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2018 Offseason and Draft - Precombine Mock

gs27

gs27

Veteran
I would place most of the emphasis on fixing the O-Line and the secondary

Cut

Jeff Allen
Lamar Miller

Resign

Greg Mancz - 4 yrs - $12 m
Bruce Ellington - 2 yrs - $4 m
Marcus Gilcrist - 2 yrs - $4 m
Ben Heeney - 1 yr - $1.5 m
Brian Peters - 1 yr - $1 m

Free Agents

Aaron Colvin - 5 yrs - $35 m
Kenny Vacarro - 4 yrs - $26 m
Cameron Fleming - 4 yrs - $24 m
EJ Gaines - 4 yrs - $20 m
Ryan Fitzpatrick - 2 yrs - $8 m


Draft

3rd - Carlton Davis - CB - Aurburn - Tall man corner to eventually replace Jackson

3rd - Billy Price - OG - Ohio St - Best interior lineman in the draft, great mix of power run blocking and consistent pass protection

3rd Comp - Brian O'Neill - OT - Pitt - Very athletic project. Played very consistent for little time at position. Could climb much higher after combine.

4th - Quin Blanding - SS - Virginia - Very solid career, not a special player but consistent tackler and very rarely gets beat over the top.

6th - Rashaad Penny - RB - San Diego St - Great mix of size and speed. Very deep RB draft causes Penny to drop.

6th Comp - Tyquan Lewis - OLB - Ohio St - Not sure why Lewis is so underrated. He stepped up whenever Buckeyes needed someone to make a play. Will be better OLB than DE.

7th - Braxton Berrios - SWR - Miami - Put up very solid numbers at Miami despite an abysmal passing attack.

7th Comp - Ralph Webb - RB -Vanderbilt - Another solid all around RB that drops due to depth at the position.

Projected 50 (53 less LS,K,P) Would be a couple UFAs or street pickups win roster spots but not going to try to project those.

Deshaun Watson
Ryan Fitzpatrick

D'Onta Foreman
Rashaad Penny
Tyler Ervin
Ralph Webb

Jay Prosch

DeAndre Hopkins
Will Fuller
Bruce Ellington
Braxton Miller
Chris Thompson
Braxton Berrios

CJ Fiedorowicz
Ryan Griffin
Stephen Anderson

Cameron Fleming
Julie'n Davenport
Brian O'Neil
Kendall Lamm

Nick Martin
Billy Price
Greg Mancz
Kendall Fuller
David Quessenberry

JJ Watt
DJ Reader
Joel Heath
Christian Covington
Carlos Watkins
Brandon Dunn

Jadeveon Clowney
Whitney Mercilus
Brennan Scarlett
Tyquan Lewis

Benardrick McKinney
Zach Cunningham
Dylan Cole
Ben Heeney
Brian Peters

Kareem Jackson
Kevin Johnson
Aaron Colvin
EJ Gaines
Carlton Davis
Treston Decoud

Kenny Vacarro
Andre Hal
Marcus Gilcrist
Quin Blanding
 
No way Price/Davis falls to the 3rd/Penny to the 6th. I do like the fixing the OL/secondary.

If they do Gaine should run to the podium.

I'm not high on Fleming.

Cleaning up this mess this is more than a 1 yr fix.
 
steelbtexan said:
No way Price/Davis falls to the 3rd/Penny to the 6th. I do like the fixing the OL/secondary.

If they do Gaine should run to the podium.

I'm not high on Fleming.

Cleaning up this mess this is more than a 1 yr fix.
Click to expand...

IMO, Davis and Price are worth 1st rounders, but I have been seeing them ranked in the 60-80 range. I was thinking O'Neil was most likely to go much higher, he is very athletic and will definitely move up if he is impressive at the combine. I have seen Penny from the 10th-15th ranked back, so you never know, backs usually drop and a lot of teams hit on backs last couple years, I agree he could go as early as the 3rd.

Why don't you like Fleming? I thought he played solid for the Pats and they can't keep all 3 FA tackles. I would rather pay him a middle of the road contract than a top guy huge money. At least we know he is serviceable and will play consistent even if he is not one of the best in the league. I'll be happy with a guy who plays mostly mistake free. I am against reclamation projects for the O-Line (Luke Joekel, Cam Robinson, Sentrel Henderson, Etc.).

I agree on the more than one year. No way the majority of fans are going to be happy with the O-Lineman we have going into camp, just need to keep making improvements. I left a lot of free agency money on the table to roll to next year. I just don't like giving huge contracts (10m+/yr) to players who never played in your system.
 
gs27 said:
IMO, Davis and Price are worth 1st rounders, but I have been seeing them ranked in the 60-80 range. I was thinking O'Neil was most likely to go much higher, he is very athletic and will definitely move up if he is impressive at the combine. I have seen Penny from the 10th-15th ranked back, so you never know, backs usually drop and a lot of teams hit on backs last couple years, I agree he could go as early as the 3rd.

Why don't you like Fleming? I thought he played solid for the Pats and they can't keep all 3 FA tackles. I would rather pay him a middle of the road contract than a top guy huge money. At least we know he is serviceable and will play consistent even if he is not one of the best in the league. I'll be happy with a guy who plays mostly mistake free. I am against reclamation projects for the O-Line.

I agree on the more than one year. No way the majority of fans are going to be happy with the O-Lineman we have going into camp, just need to keep making improvements. I left a lot of free agency money on the table to roll to next year. I just don't like giving huge contracts (10m+/yr) to players who never played in your system.
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I just dont think Fleming is that good. I would rather sign a cheaper Guy like Hubbard and if available I would spend huge $$$$ on a 29 yr old guy like Solder. Solder could hold down the fort for 5 yrs while you rebuilt the rest of the OL.

I truly hope O'Neil/Price are there in the 3rd. That would make a great draft.

Thanks for posting your mock, I always enjoy the back and forth in mock draft talk.
 
gs27 said:
I would place most of the emphasis on fixing the O-Line and the secondary


Resign

Greg Mancz - 4 yrs - $12 m
Click to expand...
Why sign Mancz for 4 years? He's a RFA. The Texans could put a 2nd rounder tender on him, and if in the unlikely chance someone signs Mancz, the Texans get a 2nd round pick. If not, they'll only be on the hook for one season.

Edit:
Ben Heeney - 1 yr - $1.5 m
Brian Peters - 1 yr - $1 m
Click to expand...

Heeney and Peters are also RFAs, Heeney could be tendered, but it would be more than $1.5 million. He would return a 5th round pick if signed by another team. That's unlikely, as Heeney was a street FA when signed by the Texans. Peters came ito the NFL as an UDFA, so he would require at least a 2nd round tender to return immediate compensation. His tender would also be more than $1 million (likely around $1.9 million).

If neither Heeney or Peters are tendered as a RFA, they will become UFA and allowed to sign with any team. The vet minimum for both Heeney and Peters would be $705K.
 
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Free agency this off season could tremendously impact this roster & 2018 draft. Norwell, Solder and Fleming at RT and a decent corner would keep me smiling for years. OG Brandon Smith, Oneil and Penny would be nice round three and we could get a safety round four.
 
gs27 said:
I would place most of the emphasis on fixing the O-Line and the secondary

Cut

Lamar Miller
Click to expand...
I don't see this happening. One, Miller is the only RB under contract not rehabbing a major injury. Two, New GM Brian Gaine was Miami's Assistant GM when the Dolphins drafted Miller. Three, Gaine was the Texans Director of Player Personnel when the Texans signed Miller as a FA. Four, the RB FA market is thin. Five, the Texans are well below the cap already.

So, why cut Lamar Miller?
 
Lucky said:
I don't see this happening. One, Miller is the only RB under contract not rehabbing a major injury. Two, New GM Brian Gaine was Miami's Assistant GM when the Dolphins drafted Miller. Three, Gaine was the Texans Director of Player Personnel when the Texans signed Miller as a FA. Four, the RB FA market is thin. Five, the Texans are well below the cap already.

So, why cut Lamar Miller?
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Well, you could simply say, he doesn't now nor ever fit O'Brien's running game scheme. That's not a knock on Miller, it's just a reality of the type of back he is.

I think Penny might be another version of Miller and with picks at a premium this season, I'm rolling my dice on Josh Adams from Notre Dame. He's a big power back who runs downhill. Pairing him with an eventually healthy Foreman, and Blue (who should be re-signed) would give O'Brien a deep stable of runners who fit his scheme. Ervin would be the change of pace runner that L. Miller should've been instead of the feature back he was forced into becoming.

I also agree that the OL must be a top priority this off-season. The team is going to be hard pressed to get Day1 answers in RD3 since OL are at a premium in this draft. Teams are not going to let good talent walk since answers in FA are going to be expensive to sign. Several teams were very smart to begin their gap coverage earlier in preparation of eventual high priced departures. The Texans did not do this and now find themselves in a serious quandary....how do we fix this situation now that a "Franchise QB" has been found and we possess no picks in RD1 or RD2? Again, OL overall will be at a premium in this years draft.

I think the Texans would be wise to make the necessary financial investment into both Solder and Norwell. Bottomline, this is going to be quickest way to help this offense overall in 2018. Solder should see a 4 year contract and Norwell a 5 year contract. That would lock up LT and RG so my next move would be to develop Davenport at RT since he was exposed to both sides of line last season. Norwell's presence on that side could do wonders for Davenport in regards to confidence. The same could be said in regards to who plays LG. My choice would be Martin but in all reality, Mancz or a RD3 pick could take the position and benefit with Solder on the outside.

My position on signing Seantrell Henderson is simply an inexpensive way of kicking the tires on a veteran RT who hasn't lived up to his billing. He could easily be a camp cut if he's participating in a manner that indicates that there's zero urgency in regards to his NFL career. Basically, he's a very reasonable "price gap insurance policy" in the event Davenport needs to be relegated to Swing Tackle while his development continues for another season.

I would invest a RD6 pick in LT, Bentley Spain (NC) who handled the LT position for 3 non-injury seasons while maintaining a very consistent performance. With Solder signed, there would be no-rush in his development which would allow him the time to gain NFL strength and experience.

I like Crosby (Oregon) but like other OT's, his stock is rising fast and I don't see him lasting past the middle of RD2. The Texans would be forced to mortgage far too much in 2019 to move up 15+ picks in 2018. Signing Solder would eliminate having to nab a LT in RD3 unless a very good were to drop....and with all the pressing needs of OT's league wide, I don't see this happening. The interior will be a safer bet for RD3 in regards to potential Day1 impact players who might still be on the board when the Texans finally get their chance.
 
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I like most of what you were trying to do to fix things, especially on the O-line. Maybe I would have selected different payers in FA or the Draft but overall I felt like you are on the right track. The only area I felt you did neglect was the TE position. You had no changes from the TE group last season (Fiedorowicz, Griffin, and Anderson). I really think this group needs an upgrade, especially with Fiedorowicz contemplating retirement and Griffin also having concussion issues. Neither one saw the field much last season and Anderson is strictly a receiving TE who's not very good as a blocker. So, I don't think the Texans can afford to do nothing with this group this off season.

My guess is they will try to shore up this group by either getting a TE in FA or get one in the Draft, and maybe even both if Fiedorowicz decides to hang it up. I haven't looked at the TE's coming out in FA so I don't know if it's a weak or strong group. The TE's in the Draft look like an average group with some good ones at the top (unfortunately for the Texans) and some that may develop into solid TE's in the middle of the Draft like Gesicki, Schultz, and Fumagalli. Either way I think the Texans will have to get at least one and maybe even two TE's this off season to shore up that group.
 
I'd cut Lamar Miller and see if Nick Chubb or Kerryon Johnson are there in the 3rd or 4th.

Both look like great backs that fall because of the position they play.
 
I'd cut Lamar Miller and see if Nick Chubb or Kerryon Johnson are there in the 3rd or 4th.

Both look like great backs that fall because of the position they play.

Also, Fiedo is probably retiring.
 
Insideop said:
I like most of what you were trying to do to fix things, especially on the O-line. Maybe I would have selected different payers in FA or the Draft but overall I felt like you are on the right track. The only area I felt you did neglect was the TE position. You had no changes from the TE group last season (Fiedorowicz, Griffin, and Anderson). I really think this group needs an upgrade, especially with Fiedorowicz contemplating retirement and Griffin also having concussion issues. Neither one saw the field much last season and Anderson is strictly a receiving TE who's not very good as a blocker. So, I don't think the Texans can afford to do nothing with this group this off season.

My guess is they will try to shore up this group by either getting a TE in FA or get one in the Draft, and maybe even both if Fiedorowicz decides to hang it up. I haven't looked at the TE's coming out in FA so I don't know if it's a weak or strong group. The TE's in the Draft look like an average group with some good ones at the top (unfortunately for the Texans) and some that may develop into solid TE's in the middle of the Draft like Gesicki, Schultz, and Fumagalli. Either way I think the Texans will have to get at least one and maybe even two TE's this off season to shore up that group.
Click to expand...

Funny that you mentioned this b/c I was going to include ideas on the TE position since I too view it as an important position of need. I really like TE, Durham Smythe (Notre Dame) as a RD6 target if he's still on the board. If Mike Gisecki (Penn St) or Troy Fumagalli (Wisconsin) are still on the board in RD4, it could be difficult to not take one of them. Smythe is my sleeper since he's a technically sound blocker who can catch but didn't get a lot of chances...which could help him hit early RD6. In the long run, I think Smythe could be the better NFL TE of this trio. Reason, he's already a strong blocker who only needs to get more chances in the receiving game. Gesicki and Fumagalli are the better receivers but need a lot of work in the blocking game which in my estimation, could make Smyhte the earlier contributor. Missing that RD5 pick is also a gut-punch when some positions are so deep...I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Smythe drops into the Texans lap.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Funny that you mentioned this b/c I was going to include ideas on the TE position since I too view it as an important position of need. I really like TE, Durham Smythe (Notre Dame) as a RD6 target if he's still on the board. If Mike Gisecki (Penn St) or Troy Fumagalli (Wisconsin) are still on the board in RD4, it could be difficult to not take one of them. Smythe is my sleeper since he's a technically sound blocker who can catch but didn't get a lot of chances...which could help him hit early RD6. In the long run, I think Smythe could be the better NFL TE of this trio. Reason, he's already a strong blocker who only needs to get more chances in the receiving game. Gesicki and Fumagalli are the better receivers but need a lot of work in the blocking game which in my estimation, could make Smyhte the earlier contributor. Missing that RD5 pick is also a gut-punch when some positions are so deep...I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Smythe drops into the Texans lap.
Click to expand...

That will be a stretch to get Smythe in the 6th rd although stranger things have happened in the Draft. He's projected as a 4th or 5th rounder by DraftScout at this point but could rise if he does well at the Combine/ProDay. David Wells from SDSU is another late round pick that could be had in the 7th. He will be at the Combine also and is considered a good blocking TE with good receiving skills that were underutilized at SDSU (9 catches, 133 yds, 2 TD's).
 
AngryNateFTW said:
I'd cut Lamar Miller and see if Nick Chubb or Kerryon Johnson are there in the 3rd or 4th.

Both look like great backs that fall because of the position they play.

Also, Fiedo is probably retiring.
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Just heard that Doug Martin (Tampa back), will be available. At the reserve min would there be value there or is there no thread left ? Just remember backs are a dime a dozen.
 
IDEXAN said:
Just heard that Doug Martin (Tampa back), will be available. At the reserve min would there be value there or is there no thread left ? Just remember backs are a dime a dozen.
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Martin has a lot of issues. And if you're trying to win, who in their right mind would take Martin over Miller?
 
Lucky said:
Why sign Mancz for 4 years? He's a RFA. The Texans could put a 2nd rounder tender on him, and if in the unlikely chance someone signs Mancz, the Texans get a 2nd round pick. If not, they'll only be on the hook for one season.

Edit:


Heeney and Peters are also RFAs, Heeney could be tendered, but it would be more than $1.5 million. He would return a 5th round pick if signed by another team. That's unlikely, as Heeney was a street FA when signed by the Texans. Peters came ito the NFL as an UDFA, so he would require at least a 2nd round tender to return immediate compensation. His tender would also be more than $1 million (likely around $1.9 million).

If neither Heeney or Peters are tendered as a RFA, they will become UFA and allowed to sign with any team. The vet minimum for both Heeney and Peters would be $705K.
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I would prefer to get a longer term contract with Mancz when it will be a bargain. He has been by far our best interior lineman the last couple seasons. He likely will start all of 2018, if he plays as I anticipate his price per year will double to $6-$7m. $3m per year is extremely low risk for Texans and will be good for Mancz to get more money up front. Win, win for Mancz and Texans in my opinion.

Lots of options with Heeney and Peters, whatever their pay is it will be insignificant. I thought 2nd round tenders were around $3m, Peters not worth that to me and I thought original round tender was around $1.5m which is why I did that for Heeney. Either way, both are expendable and cheap.
 
Lucky said:
I don't see this happening. One, Miller is the only RB under contract not rehabbing a major injury. Two, New GM Brian Gaine was Miami's Assistant GM when the Dolphins drafted Miller. Three, Gaine was the Texans Director of Player Personnel when the Texans signed Miller as a FA. Four, the RB FA market is thin. Five, the Texans are well below the cap already.

So, why cut Lamar Miller?
Click to expand...

IMO, Miller is a JAG in our offense. He has very little dead money and $12m of new money owed the next two years. Smart teams don't pay running backs $6m per year in new money unless they bring something extra. So far Lamar Miller has brought no extra.
 
Insideop said:
That will be a stretch to get Smythe in the 6th rd although stranger things have happened in the Draft. He's projected as a 4th or 5th rounder by DraftScout at this point but could rise if he does well at the Combine/ProDay. David Wells from SDSU is another late round pick that could be had in the 7th. He will be at the Combine also and is considered a good blocking TE with good receiving skills that were underutilized at SDSU (9 catches, 133 yds, 2 TD's).
Click to expand...

I'd seen a few list him a little later but if his Combine ups the ante, I still think he would be a sound RD4 investment. If Wells is still on the board in RD7 maybe they take him or hold-out hope he becomes UDFA. Thanks for pointing out Wells.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
I'd seen a few list him a little later but if his Combine ups the ante, I still think he would be a sound RD4 investment. If Wells is still on the board in RD7 maybe they take him or hold-out hope he becomes UDFA. Thanks for pointing out Wells.
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Agree on Smythe in the 4th rd. Just don't know where the Texans (BOB/Gaine) stand as far as when to get a TE in the Draft. If Fiedorowicz decides to retire then they could go after a TE as early as the 3rd rd. If he comes back they may hold off for awhile and get one of the later round TE's like Izzo or Wells.
 
Question to the folks who want to cut Lamar Miller:

Can your prospective RB replacements identify and pick up blitzers and catch out of the backfield?
Miller was pretty decent at both.

I just remember him sort of bailing Watson out a few times with timely catches that went for pretty good yards. And I've seen him pick up blitzers.

I'm asking because I don't want to downgrade any aspect of that position.
 
gs27 said:
Free Agents

Aaron Colvin - 5 yrs - $35 m
Kenny Vacarro - 4 yrs - $26 m
Cameron Fleming - 4 yrs - $24 m
EJ Gaines - 4 yrs - $20 m
Ryan Fitzpatrick - 2 yrs - $8 m
Click to expand...

These theoretical FA contracts aren't all that accurate. I get that it's an exercise and that may be what you think they are worth, but that's not how FA works. Everyone gets overbid. EJ Gaines played just below pro-bowl caliber for both the Rams and Bills yet you have him at $5M per year on this contract while Spotrac has his estimated market value at $9M per year (similar to the contracts KJax and David Amerson signed recently). The top 5 CB's on the market last year averaged $10M per year and a guy like Malcolm Butler being available this year is only going to increase the market on CB money.

Vacarro and Fleming are among the highest rated players at their respective positions on the FA market. They are going to get overpaid (especially Fleming because he's an OT). The top 3 Safeties on the market last year averaged $7M per year so your Vacarro contract is in the ballpark but Eric Berry also rewrote the Safety market this past offseason so we may see some effect from that. The top 4 OT's on the market last year averaged $11M per year on their FA contracts so Fleming at $6M per year isn't close. Especially considering the RT market was blown wide open last year with the Ricky Wagner contract.

As it is, Fleming is an average player anyway. Wouldn't throw money at him on the FA market because you will be overpaying for average. I would rather overpay for a top 3 OG in the league like Andrew Norwell. We have the cap space. Throw the cash at him and protect Watson.
 
ObsiWan said:
Question to the folks who want to cut Lamar Miller:

Can your prospective RB replacements identify and pick up blitzers and catch out of the backfield?
Miller was pretty decent at both.

I just remember him sort of bailing Watson out a few times with timely catches that went for pretty good yards. And I've seen him pick up blitzers.

I'm asking because I don't want to downgrade any aspect of that position.
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This. Miller is not who we thought we were getting but he still brings more value to the position than anyone else that we have. Yes, he's being overpaid for what he's bringing to the run game, but with $50M+ in cap space this year I think we can get away with that for another year while Foreman keeps developing.
 
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WolverineFan said:
This. Miller is not who we thought we were getting but he still brings more value to the position than anyone else that we have. Yes, he's being overpaid for what he's bringing to the run game, but with $50M+ in cap space this year I think we can get away with that for another year while Foreman keeps developing.
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I dont have any faith in Foreman making it back. No other RB has made it back from that injury. Gaine needs to plan appropriately. Who are some late rd RB's that fit the mold of RB's drafted since BOB has been here?

The one I keep thinking may be there in the 6th Rd is LSU's Williams, who BOB got a great look at the Sr. Bowl. Williams doesn't have the homerun speed that Guice has, but he's got a great burst and runs extremely hard. Maybe BOB starting Williams at the Sr Bowl means something.

Who would you compare Williams too?
 
steelbtexan said:
I dont have any faith in Foreman making it back. No other RB has made it back from that injury. Gaine needs to plan appropriately. Who are some late rd RB's that fit the mold of RB's drafted since BOB has been here?

The one I keep thinking may be there in the 6th Rd is LSU's Williams, who BOB got a great look at the Sr. Bowl. Williams doesn't have the homerun speed that Guice has, but he's got a great burst and runs extremely hard. Maybe BOB starting Williams at the Sr Bowl means something.

Who would you compare Williams too?
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He's drafted Blue, Hilliard, and Foreman so it's pretty obvious he's looking at bigger backs (IMO the Ervin pick was all on Smith as he was focusing on adding speed to the offense). I also remember O'Brien saying something in the past about preferring backs with less tread on their tires coming out of college.

I could definitely see Williams being on his list because he fits those metrics and can also catch. Honestly I would comp him to Alfred Blue. Similar body types with similar skill sets who got stuck playing behind better players. Legs are pretty fresh coming out of college.

I think Royce Freeman fits the bill for exactly what he wants at RB but he also had over 1,000 touches at Oregon so he may be scratched off the list. Same with Penny (who I think is overrated personally). I think Jarvion Franklin (Western Michigan) also fits the bill for what he wants but he had a ton of touches as well. Kalen Ballage could be one although he runs somewhat soft for a big back and that had turned people off before the Senior Bowl where he got to show off his athleticism. He has a very desirable skill set though.

Another guy to watch could be Jordan Wilkins from Ole Miss. Has a balanced game and not a lot of tread. Same with Lavon Coleman from Washington.
 
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WolverineFan said:
Another guy to watch could be Jordan Wilkins from Ole Miss. Has a balanced game and not a lot of tread. Same with Lavon Coleman from Washington.
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If we're naming RBs, I think Oregon State's Ryan Nall would be a good fit with Miller. He's a no frills power runner that can run routes and block. Probably could help on special teams. Maybe even double as an H-back.
 
WolverineFan said:
He's drafted Blue, Hilliard, and Foreman so it's pretty obvious he's looking at bigger backs (IMO the Ervin pick was all on Smith as he was focusing on adding speed to the offense). I also remember O'Brien saying something in the past about preferring backs with less tread on their tires coming out of college.

I could definitely see Williams being on his list because he fits those metrics and can also catch. Honestly I would comp him to Alfred Blue. Similar body types with similar skill sets who got stuck playing behind better players. Legs are pretty fresh coming out of college.

I think Royce Freeman fits the bill for exactly what he wants at RB but he also had over 1,000 touches at Oregon so he may be scratched off the list. Same with Penny (who I think is overrated personally). I think Jarvion Franklin (Western Michigan) also fits the bill for what he wants but he had a ton of touches as well. Kalen Ballage could be one although he runs somewhat soft for a big back and that had turned people off before the Senior Bowl where he got to show off his athleticism. He has a very desirable skill set though.

Another guy to watch could be Jordan Wilkins from Ole Miss. Has a balanced game and not a lot of tread. Same with Lavon Coleman from Washington.
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I will do comps and tell me what you think

Williams- Spencer Ware

Freeman- Alfred Morris with better hands.

Balage- Poor mans Foster

Penny- Thomas Jones

Wilkins- Very poor mans Priest Holmes

Franklin- Haven't seen (Who would be your comp?)

Coleman- Terron Ward
 
Well, I'm going to go ahead and say...I really liked what I saw from Alfred Blue down the stretch. I think the game is finally slowing down for him. He's going to be a very reasonable signing. Blue fits O'Brien's mold of what he desires in a RB.

If it's me, my RB investment in the draft would be, Josh Adams (Notre Dame / C: 481; Y: 3,198; TD: 20 / 6-2 @ 225 lbs). He has the size and speed to meet O'Brien's RB template, not to mention he has the low mileage coveted by O'Brien. He still delivered a very solid and outstanding performance for the 2017 season. I think another reason he could be a O'Brien RB, he has work ethic, is a leader on and off of the field, and he's a player who desires to be coached. ND RB Coach stated, Adams can run you over, he can run away from you, he can make you miss or he can run through you. You know, reminds me of Eddie George....so yeah, that's my target.
 
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Lucky said:
If we're naming RBs, I think Oregon State's Ryan Nall would be a good fit with Miller. He's a no frills power runner that can run routes and block. Probably could help on special teams. Maybe even double as an H-back.
Click to expand...

Nall has talent but if we're looking for a big body power runner who can catch and block then I'll take Jaylen Samuels all day every day. He's a total stud.
 
WolverineFan said:
Nall has talent but if we're looking for a big body power runner who can catch and block then I'll take Jaylen Samuels all day every day. He's a total stud.
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Samuels will go in the 3rd/4th rd. Looks like a Pats pick.

Nall is 5-7th rd or UDFA.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Well, I'm going to go ahead and say...I really liked what I saw from Alfred Blue down the stretch. I think the game is finally slowing down for him. He's going to be a very reasonable signing. Blue fits O'Brien's mold of what he desires in a RB.

If it's me, my RB investment in the draft would be, Josh Adams (Notre Dame / C: 481; Y: 3,198; TD: 20 / 6-2 @ 225 lbs). He has the size and speed to meet O'Brien's RB template, not to mention he has the low mileage coveted by O'Brien. He still delivered a very solid and outstanding performance for the 2017 season. I think another reason he could be a O'Brien RB, he has work ethic, is a leader on and off of the field, and he's a player who desires to be coached. ND RB Coach stated, Adams can run you over, he can run away from you, he can make you miss or he can run through you. You know, reminds me of Eddie George....so yeah, that's my target.
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I'm with you on Blue. I don't know why most on here and even on 610 radio seem to think he's done in Houston. I know he didn't get a lot of playing time last year until Foreman went down and Miller was hurt (out of gas?) near the end of the season. But, he did have some good games there at the end and shows he can still be a valuable asset as a backup RB, especially with Foreman's health in doubt. Also, he will be cheap to sign, knows the system, and plays Special Teams. I really think they resign him.

As for picking up a RB in the Draft, I think if they do it will be in the later rounds unless they know Foreman is not coming back soon or maybe done with football. Then I wouldn't be surprised if they took a RB in the 3rd or 4th round and a few more as UDFA's. Adams is projected to go in the 3rd to 4th rounds. I guess we'll see if they go RB at that time and what it could mean for Foreman and Blue. It's going to be an interesting off season!
 
Have any of the Texans RB's been all that good since Blue arrived? I'd really like to see the team put a decent OL in front of these runners before I give my final thoughts. In regards to Miller, he's still miscast as a runner in this offense. O'Brien and the team should realize he's a 3rd down back who needs to shed 10 pounds during the off-season so he regains his quickness he lost while trying to be the teams top bettering ram.
 
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OptimisticTexan said:
Have any of the Texans RB's been all that good since Blue arrived? I'd really like to see the team put a decent OL in front of these runners before I give my final thoughts. In regards to Miller, he's still miscast as a runner in this offense, unless O'Brien and the team realize he's a 3rd down back and ask him to shed 10 pounds during the off-season so he regains his quickness.
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What kills me regarding Miller is that he's a Superbowl MVP waiting to happen on the Patriots. For more than a decade Belichick has used his athletic backs to work mismatches in every which way. Miller is a better mismatch than anyone Belichick has used over the years (he's killing linebackers with late rounders). Despite being OC for that one glorious year, O'Brien wasn't privy to the 'why' and 'how' of success. We have a nuclear weapon and use him as a hand grenade, ignoring the impulse and reasoning that made him a Texan in the first place.
 
Scooter said:
What kills me regarding Miller is that he's a Superbowl MVP waiting to happen on the Patriots. For more than a decade Belichick has used his athletic backs to work mismatches in every which way. Miller is a better mismatch than anyone Belichick has used over the years (he's killing linebackers with late rounders). Despite being OC for that one glorious year, O'Brien wasn't privy to the 'why' and 'how' of success. We have a nuclear weapon and use him as a hand grenade, ignoring the impulse and reasoning that made him a Texan in the first place.
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You are 100% correct! Give Miller to the Patriots and he instantly becomes everything the Texans desired him to be....only they never had a proper plan in place to utilize his specific skill set.
 
Scooter said:
What kills me regarding Miller is that he's a Superbowl MVP waiting to happen on the Patriots. For more than a decade Belichick has used his athletic backs to work mismatches in every which way. Miller is a better mismatch than anyone Belichick has used over the years (he's killing linebackers with late rounders). Despite being OC for that one glorious year, O'Brien wasn't privy to the 'why' and 'how' of success. We have a nuclear weapon and use him as a hand grenade, ignoring the impulse and reasoning that made him a Texan in the first place.
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Miller looked much better with Watson playing QB.
 
steelbtexan said:
Miller looked much better with Watson playing QB.
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EVERYONE looked better with Watson at QB. It got our O'Brien a new 4 year deal, sacks dropped immediately (should we keep our offensive line?) and our speedy butterfingers somehow turned everything thrown his way into a touchdown. Well, everyone on offense was better at least.

Still doesn't forgive what O'Brien is doing to Miller. He CAN be a player to touch the ball 25 times a game, but it CAN'T be as a traditional Earl/Emmitt/Bettis workhorse. O'Brien's not such a novice that he can't understand the workings of stretch runs, pitches, counter pulls (maybe too novice to coach them) - and most importantly out-think your opponent in ways to get him a good matchup as a receiver. Isn't that the system? Win matchups? Miller is a matchup nightmare outside of one scenario (our running scheme) - repeated dives behind what appears to be 'everybody crash the line and hopefully something will open up'.
 
This is what makes OL the absolute priority this off-season. Everything in this offense depends on it. Teams will be better prepared for Watson this season, which again begs the FO to understand this and find answers....even expensive answers would be welcomed.

I don't think I would lose my mind if the Texans decided to spend the majority of the cap space on 3 signings....as long as those three names were, LT- Solder, LG- Sitton and RG- Norwell. If this was the only three guys signed this off-season, what's the overall effect to the Texans?

The draft strategy would change tremendously but, should Noteboom (RT- TCU) still be on the board, he could be plugged in Day1 at RT with Norwell playing next to him. I think the biggest strategy play the Texans would have with those FA signings...they could absolutely entertain talks of trading back from the #3 spot in both rounds and parlay both trades into extra picks in RD4 and RD5. Based on the teams adjusted positions of need after the projected FA signings, those extra picks would land players that could make first season impacts in some capacity. I'd still save a pick for OG, Gossett (App St) just so the OL cup boards are filled with talent for today and down the road.

Gaining 2 to 3 extra picks this season could put the Texans in a position to draft 2 TE's as well. I would target these TE's; RD3, Mark Andrews (OK), and RD4, Durham Smythe (ND). Of course, if Mike Gesicki (Penn St) was still on the board in RD3, I'd take him immediately but he'll be gone in all reality. If the team has managed to acquire a RD5 pick, I wouldn't be afraid to invest that pick into TE, Troy Fumagalli (WI). Would be a hell of a way to answer the questionable TE situation by getting both, Andrews or Smythe and Fumagalli.

Bottom line....with these moves, this Watson led offense would morph into one of the very best in the NFL.
 
I thought Norwell was a LG... do you really want to move more guys out of position?
 
JB said:
I thought Norwell was a LG... do you really want to move more guys out of position?
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Norwell is a RG and Sitton is a LG. Remember, these moves are not long term solutions but could be effective signings for a 2-3 year period...long term bridgers for new rookie OL.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Norwell is a RG and Sitton is a LG. Remember, these moves are not long term solutions but could be effective signings for a 2-3 year period...long term bridgers for new rookie OL.
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For the $$$$ that Norwell gets, he needs to be a long term solution. 5+ yrs. Sitton is a 2-3 yr guy who should come cheaper, but not cheap. He's the perfect guy you're describing.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
This is what makes OL the absolute priority this off-season. Everything in this offense depends on it. Teams will be better prepared for Watson this season, which again begs the FO to understand this and find answers....even expensive answers would be welcomed.

I don't think I would lose my mind if the Texans decided to spend the majority of the cap space on 3 signings....as long as those three names were, LT- Solder, LG- Sitton and RG- Norwell. If this was the only three guys signed this off-season, what's the overall effect to the Texans?

The draft strategy would change tremendously but, should Noteboom (RT- TCU) still be on the board, he could be plugged in Day1 at RT with Norwell playing next to him. I think the biggest strategy play the Texans would have with those FA signings...they could absolutely entertain talks of trading back from the #3 spot in both rounds and parlay both trades into extra picks in RD4 and RD5. Based on the teams adjusted positions of need after the projected FA signings, those extra picks would land players that could make first season impacts in some capacity. I'd still save a pick for OG, Gossett (App St) just so the OL cup boards are filled with talent for today and down the road.

Gaining 2 to 3 extra picks this season could put the Texans in a position to draft 2 TE's as well. I would target these TE's; RD3, Mark Andrews (OK), and RD4, Durham Smythe (ND). Of course, if Mike Gesicki (Penn St) was still on the board in RD3, I'd take him immediately but he'll be gone in all reality. If the team has managed to acquire a RD5 pick, I wouldn't be afraid to invest that pick into TE, Troy Fumagalli (WI). Would be a hell of a way to answer the questionable TE situation by getting both, Andrews or Smythe and Fumagalli.

Bottom line....with these moves, this Watson led offense would morph into one of the very best in the NFL.
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I would love this strategy, but would draft a guy like Andrews in the 3rd. I think he can become a really good blocker, he has the size for it. Then draft a late rd blocking TE like a Will Dissly in the 6th. If I waited til the 4th Fumigali would be my pick depending on who's on the board. He's got good hands and is a capable but not great blocker. A great red zone threat though.

I really dont like Gesicki that much, although a great receiving threat, he cant block worth a lick. Certainly not worth a 2nd rd pick that it would take to get him.
 
Lucky said:
Norwell has played LG his entire pro and college career. No team will recruit Norwell in FA to play anything but LG.
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Norwell is probably going to the Giants. But if he didn't I would sign him to play LG and Sitton to play RG (He's played RG with the Packers.)

Solder/Norwell/Sitton/ Draft a RT and a TE/CB in the 3rd and that's about as good an offseason as you could possibly hope for.
 
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