.

And I'll be fine with that.

 

[idymoe]

. Currently, the running backs I think will be available in the second are more intriguing from an immediate impact perspective than any of the defensive candidates.

I'm curious as to who is on your list. RB's that should be available in the 3rd round for Texans are Glen Coffee, James Davis, Cedric Peerman, Javon Ringer, Javaris Williams, and Cory Sheets. All I see in addition to those that should be available at 46 are Shonn Greene, Andre Brown and LeSean McCoy, and one of those could be there in the 3rd round. Of course, it does depend on whose scouting reports you give more weight to.

Defensively in the 2nd, the Texans may have available Sean Smith, Paul Kruger, Marcus Freeman, Jarron Gilbert, Ron Brace, Louis Delmas, D.J. Moore, Rashad Johnson, Patrick Chung and Fili Moala, as well as maybe an offensive center/guard like Eric Wood who I think would really upgrade the O-line. While it would be nice, I don't see taking a running back in the second round that would not be your feature back.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

1.Wells 2 Ron Brace NT 3. Laurentis LB 4a Canfield OG 4b David Bruton FS Notre Dame 6'2" 219 4.46 combine

Laurinitis in the 3rd round?

Dude.

Not.

Gonna.

Happen.

 

[spurstexanstros]

Your kidding right?

Depending on who is available in the third we could go RB, and I think we will if the proper value is there otherwise, one of the 4ths.

No I am not.. I like Goodson....he has the ability to hit the home run if he gets the screen pass and has the quicknes to work in the ZBS. I think he would go well with Slaton.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

What I would like to know is how in the hell did Clay freaking Mathews jump so high up on the Texans board to where they would want him over a guy like Lauranitus who was a beast in college for the last 3 years and a leader while Mathews was a freaking back up? That doesn't make any sense to me at all.

I've been on the Matthews bandwagon for a while now. My only concern would be if he were able to play SLB on this team or not. That's all that's really important to me. Character, work ethic, etc. all check out. The guy is a real football player and that's what I want. But can he be a SLB for the Texans? If he's another 3-4 LB then he just may not work out for us.

I'm not a big fan of Laurinaitis. He's a player I'd consider with our 2nd round pick, much like how many feel about Matthews. Again, the important thing for me is, "how will this player fit in on the Texans". I'm more concerned with a prospects ability to be effective in OUR system and less so of college stats.

I see Matthews as being a better pass rusher than Laurinaitis. Both are blue collar football player which I love. James may be better suited for a 3-4 defense as well. I think Matthews may fit this teams needs better.

Well are you thinking about what you're saying, becuause your talking about how "Houston should take BPA" (how conveniently you forgot that) and how there isn't a defensive player that'll make that much of a difference over the "BPA" Wells...

Well in '06 Mario wasn't the perceived BPA.....Bush was, which is why people booed at draft time. Houston instead took what they felt was the bigger need and what would help the team more, franchise pass rusher.

OH btw Houston's defense was WORSE than the offense that year....just like this year. (granted not by much, but they ranked worse than the offense)

The important thing to remember is that the Texans were on the clock, not the national media, draftniks and nfl fans. I definitely agree the Texans probably felt Mario filled a bigger need. I don't care what the PERCEIVED BPA was, but Mario was probably BPA on our board and thus we selected him.

 

[bah007]

I am telling ya Mike Goodson...second round

lol

 

[Goatcheese]

I've been on the Matthews bandwagon for a while now. My only concern would be if he were able to play SLB on this team or not. That's all that's really important to me. Character, work ethic, etc. all check out. The guy is a real football player and that's what I want. But can he be a SLB for the Texans? If he's another 3-4 LB then he just may not work out for us.

I'm not a big fan of Laurinaitis. He's a player I'd consider with our 2nd round pick, much like how many feel about Matthews. Again, the important thing for me is, "how will this player fit in on the Texans". I'm more concerned with a prospects ability to be effective in OUR system and less so of college stats.

I see Matthews as being a better pass rusher than Laurinaitis. Both are blue collar football player which I love. James may be better suited for a 3-4 defense as well. I think Matthews may fit this teams needs better.


The important thing to remember is that the Texans were on the clock, not the national media, draftniks and nfl fans. I definitely agree the Texans probably felt Mario filled a bigger need. I don't care what the PERCEIVED BPA was, but Mario was probably BPA on our board and thus we selected him.

I just can't see spending a first round pick on a linebacker who can't cover.

If the Texans feel like they have to go LB at 15 then I'd much rather have Laurinaitis who is good or great in almost every aspect of his game vs Mathews who is poor in coverage, ok in run support, and good as a blitzer.

The only knocks I have on JL is that he's not as physical as I'd like, and may have peaked. Fortunately the plateau he may have reached is that of a very good NFL starter.

 

[MojoMan]

I hope the Texans find a way to trade down.

And then take a CB and an OLB with their first and second round picks, and a RB in the third.

 

[Texan4Ever]

IMO, if the Texans aren't able to grab Rashad Jennings or if they don't draft a RB in the 1st Round (Which I don't think they will) I suggest Herb Donaldson from Western Illinois.

I know Western Illinois is a small program but Herb Donaldson packs a powerfull punch and has the size we need in a RB (5'11" 225-Lbs) not to mention he runs a 4.60 40-Yard Dash and can also ctach as well as block in the backfield.

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3n26z6Zr98

http://www.wiuathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPID=4963&DB_OEM_ID=12000&ATCLID=631513

 

[Texecutioner]

I hope the Texans find a way to trade down.

And then take a CB and an OLB with their first and second round picks, and a RB in the third.

I honestly don't think they will trade down this season nor do I think a lot of teams will be trading down either. I think a ton of teams will want to trade down, but with this draft not being all that deep in my opinion I don't see a lot of teams wanting to trade up for a lot of specific guys really.

I wouldn't mind us trading down, but I don't think we'll get a trade down with an extra 3rd rounder at all. Just my opinion and prediction.

 

[mussop]

Important comments to consider when trying to figure this out.

Kubiak.
In a perfect game, maybe you could say (Slaton) gets 22 touches and the other gets 10 or 12. When you go after him, you have to pick somebody you think is capable of starting a few games.
For Steve to hold up for 15 games was amazing. Hopefully, thatll continue, but you have to be prepared just in case.

As far as where we might get that back, well, you dont know that until you evaluate the draft and set your board and see how many good ones you have rated to go in what round Kubiak said. if there are eight backs you really like, then you know youll probably have to go in the first three rounds to get one.If there are 15, then you might be able to wait until the fourth or fifth rounds.

This IMO is a good tell on how they aproach the draft. If so then some of McNairs comments could have some answers hidden in them we are looking for.

Texans owner Bob McNair:
We filled our big need, and that was getting a defensive end. I think that is really going to take a lot of pressure off of Mario (Williams) on the other side. And I think it will help (Antonio) Smith be a better player because he's going to be playing opposite of Mario. That will help our pass rush; theres not doubt about that. We still would like to get a little more help inside. We signed another defensive tackle (Shaun Cody). In the draft, we'll be looking at linebackers; there are a lot of linebackers available. We ought to be able to get another good linebacker. We would like to strengthen our defensive secondary some more, too. Mainly, the defense is what well be looking for, but at the same time we need to have a big, strong running back to complement Steve Slaton

We would love to see some of the highly rated players fall down to us. You never know will can happen. One of the good things about it, though, there is more depth in the linebacking corps this year than there has been in other year, and we need some more help there. There is a very good possibility that there will be an impact player available. I think also there are some good defensive backs out there, too. We'll be looking at that. I think we will be able to get that impact player; I hope we will in that first pick.

We were able to trade down and we picked up another pick. If we can do that, we certainly would. There is a possibility with the depth at some of the positions that we might be able to do that and still get the player that we want.

Now reread this post but only the bolded. Lots of gems there.


To me its obvious what we are going to do.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Well since we already "HAVE A STARTING CALIBER RB" Just about any defensive player that upgrades a position on defense will have more value to this team than a top rated RB

If we use Slaton as he was used last year, by the end of the season we are likely to NOT HAVE A STARTING CALIBER RB. He can be expected to consistently do just so much. Most of today's successfull teams run a 2 tag team RB system. Maybe each owns his individual strengths, but their value to the "whole" is usually "equal." How many RBs go down in the NFL through the course of a season? Today, it is almost mandatory that a team has TWO high caliber RBs. Even so, one is likely to limp on the way to the playoffs.

 

[Texecutioner]

If we use Slaton as he was used last year, by the end of the season we are likely to NOT HAVE A STARTING CALIBER RB. He can be expected to consistently do just so much. Most of today's successfull teams run a 2 tag team RB system. Maybe each owns his individual strengths, but their value to the "whole" is usually "equal." How many RBs go down in the NFL through the course of a season. Today, it is almost mandatory that a team has TWO high caliber RBs. Even so, one is likely to limp on the way to the playoffs.

Totally agreed. Good post Dagger.