Pro Football Weekly-Texans Draft Speculation

[CowboysTexansFan]

"There’s a sense the Texans, who spent the No. 1 pick on DE Mario Williams and signed DE Anthony Weaver to a lucrative deal last offseason, will nonetheless be looking to address the defensive line early in this April’s draft. The Texans could be compelled to draft a defensive tackle on the draft’s first day; 2005 first-rounder Travis Johnson has been a major disappointment inside. Also, the team could look to add another pass rusher. Antwan Peek is an unrestricted free agent, and he may not be re-signed."

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2006/whispers2127.htm

It sucks that Travis Johnson is referred to as "a major disappointment inside." I can't say I disagree with that assessment, but it's a bummer such a high 1st round pick apparently was wasted.

 

[TexansTailg8r]

True, and the fact that Alex Barron and J. Brown were two pretty good OTs still on the board when we made that pick. Oh well, that was the last administration's fault

 

[Mr teX]

"There’s a sense the Texans, who spent the No. 1 pick on DE Mario Williams and signed DE Anthony Weaver to a lucrative deal last offseason, will nonetheless be looking to address the defensive line early in this April’s draft. The Texans could be compelled to draft a defensive tackle on the draft’s first day; 2005 first-rounder Travis Johnson has been a major disappointment inside. Also, the team could look to add another pass rusher. Antwan Peek is an unrestricted free agent, and he may not be re-signed."

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2006/whispers2127.htm

It sucks that Travis Johnson is referred to as "a major disappointment inside." I can't say I disagree with that assessment, but it's a bummer such a high 1st round pick apparently was wasted.

see my avatar.

 

[Honch Delgado]

The only Qb worth taking at #8 would be Jamarcus Russell and he'll probably be the top pick. They should really address the secondary though. A top prospect safety or legit #1 corner are desperately needed here unless the FO is gonna make some moves in FA. I don't mind looking at d-line but it is so disappointing that we have spent three 1st round picks and added a free agent and we're still lacking in that area.

 

[dbspi]

The only Qb worth taking at #8 would be Jamarcus Russell

Previous administration had absolutely no eye for talent what so ever. We were lucky to end up with AJ and DRob. Alan Branch would be a nice place to start fixing the DL.

If you don't have DT's who can collapse the pocket then it is useless who you may have as a pass rusher.

 

[hollywood_texan]

If the Texans keep Carr, they have to get a top-tier LT and RB either through the draft or free agency.

Travis Johnson's play is a disappointment, but I think Carr's play is even more of disappointment this year.

How can you keep Carr, say he doesn't succeed because he doesn't have talent, and then don't get talent to put around him?

It just doesn't make sense.

Top priority has to be offensive line and running back, otherwise we are probably going to be this exact same mess as last year.

 

[GP]

#67 Terrance Taylor is only a sophomore...but I watched him absolutely ball-hawk vs. USC in the first half.

This guy is going to be something else. He was shedding blockers and wreaking havoc on almost EVERY play he was involved with when on the field.

Too bad he's a soph.

He's only 6-0 compared to Branch at 6-6...and Branch is at 331 whereas Taylor is at 305. But still, I watched the game thinking "This guy is really making some plays or at least disrupting the play enough to get his teammates into position to stop the carrier."

I really think TJ is kept for depth at this point, and I think we'll see Smith/Kubiak take either one of the top DL prospects or trade down and take a DB to bolster the secondary.

You cannot sit there and continue to see us NOT get adequate pressure on the top QBs we face and think that the defense is OK without more firepower.

I'm happy with DL, DB, or even LB if need be. I will be a little concerned if we draft an offensive player (RB/WR) when we didn't take two of the best out there last year (Vince Young and Reggie Bush). IMO, we had the chance to draft something special on the offensive side of the ball last year...and now we need to stay focused upon improving a weak defense.

And "No," we'll not get better by having our defensive coordinator yell and get his players pumped up for each play. We'll get better by improving the QUALITY of our defense in addition to having a coordinator who gets his players ready to play each week.

The Bears got smart and stayed away from drafting hyped-up offensive players. I think they really drafted heavy on defense recently, and look at where it's got them: They have the WORST Qb in the NFL and it doesn't matter when the final whistle has blown. I know you cannot get very far with the way the Bears are winning: Sooner or later they will not be able to go much farther on defense alone.

I'm just saying this: Think how much more we would have won if we had a suffocating, intimidating, and opportunistic defense like the Bears and Ravens. We have BETTER offensive players than those two teams....just close your eyes and imagine our team this past season if we had a defense like the Bears or Ravens.

ESPN would be saying "Vince and Reggie were electric, but the Texans proved that a great defense is just as valuable..."

I'd give up a VY or a Reggie Bush every year if we had a dominant defense.

 

[the wonger need food]

It's amazing to look at how much we have invested in the defensive line compared to the returns... Gary Walker, Robaire Smith, Seth Payne, Travis Johnson, Jason Babin. All high-dollar and/or high draft picks with very little to show for it.

 

[HOU-TEX]

It's amazing to look at how much we have invested in the defensive line compared to the returns... Gary Walker, Robaire Smith, Seth Payne, Travis Johnson, Jason Babin. All high-dollar and/or high draft picks with very little to show for it.

Well, I know it's been beat to death, but that was Casserly's doing. That said, I agree there's been alot of wasted money and time on the D-line.

IMO, Smith did an outstanding job picking up D-line players off the street. It only leaves one to believe the draft selection will only be better.

 

[dirty steve]

Makes sense to ignore the biggest need on the team....an NFL caliber QB. But hey if losing is what you strive for, go pick some more defensive guys because if the other team scores 20 points, it's over.

get over it man. look at the teams with the dominant D's like Chicago and Baltimore and what it gets them--playoff appearances.

 

[El Tejano]

IMO, Smith did an outstanding job picking up D-line players off the street. It only leaves one to believe the draft selection will only be better.

Never thought of thinking of it that way. I would like to see what his draft is going to be like.

 

[dirty steve]

considering that there are only two (williams-weaver), maybe three players (maddox?) that are locks to come back next year on the DL, i think the position is more important in this offseason than some think. i think the branch pick makes alot of sense.

 

[Heywood]

Previous administration had absolutely no eye for talent what so ever. We were lucky to end up with AJ and DRob. Alan Branch would be a nice place to start fixing the DL.

If you don't have DT's who can collapse the pocket then it is useless who you may have as a pass rusher.

branch won't make it to 8. if he did, i'd be ecstatic. as would the texans, i believe.

 

[SLO Texan]

Well, I know it's been beat to death, but that was Casserly's doing. That said, I agree there's been alot of wasted money and time on the D-line.

IMO, Smith did an outstanding job picking up D-line players off the street. It only leaves one to believe the draft selection will only be better.

When will we finally stop feeling the effects of the previous staffs mistakes on our cap?
Are'nt Payne, Babin, and Peek the last of them?
Peek and Payne could both be gone next year too I think...
Geez Casserly is a dumb @$$!!! I wish he had some kind of public forum where we could rail him for his idiocy!!

 

[prostock101]

This team needs two things to happen in the offseason. OL and DL. Period. We need 4 DL that can put pressure on the QB without a blitz. After that you need a stout OL that can protect the QB and run block. Those two areas will make everybody behind them better. As far as I'm concerned we can use all our draft picks and FA pickups on those two areas and I'd be happy. We've got plenty of RB's and Sage can run the show awhile.

 

[Blake]

branch won't make it to 8. if he did, i'd be ecstatic. as would the texans, i believe.

With a player like Branch, you cant make blanket statements like that. You have no idea how high, or low he will go in the next few months.

Although I think he would be a great fit for the Browns @ #3, and Washington @ #6, so you may be correct.

 

[Texian]

Branch is a 3-4 Nose Tackle, He does not get the penetration needed for a 4-3. The best player to put added pressure on the QB would be Jamaal Anderson. That way you would have Reggie on the right and Julius on the left. Pick up Rod Coleman, Vonnie Holiday or Terrell Sands in FA for your DT.

 

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

Is Glenn Dorsey expected to declare for the draft?

 

[SLO Texan]

i know this is off topic but i didnt want to make a whole new thread for a simple ?

How do i put a poll into a new thread? i clicked the box for it and then n othing happens.....help!!!

Just to be on topic ......Trade down and get R.Nelson !!!!!

 

[Nawzer]

It's obvious that both sides of the line need major fixing. At this point it's too early to say who the Texans are targeting or what positions they're focusing on. We have a lot of holes everywhere. Our secondary needs an upgrade desperately, our o-lines need more talented players, our d-line needs players who can collapse the pocket and provide some kind of pass rush, we need a good runningback, and we need to have some real competition at the qb spot. You can't fix all of these problems in one season or through one draft. I'm hoping that the Texans solidify at least 2 of the major area of concern. Whichever one it maybe I want to see the Texans develop some real talent and depth at 2 or 3 positions.

 

[beerlover]

its important for the Texans to select the best player available for the future of the franchise. they felt like last year it was Mario, only time will tell. not only time but the players around him will have direct impact on his play, so it does make sense & prepare him for a truely breakout season, catching those two front runners dead in their tracks (play on words not truely dead).

this will be one of the key areas the Texans will look for improvement. DE's are the most sought after commodities on the DL (unless a truely great DT comes along who can dominate, question is Alan Branch that guy?). I really like Gaines Adams because of his speed & explosive first step to beat the tackle. he is just flat out fast & strong. just my opinion he would provide the most problems for teams coming off the weakside (RDE) with Mario playing the strongside (LDE). Gaines Adams should grade out = to or better than the 8th overall pick, so if the Texans take that route he should be their pick. Jamaal Anderson is like a poor mans Mario Williams, also big & strong just not as fast or complete, he would take time to develop. Jamaal should grade outside a top 10 pick (10-15) & not be worth the Texans pick unless they trade down.

Jarvis Moss, Florida looked awesome tonight against Ohio State, showed a good burst upfield, disruptive all night. not sure if he is coming out (Junior) but he deserves a 1st rd. grade.

2nd rd. there is LaMarr Woodley, Michigan, Adam Carriker, Nebraska, Quentin Moses & Charles Johnson of Georgia. anyone of these players would address this need allowing the Texans to fill that playmaker role on offense like Adrian Peterson @ RB.

3rd rd. the Texans could start looking @ DT. Quinn Pitcock is a good one, someone to keep an eye on tonight when Ohio State plays Florida. Of course I'm not gonna forget YTF favorite Brandon Mebane, Cal both players would become starters & make it harder to double team Mario.

 

[newport texan]

what pisses me off about the Travis Johnson pick is that nobody expected it-another classic "Casserly trying to outsmart everyone" move. None of us are on this board are gurus but every Casserly pick that we have ever questioned has busted!

 

[Napa Auto Parts]

Casserly is a terrible GM he should never be allowed to ruin i mean run another franchise. out of all the 1st round picks he has hit on 1 may be 2 with Dunta but Dunta aint that great either


1. David Carr Biggest bust since ryan leaf
2. AJ Solid Player that can get better with a better QB
3. Dunta Robinson i think AG leaving really hurt him.
4. Jason Babin If only he had as many sacks as he does tattoos
5. Travis Johnson What a Waste of a pick

 

[austintexanite]

"There’s a sense the Texans, who spent the No. 1 pick on DE Mario Williams and signed DE Anthony Weaver to a lucrative deal last offseason, will nonetheless be looking to address the defensive line early in this April’s draft. The Texans could be compelled to draft a defensive tackle on the draft’s first day; 2005 first-rounder Travis Johnson has been a major disappointment inside. Also, the team could look to add another pass rusher. Antwan Peek is an unrestricted free agent, and he may not be re-signed."


It sucks that Travis Johnson is referred to as "a major disappointment inside." I can't say I disagree with that assessment, but it's a bummer such a high 1st round pick apparently was wasted.

I agree man, I never understood that pick. We could have had Derrick Johnson, but instead we got Travis who has never lived up to his choice. He and Babin are choices I wish we could get back.

 

[mexican_texan]

I won't admit to any first round busts. Carr, as much as I dislike him, is a product of the worst lines in the NFL, an expansion team, and four years with Corey Bradford. He is a quasi bust, as it was not his talent that caused him to be a failure.

Babin, IMO, wasn't properly used by the previous staff, and though I am a fan and therefore biased, I like what I've seen out of him the second half of last year and this year in a limited role.

D-Rob is an elite CB, but IMO, we should have him as corner 1A instead of 1 with Faggins, Sanders, and Buchanon on the other side. For all his faults since his rookie year, how many good corners have played opposite Robinson? Not a one.

Travis Johnson, here is where a lot of ignorance comes in. Whether its on others for expecting too much or me for not looking at his faults, ignorance is present when making judgment. I've seen flashes from him, though he is by no means consistent. Looking at Brodrick Bunkley makes me feel better about TJ. We know he works hard when motivated, as he lost a lot of weight last year and played his way out of Kubiak's doghouse. He played well in the pre-season, but like everyone else on our team, he struggled early in the season. A season and a half is too soon to judge a DT if you ask me, but I can see how a lot of you are quick to label him a bust. Around the time he was drafted, many said he would not make an immediate impact, but that seemed to be forgotten. I think we expected too much from TJ, who I saw as out of place in the 3-4 last year.