What are the Texans need on defense?

[76Texan]

So we've heard Kubiak saying that Wade Phillips will have pretty much full authority to choose defensive players and shall have enough ammunitions to make the defense work.

I'm going to assume no FA and no trade up or trade back at the moment.

My guess is we will draft defense something like:
1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th
1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Which scenario do you like, or do you propose a different one?

At any rate, I'd like to hear everybody take about our positions of needs.

 

[Wolf6151]

We've got needs at NT, OLB, CB, FS, SS, and ILB depth. I'm thinking we'll go very heavy on defense in the draft and take defensive players in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and then some depth in the 6th and 7th.

 

[76Texan]

We've got needs at NT, OLB, CB, FS, SS, and ILB depth. I'm thinking we'll go very heavy on defense in the draft and take defensive players in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and then some depth in the 6th and 7th.

Any priority of preference in your view? And possible reasons?

 

[thunderkyss]

Last year, we went defense 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th


2009, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7

2008, 3, 4, 5, 6

2007, 1, 4, 5, 7

 

[76Texan]

A lot us want a rush OLB (the WILL in the 3-4) and I'm not opposed to it; however, don't we think that's Barwin's role?

What about Mark Anderson?
Can he play that role (situationally)?
What is his contract situation anyway?

Sharpton, I think can play SAM (strong against the run) and is at least adequate to drop back to follow the TE from what we can see so far.
It's likely in zone coverage.
I don't think we're gonna see many LBs running with the likes of Antonio Gates or Vernon Davis one-on-one maybe but once in a very long while anyway.

 

[76Texan]

Last year, we went defense 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th


2009, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7

2008, 3, 4, 5, 6

2007, 1, 4, 5, 7

Adding Mario, Demeco and FAs like Antonio Smith, Shaun Cody, Pollard, Anderson, Allen... you would think that should be at least a mediocre defense (after taking into account missed games for any reason.)

 

[thunderkyss]

A lot us want a rush OLB (the WILL in the 3-4) and I'm not opposed to it; however, don't we think that's Barwin's role?

What about Mark Anderson?
Can he play that role (situationally)?
What is his contract situation anyway?

Sharpton, I think can play SAM (strong against the run) and is at least adequate to drop back to follow the TE from what we can see so far.
It's likely in zone coverage.
I don't think we're gonna see many LBs running with the likes of Antonio Gates or Vernon Davis one-on-one maybe but once in a very long while anyway.

I think we have to pencil Anderson in as the rush OLB...... Barwin his back-up.. at least until we see Barwin at camp. With Anderson as our Rush OLB.... do we need to draft that guy at #1?

With Sharpton inside, Cushing at SAM..... I like that much better. It also leaves Bentley free to fill until Demeco is 100%.

Depth would be Barwin, Adibi, Bing, Bentley..... 'meh...

 

[thunderkyss]

Adding Mario, Demeco and FAs like Antonio Smith, Shaun Cody, Pollard, Anderson, Allen... you would think that should be at least a mediocre defense (after taking into account missed games for any reason.)

If the LB issue is a coaching issue (which I believe it has to be).. I think we'll be ok.

In my mind, with Quin at safety, we're not as bad off as we want to believe.

 

[steelbtexan]

So we've heard Kubiak saying that Wade Phillips will have pretty much full authority to choose defensive players and shall have enough ammunitions to make the defense work.

I'm going to assume no FA and no trade up or trade back at the moment.

My guess is we will draft defense something like:
1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th
1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Which scenario do you like, or do you propose a different one?

At any rate, I'd like to hear everybody take about our positions of needs.

I would be happy if the Texans drafted 2nd,3rd,4th,5th. If Jones happens fall to #11.

A draft that looked like this would be great.

Rd.1 Jones
Rd.2 Ellis
Rd.3 Reed
Rd.4 Tarrant
Rd.5 Friday

This defense would be much improved if a CB and NT were added in FA. Young and much faster. Improved pass rush,a Developmental NT with great potential. A really fast and talented S in Tarrant and 2 LB's if Barwin and ryans dont make it back.

Drafting Jones would really open up the offense. AJ and Julio Jones would be lethal. The offense would really be able to help the defense.

Yeah, this draft would be the best the Texans have had since 2006.

 

[76Texan]

I think we have to pencil Anderson in as the rush OLB...... Barwin his back-up.. at least until we see Barwin at camp. With Anderson as our Rush OLB.... do we need to draft that guy at #1?

With Sharpton inside, Cushing at SAM..... I like that much better. It also leaves Bentley free to fill until Demeco is 100%.

Depth would be Barwin, Adibi, Bing, Bentley..... 'meh...

I like Cushing as a downhill-type of player.
It looks to me like the MIKE in Phillips' scheme can make a lot of plays in the running game and he can rush the QB in passing situation as well.

 

[thunderkyss]

I like Cushing as a downhill-type of player.
It looks to me like the MIKE in Phillips' scheme can make a lot of plays in the running game and he can rush the QB in passing situation as well.

He looks great, so far outside. IMO, he's second best at setting the edge. Mario & Cushing stunting on the edge may be the dangerous duo we've been looking for. With Anderson/Barwin/Von Miller on the week side......


Music man, sweet music

 

[76Texan]

I would be happy if the Texans drafted 2nd,3rd,4th,5th. If Jones happens fall to #11.

A draft that looked like this would be great.

Rd.1 Jones
Rd.2 Ellis
Rd.3 Reed
Rd.4 Tarrant
Rd.5 Friday

This defense would be much improved if a CB and NT were added in FA. Young and much faster. Improved pass rush,a Developmental NT with great potential. A really fast and talented S in Tarrant and 2 LB's if Barwin and ryans dont make it back.

Drafting Jones would really open up the offense. AJ and Julio Jones would be lethal. The offense would really be able to help the defense.

Yeah, this draft would be the best the Texans have had since 2006.

I haven't watched Tarrant play yet.
Can he start right away?

 

[76Texan]

He looks great, so far outside. IMO, he's second best at setting the edge. Mario & Cushing stunting on the edge may be the dangerous duo we've been looking for. With Anderson/Barwin/Von Miller on the week side......


Music man, sweet music

Honestly, I don't have any problem with Cushing on the edge, I just think that he will have more opportunities to make plays at MIKE, that's all.

 

[Wolf6151]

Any priority of preference in your view? And possible reasons?

JMO, priority preference:
1. CB
2. FS or NT, depending on who's available.
3. NT or FS, depending on who's available.
4. WR, JJ's replacement, I like Terrance Toliver from LSU.
5. OT, possibly to replace Butler if we lose him in FA.
6 and 7. defensive depth depending on player availability. LB, SS, NT, CB, etc.
We may not have the perfect LB's for a 3-4 system but we've got good ones on the inside, Cushing and Ryans, and players with the athleticism to play the OLB positions, Barwin and Anderson. They're at least worth giving a try. Thus I see CB, FS, and NT as bigger needs because we don't have the right players in those positions and I don't see anyone on the roster to fill those spots. Quin could possibly fill the FS spot but then we'd be just that much weaker at CB.

Reasons:
That's easy, LOL, because the current players at CB, NT, and FS suck.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

I think S is our #1 need, given there is no first round safety out there we might go offense first round.

I think LB is next on the list, probably an edge guy as I like Cushing at MLB with Ryans next to him. Barwin and Anderson and Sharpton can be ok at the OLB but I would like a more experienced OLB to be there too.

Depth on the DL comes next, probably at DT first then DE.

I think CB is less of a need than S but a talented ball hawk at CB wouldn't go amiss either.

That is my thoughts but that goes out the window if a GREAT talent is there at any stage, I am much more about BPA than needs.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I think we could use a franchise type NT like you see the dominant playoff teams having - hard to find though.

As far as the draft goes I think Defensive position is wide open: DE, NT, OLB, ILB, CB, S. Any facet of our defense could and probably should be addressed. OLB, as well all feel, is a huge key in the success of the 3-4. That one really good player like Clay Matthews or James Harrison that is a sack artist and can knock the crud out of TEs and RBs.

I think it's highly probable that we address the D early and often with the draft. That has our most needs, there's tons of good players on that side early in the draft, and we won't have the luxury of FA to fill any holes before the draft. So in a way it works in our favor.

I don't really care when/where/how they address the defense. As far as who to select in each round, I want them to take the hands down best prospect for our team. If that's Julio Jones at #11 that they have rated as the 5th best player in the draft... do it! I just want us to get as many playmakers as possible and if they stack up on some really good DL guys instead of CB/S, I won't mind. As long as that DE or NT is rated higher than the other guys available.

I just don't want to reach for a a CB or OLB or S because we feel like we need one. If there's a 3-4 DE that they think could be a franchise type of guy (Cameron Jordan?) I hope we take him instead of a "need" at OLB that isn't rated as highly.

 

[76Texan]

I think S is our #1 need, given there is no first round safety out there we might go offense first round.

I think LB is next on the list, probably an edge guy as I like Cushing at MLB with Ryans next to him. Barwin and Anderson and Sharpton can be ok at the OLB but I would like a more experienced OLB to be there too.

Depth on the DL comes next, probably at DT first then DE.

I think CB is less of a need than S but a talented ball hawk at CB wouldn't go amiss either.

That is my thoughts but that goes out the window if a GREAT talent is there at any stage, I am much more about BPA than needs.

I tend to agree with Kiwi more.
We have to do something at safety.
Wilson, after all those injuries, showed that he doesn't have the range any longer. Can we expect him to return to his best form (which was merely above average at best)?
Nolan has some range, but not exceptional. We can hope that he will get better in his reads, and with some coaching, maybe a light will come on in his head. But as his collegiate and pro tapes demonstrated, he's inconsistent in that are as well. You want your safety to either play smart or to have exceptional skills (a combination would be best), but Nolan has neither (even though he still has some potential).
Pollard may not even get resigned. He shows a lack in coverage skill anyway and can be best trusted to play downhill and not defending the redzone or deep. As with Nolan, we can hope that coaching will make him a better coverage guy.

None of them are great tacklers in open space either.
So why should we endure all the anguishes hoping for a light to come on in their head?

Quintin Demps showed me that he has some potential as well in the 3 games I saw him play with the Eagles (but he wasn't on the field much, so it's hard to gauge.) And why did he get cut in favor of two rookies (Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman) to start with.

If we move one guy (Allen who may have signed with us for only one year, Quin, or Jackson) to safety, we will have to draft another CB and play a rookie there (along with an inexperience safety.) That doesn't sound like a good recipe for the short term.

I'm assuming that we can't sign a good quality veteran at either CB or safety, in which case, I think drafting a safety in the first 3 rounds is the sensible way to go.

I'm also assuming that Jason Allen is back.
Allen and Jackson with Quin as the nickel (each of them having another year of experience) should be better than last year.
We can still play Nolan, Wilson (and perhaps even Pollard if he comes back) while giving the rookie some time to develop (how much time depending upon his ability; obviously, the higher he's drafted, the better we expect his ability to be.)

It's not that I'm against drafting a CB early, I'm only concerned that we will have too much inexperience at more than one position in the secondary to deal with early on, that's all.

 

[bah007]

I think we could use a franchise type NT like you see the dominant playoff teams having - hard to find though.

As far as the draft goes I think Defensive position is wide open: DE, NT, OLB, ILB, CB, S. Any facet of our defense could and probably should be addressed. OLB, as well all feel, is a huge key in the success of the 3-4. That one really good player like Clay Matthews or James Harrison that is a sack artist and can knock the crud out of TEs and RBs.

I think it's highly probable that we address the D early and often with the draft. That has our most needs, there's tons of good players on that side early in the draft, and we won't have the luxury of FA to fill any holes before the draft. So in a way it works in our favor.

I don't really care when/where/how they address the defense. As far as who to select in each round, I want them to take the hands down best prospect for our team. If that's Julio Jones at #11 that they have rated as the 5th best player in the draft... do it! I just want us to get as many playmakers as possible and if they stack up on some really good DL guys instead of CB/S, I won't mind. As long as that DE or NT is rated higher than the other guys available.

I just don't want to reach for a a CB or OLB or S because we feel like we need one. If there's a 3-4 DE that they think could be a franchise type of guy (Cameron Jordan?) I hope we take him instead of a "need" at OLB that isn't rated as highly.

What's with all the love for Cameron Jordan recently?

I did my first mock weeks ago and I had him as our first round pick and got blasted pretty heavily for it.

Now everyone seems to be okay with him for some reason.

 

[76Texan]

I think we could use a franchise type NT like you see the dominant playoff teams having - hard to find though.

As far as the draft goes I think Defensive position is wide open: DE, NT, OLB, ILB, CB, S. Any facet of our defense could and probably should be addressed. OLB, as well all feel, is a huge key in the success of the 3-4. That one really good player like Clay Matthews or James Harrison that is a sack artist and can knock the crud out of TEs and RBs.

I think it's highly probable that we address the D early and often with the draft. That has our most needs, there's tons of good players on that side early in the draft, and we won't have the luxury of FA to fill any holes before the draft. So in a way it works in our favor.

I don't really care when/where/how they address the defense. As far as who to select in each round, I want them to take the hands down best prospect for our team. If that's Julio Jones at #11 that they have rated as the 5th best player in the draft... do it! I just want us to get as many playmakers as possible and if they stack up on some really good DL guys instead of CB/S, I won't mind. As long as that DE or NT is rated higher than the other guys available.

I just don't want to reach for a a CB or OLB or S because we feel like we need one. If there's a 3-4 DE that they think could be a franchise type of guy (Cameron Jordan?) I hope we take him instead of a "need" at OLB that isn't rated as highly.

Would you want the highest rated TE as BPA?

It's kinda difficult to envision the Texans taking a DE unless they can move one of their own.

I can see a NT, 'cause IMO, Mitchell can play DE in this scheme (but I don't see one at #11)
And of course, we can use an OLB with maddening skill to rush the QB.
(This one has a lot of possibilties, I think.)

 

[76Texan]

What's with all the love for Cameron Jordan recently?

I did my first mock weeks ago and I had him as our first round pick and got blasted pretty heavily for it.

Now everyone seems to be okay with him for some reason.

I haven't seen enough of Jordan to say anything.

 

[76Texan]

JMO, priority preference:
1. CB
2. FS or NT, depending on who's available.
3. NT or FS, depending on who's available.

Wolf, who do see available at CB #11 (some possibilites)
and which FS/NT in the second and third?

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

What's with all the love for Cameron Jordan recently?

I did my first mock weeks ago and I had him as our first round pick and got blasted pretty heavily for it.

Now everyone seems to be okay with him for some reason.

I think most people think we're "set" at DE but the more I think about it, I'm not convinced. We have way too many question marks for me to get picky. Part of it is my fascination of 'winning the trenches'. OL and DL, win there and we'll be great. Mario is a given but outside of that we have too many questions. I really do like Antonio Smith and think he should get a lot of playing time but I don't see him as that franchise end that makes your line strong. I want our DL to rotate quite frequently to keep fresh.

I wasn't too keen on DE at first and didn't know much about Jordan. The more I read about him and watch (youtube, I don't have film... or the time) the more I like him. He's really versatile and has a great motor. I remember you putting him in there a while back when it seemed to early for him. Now he may not even reach us at 11!

Would you want the highest rated TE as BPA?

Ugh, TE is a different animal. LOL. I actually think there are going to be some pretty good TEs available in the 3rd and 4th. Questions surround Owen Daniels and if we sign him long term or not. I want to keep him and our current depth with Dreessen, Graham and Casey. Let's pass on TE even if it is BPA! ha

 

[76Texan]

I think most people think we're "set" at DE but the more I think about it, I'm not convinced. We have way too many question marks for me to get picky. Part of it is my fascination of 'winning the trenches'. OL and DL, win there and we'll be great. Mario is a given but outside of that we have too many questions. I really do like Antonio Smith and think he should get a lot of playing time but I don't see him as that franchise end that makes your line strong. I want our DL to rotate quite frequently to keep fresh.

I wasn't too keen on DE at first and didn't know much about Jordan. The more I read about him and watch (youtube, I don't have film... or the time) the more I like him. He's really versatile and has a great motor. I remember you putting him in there a while back when it seemed to early for him. Now he may not even reach us at 11!

It's not that I think we're set at DE, but during the transition period, especially when you can't move a player, I would think it's more prudent to stay put for this year (unless something like an injury occurs.)

 

[bah007]

I haven't seen enough of Jordan to say anything.

I love the guy. I think he is a difference maker.

I'm just confused as to why I got dogged for putting him in my mock and now a lot of people seem to be coming around to it. What changed?

 

[Wolf6151]

Wolf, who do see available at CB #11 (some possibilites)
and which FS/NT in the second and third?

CB's available at #11:

Prince Amukamara-he might be available or not, depending on the Combine results, he's borderline but I've seen him given to us in some mocks lately.

Brandon Harris-Personally I like him better than Amukamara, very physical CB that's not afraid to play the run and very good man coverage skills. Great backpedal and good hips

Jimmy Smith-Good coverage skills and great size but not very physical, seems hesitant to play the run or get in on the tackle. I've watched some of his game tape and he seems to be playing not to get hurt. Depending on his Combine results I think he could be a 1st rounder but I don't want him at #11.

Free Safety:
Rahim Moore or Quentin Carter in the 2nd round, both are good but not great. I don't see any FS that's worthy of a 1st round pick. Deunta Williams, maybe in the 2nd round but he broke his leg in his bowl game and he'll fall in the draft a little. I've also read some good things about Robert Sands but at 6'05 it's hard to make a break on the ball, change of direction is an issue. Jaiquawn Jarrett, I've read some good things on him as well but some not so good things as well, mid round pick that most likely won't ever be a starter because of talent, maybe out of necessity. Should be good on special teams or a possible move to SS.

Nose Tackle:
Phil Taylor in the 2nd round if still available. I don't trust players that only play great after the season so that they can get the big contract, reminds me of veterans that only play great in their contract year. Sione Fua, played 3-4 NT at Stanford so he has experience in the system and should be intelligent. I think he'll clog the middle and play the run well and occasionally move the pocket but I don't see him as a guy getting alot of pressure on the QB. Jerrell Powe, played 4-3 UT in college so he's athletic and has the size for NT, he's my personal choice, plays the run well and should move the pocket but might take a yr. or 2 to develop into something great. I also like Anthony Gray and Chris Neild in the late rounds as depth at NT. I've read some good things about Kenrick Ellis as well, he might be a mid round steal but you've got to take the level at which he played into consideration, Division 1 AA. I also worry about his height being a factor, tall guys have trouble getting low enough for leverage and O-linemen can get under them and gain leverage on them, stand them up and move them around easily like what happened to Frank Okam.

 

[Texan4Ever]

Since we're going towards a 3-4 defense here are our needs according to most important:


1.) Linebackers - We need pass-rushing OLBs as well as ILBs who can shed blocks and make plays on blitzes.

2.) Nose tackle - A 34 defense depends on having a reliable nose tackle who can not only make plays but keep his LBs free from opposing linemen.

3.) Defensive Ends - We need a true 34 DE with size and speed to hold off opposing linemen.

4.) Safety

5.) Cornerback

 

[steelbtexan]

I haven't watched Tarrant play yet.
Can he start right away?

He has the ability to start right away.

How fast he could learn Phillips system is the question. But that question is one for all of the Texans players and future draft picks.

 

[76Texan]

CB's available at #11:

Prince Amukamara-he might be available or not, depending on the Combine results, he's borderline but I've seen him given to us in some mocks lately.

Brandon Harris-Personally I like him better than Amukamara, very physical CB that's not afraid to play the run and very good man coverage skills. Great backpedal and good hips

Jimmy Smith-Good coverage skills and great size but not very physical, seems hesitant to play the run or get in on the tackle. I've watched some of his game tape and he seems to be playing not to get hurt. Depending on his Combine results I think he could be a 1st rounder but I don't want him at #11.

Free Safety:
Rahim Moore or Quentin Carter in the 2nd round, both are good but not great. I don't see any FS that's worthy of a 1st round pick. Deunta Williams, maybe in the 2nd round but he broke his leg in his bowl game and he'll fall in the draft a little. I've also read some good things about Robert Sands but at 6'05 it's hard to make a break on the ball, change of direction is an issue. Jaiquawn Jarrett, I've read some good things on him as well but some not so good things as well, mid round pick that most likely won't ever be a starter because of talent, maybe out of necessity. Should be good on special teams or a possible move to SS.

Nose Tackle:
Phil Taylor in the 2nd round if still available. I don't trust players that only play great after the season so that they can get the big contract, reminds me of veterans that only play great in their contract year. Sione Fua, played 3-4 NT at Stanford so he has experience in the system and should be intelligent. I think he'll clog the middle and play the run well and occasionally move the pocket but I don't see him as a guy getting alot of pressure on the QB. Jerrell Powe, played 4-3 UT in college so he's athletic and has the size for NT, he's my personal choice, plays the run well and should move the pocket but might take a yr. or 2 to develop into something great. I also like Anthony Gray and Chris Neild in the late rounds as depth at NT. I've read some good things about Kenrick Ellis as well, he might be a mid round steal but you've got to take the level at which he played into consideration, Division 1 AA. I also worry about his height being a factor, tall guys have trouble getting low enough for leverage and O-linemen can get under them and gain leverage on them, stand them up and move them around easily like what happened to Frank Okam.

I don't think I can complain about this, but I don't think any of the CBs is quite worth the #11 spot.

If we can trade back to get either Smith or Harris, then McDaniel, Carter, Moore; then Taylor or Fua (Nevis would be even better).

 

[Ndevine7]

I don't think I can complain about this, but I don't think any of the CBs is quite worth the #11 spot.

If we can trade back to get either Smith or Harris, then McDaniel, Carter, Moore; then Taylor or Fua (Nevis would be even better).

I like this besides Nevis. Nevis is small i think hes around 6'1 287. He is very athletic but i dont know if hes meant to be a NT. I dont know how effective he could be in the run game

 

[76Texan]

I like this besides Nevis. Nevis is small i think hes around 6'1 287. He is very athletic but i dont know if hes meant to be a NT. I dont know how effective he could be in the run game

He was very effective in the run game with his penetration.
He was very quick into the backfield, forcing the RB to change direction (every time you make the RB stop or running parallel to the LOS, it's always good for the D.)
Surprisingly, he was strong against the double team as well.
Looks like he played with very good leverage.

 

[Wolf6151]

I don't think I can complain about this, but I don't think any of the CBs is quite worth the #11 spot.

If we can trade back to get either Smith or Harris, then McDaniel, Carter, Moore; then Taylor or Fua (Nevis would be even better).

I understand about the CB's but Harris isn't a reach, Jacksonville is drooling over him at #16 so taking him at #11 really isn't much of a reach. I actually think he might go ahead of Amukamara after the Combine, he's my #2 CB. I agree regarding the FS, there's no reason we shouldn't get one of the good ones this year. As for NT, I like Powe or Fua in the 3rd round. My first 3 rounds go like this:

1. Brandon Harris-CB.........or Amukamara depending on availability.
2. Rahim Moore-FS..........or Carter depending on availability.
3. Jerrell Powe-NT...........or Sione Fua depending on availability.

I can see Nevis as a 3-4 DE with his quickness and penetrating ability but there's no way he's a NT.
A guy yall want to check out that I forgot to mention earlier is Jarvis Jenkins-DT from Clemson. I think he could easily play the NT in Phillips 1 gap system and for a big man he's very athletic. The down side I see in him is that he needs to add some overall strength and to keep his pads lower for better leverage. Keep your eye on Jenkins, he could be really good in a couple years.

 

[76Texan]

I understand about the CB's but Harris isn't a reach, Jacksonville is drooling over him at #16 so taking him at #11 really isn't much of a reach. I actually think he might go ahead of Amukamara after the Combine, he's my #2 CB. I agree regarding the FS, there's no reason we shouldn't get one of the good ones this year. As for NT, I like Powe or Fua in the 3rd round. My first 3 rounds go like this:

1. Brandon Harris-CB.........or Amukamara depending on availability.
2. Rahim Moore-FS..........or Carter depending on availability.
3. Jerrell Powe-NT...........or Sione Fua depending on availability.

I can see Nevis as a 3-4 DE with his quickness and penetrating ability but there's no way he's a NT.
A guy yall want to check out that I forgot to mention earlier is Jarvis Jenkins-DT from Clemson. I think he could easily play the NT in Phillips 1 gap system and for a big man he's very athletic. The down side I see in him is that he needs to add some overall strength and to keep his pads lower for better leverage. Keep your eye on Jenkins, he could be really good in a couple years.

Jenkins is OK, I'm not so hot about him.

 

[beerlover]

Texans secondary sucked primarily because lack of pass rush & they cheated to close to scrimmage trying to fill gaps in run defense as well. Bush was never able to overcome losing Barwin & DeMeco resulting in an overall porous defense. Right there tells you Texans need to add at least one impact rush LB & #2 an instinctive FS with range to allow CB's to play deep. Wade already stated he likes what he has to work with @ DL, but surely NT & possibly another DT five tech will get drafted as well. One position Texans are loaded at is Strong Safety & nickel positions, it shall be interesting watching them battle, once CBA ratified for roster spots. So in order of importance this is how I would rank needs:
1. OLB
2. FS
3. NT
4. CB
5. DT
6. ILB
7. OLB

 

[Scooter]

FREE SAFETY

nose tackle
rush linebacker
corner

 

[powda]

1. cb x2
2. fs
3. olb
4. ss
5. nt
6. wr

 

[Wolf6151]

I think we all agree that our top 4 needs are CB, FS, NT, and OLB in whatever order you want to put them in. I take a backwards approach to filling these needs though and try to think of which needs could we live without filling in the draft since we've only got 1 pick in each round and we're not guaranteed a compensatory pick or any help in FA. Let's face it the best any team can hope for realistically in a draft is to usually get 2 starters, depending on a teams depth situation, a couple quality backups and some special teamers and practice squad players. With 4 major needs we can only hope to fill 2 of them with starters most likely. Maybe we get lucky and get some quality in the 3rd round, potential starter, but that still leaves 1 hole unfilled with talent good enough to play/start. This is why I put our needs in order of CB, FS, NT, and OLB. If Quin gets moved to FS, as has been rumored, then it makes the hole at CB that much bigger. The only 1 of those 4 spots that I think we MIGHT already have on the roster is OLB with Barwin and Anderson, both of which have almost the perfect size for the position and pass rushing ability, athleticism, and experience coming from the edge. It's not to big of a reach to think that either or both could fill the OLB spots if needed. Alot of 3-4 OLB's were undersized DE's to begin with anyway. It's also pretty obvious that we don't have anyone to fill the NT spot, FS spot (MAYBE Quin), and we flat out suck at CB. Thus if I have to sacrifice one of the 4 positions to not be filled with quality talent it's OLB since we already have some guys that can possibly handle the position. Yes we need depth at OLB and ILB but having enough quality starter will probably take more than 1 offseason/draft.


76Texan, I'm not suggesting that Jenkins is starting material right now but I do think that he has the size and athleticism, the basic building blocks/potential, to play the position at a high level in the NFL. He could be a future Jay Ratliff. What he probably lacks most right now is a boot up his ass for motivation.