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Rick Smith presser quotes

Vinny

Vinny

shiny happy fan
Our buddy Scurf has updated video and transcript...

nscurfield said:
The video and transcript are up. Check 'em out.

We'll have a story with analysis up shortly.

Thanks,
NS
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(on if he considers drafting a situational pass rusher a luxury or a necessity) “No, I know the nature of your question because you’re looking for value, particularly where we’re picking at 15 is what you’re talking about? I think that what you try to do is, obviously the earlier in the first round, you’re looking for an impact player – a player that’s going to be a starter and is going to contribute to your team as much as possible. So that’s where you get into the debates and the discussions about how valuable is that if he is just a pass rusher – if it’s just a guy who’s just a pass rusher and not an every down player, how valuable is that? And that certainly has been a big part of the conversations and the discussions that we’ve had because you’ve got to try to figure where the guy is valued relative to how important that is on your team.
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much, much more if you click the link.
 
great link. its nice to hear that he has a plan and seems to have a pretty good grasp on what this team needs to take the next step.

i may be in the minority but I love the fact that he mentions Chris Brown by name as someone who could come in and be that 2nd back. He isn't counting on it but I think subtle messages like this can be just the type of message a player needs sometimes. A little pick me up, if you will. It's just letting Chris know that they still believe in him as a Texan and that the team hasn't forgot about the guy.

i liked his potrayal of Cato June as a steadying influence amongst our young LB corps and I agree with his assessment that he still has some football left in him.

i wish he would have said something more positive regarding Dunta's future, but I am sure its real sensitive right now. I think its a prudent course of action myself. yeah, dunta is pissed but he is getting paid but just doesnt have the long term security..but given his recent injury he can't expect much more. sadly, it probably means he is gone in 2010.

i can't freaking wait for the draft Saturday. I am finished calling my last baseball game at 4:00pm CST so hopefully I won't hear who we picked by the time I get to Nick's Place.
 
Rick Smith said:
Everybody’s talking about the fact that we need another back with (RB) Steve (Slaton), a bigger back, a third-down back, and they forget that we’ve got a guy walking around in our building right now that could fill that role, and that’s (RB) Chris Brown
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Fixed it for him....

Rick Smith said:
Everybody’s talking about the fact that we need another back with (RB) Steve (Slaton), a bigger back, a third-down back, and they forget that we’ve got a guy sitting in a hot tub right now that could fill that role, and that’s (RB) Chris Brown
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HOU-TEX said:
Sounds like Justice was there. He was really dissing somebody. LOL!
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Check out the video. It is kind of a strange start to a press conference.

Here's my short version of the press conference for those who don't like reading long transcripts.

Interestingly, I just saw the Redskin transcript. They had their GM talking, Owner and Coach. They didn't say much of anything but it was a mess. Makes their GM look like a no power figurehead, which is what he is.
 
Again, in preparation for draft day, that’s who we’re talking to. We’re looking at the different ways that you value picks and so we’re trying to anticipate where those opportunities may come from, what teams, and so how much movement. But on draft day as it relates to just trade value, I really pretty much rely on Chris Olsen and Brian Gardner and Bobby Grier.”

(on what Olsen, Gardner and Grier do during the draft) “Well, they field calls. I’ve got a phone in front of me; Bobby does; Chris does; (head coach) Gary (Kubiak) does. And then we get a call from a team. ‘Team A’ calls and says, ‘Hey, if our guy is there, we may want to come to your spot.’ And at that point, we look and then we’ve got to value where their spot is, where our spot is, and then what the corresponding compensation is that might be fair. And so we’re running those numbers and we’re trying to figure out what we’re going to ask for in return. And then once we figure out and get an idea of what we want, then I’ll call the general manager back and we’ll start to talk about what it will take for us to do that and move, and so that’s kind of what the process is.

“And so that’s what we’re doing now. We’re running mock drafts and so we’ll come up with, yesterday we did maybe 10 different scenarios, OK, and so we’re here and ‘Team A’ calls and wants to move to this spot and here’s what we would get and here’s who is left on the board at this particular time in this mock draft and who would be willing to do this? Who would be willing to move here? So we just practice those scenarios just to get the thought process and the actual logistics of how it works down, because it’s not like we’re predicting exactly what’s going to happen because you can’t, but if you practice the process enough, then on draft day you have that confidence that John (McClain) is talking about to execute a trade where you feel good about what you’re doing because you don’t have a lot of time on draft day to make that decision.”
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I really like the fact that they practice running through trade scenarios to see if they would do a trade down or not based on different mocks. Sounds kind of like this place.

A question I wish someone would ask...

Do they use established draft value charts, and do they change each year based on the talent level/depth of the draft?
 
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That was awesome, especially since I have been parched for some real Texan content since December.

It was a nice reminder that the guy is sharp and fresh, but to lead with the dig and to say he had nothing to open with for the beginning of the press conference was interesting - and had me asking myself, who called the press conference?

Really liked hearing him provide overviews on processes and then wander into philisophical draft talk.
 
Kaiser Toro said:
That was awesome, especially since I have been parched for some real Texan content since December.

It was a nice reminder that the guy is sharp and fresh, but to lead with the dig and to say he had nothing to open with for the beginning of the press conference was interesting - and had me asking myself, who called the press conference?
Really liked hearing him provide overviews on processes and then wander into philisophical draft talk.
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Not quite 100% positive, but I think the teams are required to give some pre-draft press conference.

that said, while nothing earth-shatering there are some nuggets about the texans overall draft philosophy and what they think of the talent currently on the time.
 
Kaiser Toro said:
Really liked hearing him provide overviews on processes and then wander into philisophical draft talk.
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Right, he didn't really tell us anything did he ? Not that anybody expected him to.
One thing makes me a little nervous though. With all of this talk aout drafting a starter - surely they wouldn't pass on a superior player for a lesser one who could start sooner ? Get the guy who's the most valuable, the guy who has the highest impact even if he dosen't start Day 1.
Nah, they wouldn't do that. Nobody wants, needs to win more than Smith & Kubiak.
 
nunusguy said:
Right, he didn't really tell us anything did he ? Not that anybody expected him to.
One thing makes me a little nervous though. With all of this talk aout drafting a starter - surely they wouldn't pass on a superior player for a lesser one who could start sooner ? Get the guy who's the most valuable, the guy who has the highest impact even if he dosen't start Day 1.
Nah, they wouldn't do that. Nobody wants, needs to win more than Smith & Kubiak.
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I think some of the discussion gets into that with the situational pass rusher stuff.
(on if he considers drafting a situational pass rusher a luxury or a necessity) “No, I know the nature of your question because you’re looking for value, particularly where we’re picking at 15 is what you’re talking about? I think that what you try to do is, obviously the earlier in the first round, you’re looking for an impact player – a player that’s going to be a starter and is going to contribute to your team as much as possible. So that’s where you get into the debates and the discussions about how valuable is that if he is just a pass rusher – if it’s just a guy who’s just a pass rusher and not an every down player, how valuable is that? And that certainly has been a big part of the conversations and the discussions that we’ve had because you’ve got to try to figure where the guy is valued relative to how important that is on your team.

"There are so many variables and factors that come into that decision. It’s not just a black-and-white issue whether you’re going to assign that certain number or a certain round that you take the guy who is just a position player versus a guy who is a specialty player, like you put it. There’s your situation with your football team and the complexion and makeup of your team as well as, ‘What is he going to do? Is he going to help you on special teams? Is he going to play 40, 45, 50 percent? If you’re going to be in a package, what is your defensive philosophy and scheme? Are you in that package more where maybe you’ve got more value on a guy like that?’ So there are all these things that you think about and talk about when you’re trying to make that decision.”
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Texans_Chick said:
I think some of the discussion gets into that with the situational pass rusher stuff.
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"how valuable is that if he is just a pass rusher – if it’s just a guy who’s just a pass rusher and not an every down player, how valuable is that?"
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Smiths remarks are not definitive on the issue but I'm still uncomfortable with the way he seems to be leaning ?
Obviously I'm of the opinion that an effective edge-rusher across from Mario on thirds/passing-downs is more valuable to the team than, oh I dunno say a LB, who starts early but represents no more than a marginal upgrade over the guy he replaced, if that.
 
nunusguy said:
"how valuable is that if he is just a pass rusher – if it’s just a guy who’s just a pass rusher and not an every down player, how valuable is that?"
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Smiths remarks are not definitive on the issue but I'm still uncomfortable with the way he seems to be leaning ?
Obviously I'm of the opinion that an effective edge-rusher across from Mario on thirds/passing-downs is more valuable to the team than, oh I dunno say a LB, who starts early but represents no more than a marginal upgrade over the guy he replaced, if that.
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well put nunu.

i don't want either of the USC Roid Brothers...allegedly. Cushing looks like another Babin to me and Matthews is a walk-on legacy at USC who just seems like a risky pick and doesn't seem worthy of being the 15th overall pick. Yeah, I know it would be cool to have an Uncle/Son dynamic with the great Oiler Bruce Matthews and his bloodline of quality, but i'd rather look elsewhere.
 
Sounds to me like Rick Smith is saying if we can't trade down for Moreno we'll stay put and take Wells at 15....:hmmm:
 
Second Honeymoon said:
i wish he would have said something more positive regarding Dunta's future, but I am sure its real sensitive right now. I think its a prudent course of action myself. yeah, dunta is pissed but he is getting paid but just doesnt have the long term security..but given his recent injury he can't expect much more. sadly, it probably means he is gone in 2010.
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I don't remember seeing anyone bringing up the possibility that Dunta has actually been handed his last "jackpot" with his tag label, slimly based on the Texans hoping and chancing that he attains a certain level of play. It would not be out of the question that if he tested the market, he would have encountered true approach/avoidance by other teams, with offers adding up to much of nothing. How much value do teams besides the Texans view a player who at his best was never one of the best, who had a very severe injury, who returned to an even lesser level.........and doesn't want to share the risk of his unproven commodity? Just saying..............
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
I don't remember seeing anyone bringing up the possibility that Dunta has actually been handed his last "jackpot" with his tag label, slimly based on the Texans hoping and chancing that he attains a certain level of play. It would not be out of the question that if he tested the market, he would have encountered true approach/avoidance by other teams, with offers adding up to much of nothing. How much value do teams besides the Texans view a player who at his best was never one of the best, who had a very severe injury, who returned to an even lesser level.........and doesn't want to share the risk of his unproven commodity? Just saying..............
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Dunta would have arguably been the best corner available via FA other than Asomoghu. In other words, Dunta was going to get paid. Maybe not as much guaranteed money as he wanted due to the injury question, but he would be sitting a lot prettier than he currently is.

believe me, I ain't crying for Dunta. its a business nowadays and the Texans have been burned in the past with contracts and dead money against the salary cap. tread lightly Texans.
 
I disagree, I thought he did say one definitive statement in regards to trading up. I believe he said "I don’t think that that’s going to be the case". So it's not all lies. Unless this means we're definitely trading up.

Seriously though, I think he's made it very clear over the last few years that one of his strengths as a GM is his preparedness in regards to the draft. You can see that they have a clear plan, a system, and a method for their decision making that enables them to get more for their money than alot of teams in the league do. I love how prepared Smith appears. I love the approach and it's focus on value.

Rick Smith : Good.
 
So how many picks do we have total?
We already know based on the presser wer're getting at least 1 QB and at least 1 CB
 
There were a few points I got out of this:
  • Texans won't be fixated on defense for the draft. Smith feels they addressed those needs in Free Agency, so 1st pick could be offense. (I'm happy to hear this, as I hope we go for OL either in the 2nd or after a trade down in the 1st.)
  • Has hope for Chris Brown to contribute, but RB was the only specific position he mentioned on when asked about glaring needs. Although he said RB was not a "glaring" need, expect us to take one (no surprise there). Thinks the RB value is in the middle rounds.
  • Seems very wary of taking a pass rushing specialist too early.
  • Seems to be thinking about trading down much more than trading up (of course, so are most other teams)
  • Is likely to take a CB at some point.
  • QB will only be in late rounds, if at all.
 
HOU-TEX said:
:spit: Yep, that's it. You've broke the code
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You know, as long as whatever it is that they do helps the team get to the playoffs, who cares what it is?

I voiced some concerns about taking certain positions in the 1st round, and I stand by those comments, but if they go against my thinking and make the playoffs, well, all that does is show why I'm not working for the Texans but here on these boards making crazy predictions. LOL
 
Of course. I don't think anyone would sit back and say: "well we made the playoffs with our league leading rushing attack but I still say drafting that RB was a huge mistake. I'm not going to the playoff game at Reliant."

I think we all enjoy trying to figure out what we think the Texans should do but it's the results that we're rooting for here. It's not being trying to be right. If we're dead wrong and the Texans make the playoffs then great! We're a bunch of dolts. Woohoo!

Things I was pleasantly wrong about:
David Carr
Ephraam Salaam
Morlon Greenwood
Joel Dreesen
Charley Casserley
Duane Brown
 
I'm not big on body language, maybe the show "Lie to Me" has me looking for it more now, but when Rick Smith was asked about a defensive end his body language went from open to closed. Watch the video. This is not something I usually put much weight into but it was something that really jumped out at me when I watched the video. He answered the DE question with a longer answer than the other questions as well. He sounded excited about moving Smith to the inside on some plays, but honestly we don't have the personnel at this time to do that so it makes me wonder.

I do notice that during that DE conversation his arms are crossed for the majority of the time but during the rest of the interview he doesn't cross his arms at all. After the DE conversation, he has his arms down in front of him parallel to each other, but they are not crossed.

It really starts when the question "You talk about moving Antonio Smith to the inside on rushing situations, so maybe you could use another outside guy". Right after that question and when he starts to answer it he folds his arms together for the first time in the interview. He also rubs his fingers against his arm a little bit, perhaps a soothing gesture. Usually when somebody rubs their hands together or rubs a part of their body they are trying to self-sooth, perhaps calm themselves down a little bit.

Sometimes small movements and gestures can speak volumes but maybe I am looking too much into it.
 
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Thorn said:
You know, as long as whatever it is that they do helps the team get to the playoffs, who cares what it is?

I voiced some concerns about taking certain positions in the 1st round, and I stand by those comments, but if they go against my thinking and make the playoffs, well, all that does is show why I'm not working for the Texans but here on these boards making crazy predictions. LOL
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Honestly, I feel the same way, Thorn. I've never been one to knee-jerk on draft day. I've just been going on vibes from the organization and past trends of the current regime.

Now if we chose a long snapper or a punter at 15..............
 
HOU-TEX said:
Now if we chose a long snapper or a punter at 15..............
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But.....if the punter could consistently kick it out of bounds on the other teams 1 yard line from any place on the field, how much would he be worth?

:user:
 
barrett said:
I disagree, I thought he did say one definitive statement in regards to trading up. I believe he said "I don’t think that that’s going to be the case". So it's not all lies. Unless this means we're definitely trading up.

Seriously though, I think he's made it very clear over the last few years that one of his strengths as a GM is his preparedness in regards to the draft. You can see that they have a clear plan, a system, and a method for their decision making that enables them to get more for their money than alot of teams in the league do. I love how prepared Smith appears. I love the approach and it's focus on value.

Rick Smith : Good.
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I thought the same thing. My fascination with jumping New Orleans to take Malcolm Jenkins just flew out the window and I can't catch back up with it.

I kinda got a strange feeling with him talking that we might end up taking one of those DE/OLB hybrid guys. Everrette Brown mabye. just a funny feeling though.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I kinda got a strange feeling with him talking that we might end up taking one of those DE/OLB hybrid guys. Everrette Brown mabye. just a funny feeling though.
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Ya, to me it is that body language change. It really had me thinking maybe he is looking at Brown or Maybin to be available.

Check that out guys and tell me what you get out of it. Compare that body language to the rest of the interview. The big moment to look for is right when he starts to answer the question and initially crosses his arms and starts to rub his arm a little.
 
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Ole Miss Texan said:
I kinda got a strange feeling with him talking that we might end up taking one of those DE/OLB hybrid guys. Everrette Brown mabye. just a funny feeling though.
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I hope you're right, we need that play-maker whoever he is.
I read someplace the other day that 2 of Antonio Smiths 3.5 sacks (big-deal !) he got in all of last years regular season came in a Seattle game when he was going against a resevve or injured player. Bulman did better than
Smith, and for the life of me I still don't know why we picked him up ?
But I wanta see us get somebody like Brown, Micahel jackson, English,
Barwin, Brown, whoever and be prepared to expend atleast our #2 to get him.
 
TexansSeminole said:
I'm not big on body language, maybe the show "Lie to Me" has me looking for it more now, but when Rick Smith was asked about a defensive end his body language went from open to closed. Watch the video. This is not something I usually put much weight into but it was something that really jumped out at me when I watched the video. He answered the DE question with a longer answer than the other questions as well. He sounded excited about moving Smith to the inside on some plays, but honestly we don't have the personnel at this time to do that so it makes me wonder.

I do notice that during that DE conversation his arms are crossed for the majority of the time but during the rest of the interview he doesn't cross his arms at all. After the DE conversation, he has his arms down in front of him parallel to each other, but they are not crossed.

It really starts when the question "You talk about moving Antonio Smith to the inside on rushing situations, so maybe you could use another outside guy". Right after that question and when he starts to answer it he folds his arms together for the first time in the interview. He also rubs his fingers against his arm a little bit, perhaps a soothing gesture. Usually when somebody rubs their hands together or rubs a part of their body they are trying to self-sooth, perhaps calm themselves down a little bit.

Sometimes small movements and gestures can speak volumes but maybe I am looking too much into it.
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I thought that was the whole point?
 
TexansSeminole said:
Ya, to me it is that body language change. It really had me thinking maybe he is looking at Brown or Maybin to be available.

Check that out guys and tell me what you get out of it. Compare that body language to the rest of the interview. The big moment to look for is right when he starts to answer the question and initially crosses his arms and starts to rub his arm a little.
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Maybe he is thinking about trading up for Orakpo if he is within reach; Maybe like if he fell to 11 or so......That'd be a big splash that would get people energized...I'd have no problem with that at all...
 
Polo said:
Maybe he is thinking about trading up for Orakpo if he is within reach; Maybe like if he fell to 11 or so......That'd be a big splash that would get people energized...I'd have no problem with that at all...
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Yea, you may be right.

What do you think about my body language observation? You guys see the same thing I am seeing?
 
TexansSeminole said:
Yea, you may be right.

What do you think about my body language observation? You guys see the same thing I am seeing?
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Where in the clip does he talk about this? I'll go back and rewatch it. But from what I remember when I watched it yesterday, I felt like he was kind of uncomfortable or trying to choose his words real carefully. He seemed to kind of skirt the issue a little and that to me made me feel like there's more to it. From what I gathered, he seemed to talk in more general terms for 'a football' team and not the Texans. It made me think that they've had a lot of discussions about the guys like Brown, Maybin, etc.
 
barrett said:
Of course. I don't think anyone would sit back and say: "well we made the playoffs with our league leading rushing attack but I still say drafting that RB was a huge mistake. I'm not going to the playoff game at Reliant."

I think we all enjoy trying to figure out what we think the Texans should do but it's the results that we're rooting for here. It's not being trying to be right. If we're dead wrong and the Texans make the playoffs then great! We're a bunch of dolts. Woohoo!

Things I was pleasantly wrong about:
David Carr
Ephraam Salaam
Morlon Greenwood
Joel Dreesen
Charley Casserley
Duane Brown
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Well here's hoping the Rb early talk is trying to generate interest in a move back. There will be one and only one four plus million Rb on the team....color me homer, but I'm pulling for Steve Slaton.
 
HOU-TEX said:
Sounds like Justice was there. He was really dissing somebody. LOL!
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Hilarious - that was the first thing that I thought when I read that line as well. This makes me like Smith even more. I think Justice has given some unecessary criticism - which I would argue, in some circumstances, borders unprofessional. It is nice to see him give a little jab back - without naming names.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Where in the clip does he talk about this? I'll go back and rewatch it. But from what I remember when I watched it yesterday, I felt like he was kind of uncomfortable or trying to choose his words real carefully. He seemed to kind of skirt the issue a little and that to me made me feel like there's more to it. From what I gathered, he seemed to talk in more general terms for 'a football' team and not the Texans. It made me think that they've had a lot of discussions about the guys like Brown, Maybin, etc.
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It's about a third of the way through. Maybe a fourth of the way through. If you have the time I strongly suggest you watch the entire thing and pay special attention to his body language. You can't really examine a specific instance where someone changes their body language without really understanding the normal body language behaviors of the person you are examining. Rick Smith is a confident guy and he uses his hands to help illustrate what he is talking about and usually shows confident body language. That's why this jumped out at me so much, because it was a pretty big change from the body language he was showing earlier in the interview, the body language he showed later in the interview, and what he has shown prior to this interview.

It could mean different things though. He could be closing himself up because he doesn't want to say something that may show that he is leaning in that direction or he could just be feeling the pressure to pick a pass rushing type of guy and he doesn't really want to do it. My guess would go to that he just doesn't want to say something that may show he is leaning in that direction, and naturally that showed through his body language.

But hell, it could not mean anything.
 
I know exactly what Smith will do. He will select someone @#15, trade up or trade down. I never thought about that. I did notice two fingers on his left hand seemed to be crossed. I'm not sure what that body language means?
 
Spike said:
Hilarious - that was the first thing that I thought when I read that line as well. This makes me like Smith even more. I think Justice has given some unecessary criticism - which I would argue, in some circumstances, borders unprofessional. It is nice to see him give a little jab back - without naming names.
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Yessir, people like him give the profession a bad name. Honestly, it seems like there are more like him nowadays than there used to be.

The good thing about it is, we can choose who and what we read. I chose to no longer read anything of his over a year ago.
 
barrett said:
Of course. I don't think anyone would sit back and say: "well we made the playoffs with our league leading rushing attack but I still say drafting that RB was a huge mistake. I'm not going to the playoff game at Reliant."

I think we all enjoy trying to figure out what we think the Texans should do but it's the results that we're rooting for here. It's not being trying to be right. If we're dead wrong and the Texans make the playoffs then great! We're a bunch of dolts. Woohoo!

Things I was pleasantly wrong about:
David Carr
Ephraam Salaam
Morlon Greenwood
Joel Dreesen
Charley Casserley
Duane Brown
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who says you were wrong about him? dude gave up like 13 sacks by himself and was spelled at times by Salaam. Brown got either Sage or Schaub killed numerous times during the season. Granted, that happens with rookies but to act like Duane Brown is something special or has solidified our LT position is probably a bit of pie in the sky thinking at this point in time. Hopefully he develops into the bookend we need need him to be but right now the jury is still out even though our offense was pretty damn good last year.

He was and always will be a reach where we selected him no matter how many times the Chargers brass said they were going to draft him if we didn't. The bottom line is that Brown showed promise but to say you were wrong in criticizing the selection of Brown is probably a bit premature. Just like it would be premature to call him a bust or failure.

Face it, Rick Smith has done a lot of good things and I like him as our GM overall, but his 2 1st Round selections have not exactly lit the world on fire (okoye and brown)

I am just being realistic and practical and if Oher or Smith fall to #15 we need to think long and hard about drafting one of those guys because both of those guys are much more talented than Duane Brown ever was.
 
Cjeremy635 said:
I thought that was the whole point?
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Brilliant!!!!! Rep.

TexansSeminole said:
Yea, you may be right.

What do you think about my body language observation? You guys see the same thing I am seeing?
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I think you're watching too much T.V.

Ole Miss Texan said:
I felt like he was kind of uncomfortable or trying to choose his words real carefully. He seemed to kind of skirt the issue a little and that to me made me feel like there's more to it. From what I gathered, he seemed to talk in more general terms for 'a football' team and not the Texans. It made me think that they've had a lot of discussions about the guys like Brown, Maybin, etc.
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All across the league these mandatory pre draft pressers are fluff-fests. This is the one time where they say even less than your typical sports interview. (which is usually absolutely nothing.... "play 60 minutes", "give 110 %", "enjoy this one and get back to work", "all I can worry about is what I can control", "it's a marathon not a sprint" etc.)

But who was the guy last year that accidentally tipped his hand a bit? Carolina or something? He slipped up and said something like when you take a defensive guy you.... and the press called him on it. Anyone?

threetoedpete said:
Well here's hoping the Rb early talk is trying to generate interest in a move back. There will be one and only one four plus million Rb on the team....color me homer, but I'm pulling for Steve Slaton.
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Totally agree. I'm not saying, I'm just saying. I would be wrecked if they actually did take a RB 1st. For the record, I'm a HUGE Steve Slaton fan as both a football player and a guy. But especially as a football player. Those never quit runs were the best last year!

Spike said:
Hilarious - that was the first thing that I thought when I read that line as well. This makes me like Smith even more. I think Justice has given some unecessary criticism - which I would argue, in some circumstances, borders unprofessional. It is nice to see him give a little jab back - without naming names.
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By the way, McClain said in his chat that Justice wasn't even at the presser so there's probably not much to Smith's comment. Just so you know.

Second Honeymoon said:
who says you were wrong about him? dude gave up like 13 sacks by himself and was spelled at times by Salaam. Brown got either Sage or Schaub killed numerous times during the season. Granted, that happens with rookies but to act like Duane Brown is something special or has solidified our LT position is probably a bit of pie in the sky thinking at this point in time. Hopefully he develops into the bookend we need need him to be but right now the jury is still out even though our offense was pretty damn good last year.

He was and always will be a reach where we selected him no matter how many times the Chargers brass said they were going to draft him if we didn't. The bottom line is that Brown showed promise but to say you were wrong in criticizing the selection of Brown is probably a bit premature. Just like it would be premature to call him a bust or failure.

Face it, Rick Smith has done a lot of good things and I like him as our GM overall, but his 2 1st Round selections have not exactly lit the world on fire (okoye and brown)

I am just being realistic and practical and if Oher or Smith fall to #15 we need to think long and hard about drafting one of those guys because both of those guys are much more talented than Duane Brown ever was.
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I think he very much played like a rookie LT against Freeney, Harrison, Allen and Porter. God, what a bust. I mean those guys are chumps and he can't even pass pro against them every snap. Seriously, what's with him 15 yards down field run blocking? What's with all that silly sealing off the backside? Why is he using his athleticism to compensate when he makes a bad read or has bad technique in his first NFL season? That's not actually going to help him as he get's better technically over time? The guy has already played 16 games! What gives? Figure it out Duane! Geez. I mean this guy is supposed to be the best! Right? And he's still making mistakes?

I think he performed better than I expected. I think I saw plenty of room for improvement but I also saw plenty of things to be excited about. Ask me again this time next year. We'll see...
 
I believe it was Miami where the guy came right out and revealed the player they wanted (Jake Long).

Can anyone confirm that it was Miami who blundered at a press conference, practically saying who they were going to pick? I think that's right.
 
GP said:
I believe it was Miami where the guy came right out and revealed the player they wanted (Jake Long).

Can anyone confirm that it was Miami who blundered at a press conference, practically saying who they were going to pick? I think that's right.
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When you have the #1 pick in the entire draft, does it really matter if you leak who you're choosing?
 
GP said:
I believe it was Miami where the guy came right out and revealed the player they wanted (Jake Long).

Can anyone confirm that it was Miami who blundered at a press conference, practically saying who they were going to pick? I think that's right.
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http://www.thephinsider.com/story/2008/4/17/13245/1969

Right idea, wrong result.

He said that he hoped the pick would be a pillar of the defense...Jake Long plays OL.

May have been intentional to pressure Jake Long to sign before the draft. (which he did)
 
barrett said:
McClain said Justice wasn't even there. It was a joke. Nothing more.
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I am going to pretend you didn't post this so that you will not ruin my opportunity to read into this too much. For instance my next thing was going to say that maybe the body language was a result of Richard Justice being in the room and the rubbing of the arms was to hint to Justice that the new strength and conditioning coach is working out everyone real well.
 
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