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Any word on how Zabransky has looked?
- Thread starter drewmar74
- Start date
MorKnolle
All Pro
He's been fairly shaky but hasn't seen many reps from what I saw. He is a decent athlete with an ok arm but seems to be struggling with his timing, accuracy, and reading the field. I think he'll be a career-long backup/practice squad type of guy, he may stick around here on the practice squad, depending on who they end up liking better between he and Quinton Porter, or if they decide to go ahead and leave Van Pelt on the active roster.
So you've obviously attended some of the OTAs.
What thoughts do you have about any of the other rookies ?
I dunno, so I wonder how much access we fans will have to the TC practices this year ?
vtech9
All Pro
along those lines, I'm curious to see how Enoka Lucas is doing. From watching video on him, I think he has a good chance of replacing one of our current centers, and since he can also play OG, he could back up there as well.
You know, in my very modest career in HS/College ball I played in the backfied & LB, yet in recent years I've become totally captivated with OLineman. It's really entertaining to watch those 300 pounders move like they do, especially when they take on other 300 pounders in the DLine on those one-on-one pass blocking drills. That's when they see what they've got.
I doubt the Texans really start to rate their rookie OLinemen until TC starts and they can see the skills these OLineman have thru one-on-ones.
So I'm also anxious to see how Lucas does, 'cause we need all the help we can get in the OLine..
vtech9
All Pro
You're probably right, but I've noticed over the years that a lot of the undrafted guys get cut before training camp to try out someone else, so the team obviously does some kind of rating before then. Honestly, I wasn't real impressed with Flanagan last year. He just seemed slow and didn't have much punch. From watching the video of Enoka, he seems to have a very quick first step, and seems to have a pretty good punch.
MorKnolle
All Pro
I plan on writing up a blog entry on the couple OTA practices I've been able to see sometime this week, and I'm hoping I'll be able to get off work and be able to get into one of the minicamp practices this week to see one more practice worth of progression out of the guys, but at this point I don't know if I'll be able to make it. Either way I hope to have a more extensive write-up by mid-late week, but I'll post a couple quick thoughts on some of the rookies.
Amobi Okoye looks like a solid starter right now, easily our best DT FWIW. I think he will develop into a very good player and will be a valuable addition to our young defense. The DLine coaches are looked like they are really working with him and Mario because they expect so much out of the two of them.
Jacoby Jones is starting to look like a solid contributor as well. The early practice I saw he looked a little rough, but he's made progress already. He seems to be running routes noticably better and he definitely has good size and athleticism. I think he could end up pushing Kevin Walter for the other starting WR spot by mid-late season and should be our 3rd WR from week1, plus he looks like he will be solid in the return game as well.
Fred Bennett is progressing decently as well. The early practice I saw he mainly worked with the 3rd team, but this last one it looked like he was lining up with the 2nd team, although I didn't see him with the 1st team nickel at all (Jamar Fletcher was still in there). Hoke and Dunta seem to be working with him in position drills and on the side during team drills, so I expect he'll be receiving good instruction and progress well. Right now he is a little rough technique-wise and he has a reputation for being somewhat soft in the tackling department, although you can't tell anything on that during OTAs. I think by the 2008 season he could be a starting CB for us, he has good size and athleticism and once he refines his technique and gets accustomed to the level of play here I think he can have a successful career.
Brandon Harrison hasn't practiced yet due to Stanford not having graduation until June 17th (according to their website).
Brandon Frye has looked ok. I would compare him to a poor-man's Eric Winston. They have similar size and build, Winston is more athletic but Frye is still solid in that department. Frye is a little underdeveloped this point in terms of his technique, but if anything he is probably a little stronger than Winston, at least in his upper body. From what I remember of Frye in college I recall he had a decent meanstreak too when he got going. I think he'll be a solid backup OT, hopefully replace Ephraim Salaam as our swing tackle in 2008 and back up Winston and Spencer.
Kasey Studdard has also looked ok. He hasn't really stood out one way or another, which is generally a decent sign for OLinemen. He doesn't look quite like the prototypical ZBS lineman on the field, but I think he could be an ok backup, I would guess he lands on practice squad this year.
Zach Diles looked ok in the few reps I saw of him. He isn't overly big or athletic but he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and seems like he reads things fairly well. Obviously I can't tell anything about his tackling abilities at this point so we'll wait until the preseason games for that. He has mainly been in on 3rd string other than one practice this last week I think he filled in as 2nd string MLB when I think Danny Clark was out. He could make the roster as a special teams type of guy for now, I think he will likely end up on practice squad this year though.
Jon Abbate is another smallish LB, at least height-wise. He is built pretty well. He reminds me a little of Troy Evans, probably not as enthusiastic or hard-working yet but he's probably more talented overall. He's that same type of smallish LB that isn't especially athletic but will likely be solid on special teams and spot duty on defense.
Cory Anderson has seen some time with the 2nd and 3rd string as Jameel Cook was sitting out of the practices I saw, I don't know what's up with him. I don't expect Cook to remain on the team with the contract they gave to Leach, so Anderson could end up on practice squad for now as a possible injury replacement. He seems like their type of FB, although I like Quadtrine Hill better last year.
I haven't noticed a whole lot about Victor Degrate or Deljuan Robinson outside of position drills and 1 on 1s. Both look like training camp bodies IMO.
Onrea Jones and Terry Richardson have looked ok but I doubt either makes the roster. Jones may make it on the practice squad, as of what little I've seen I probably like him a little better, but I wouldn't expect either to contribute during the season.
Brandon Mitchell looked ok early on but was out the last time I went with some kind of injury. He was a little rough technique-wise and but seemed to have decent size and athleticism, he may end up making it as a backup somewhere but I doubt it would be here since it looks like he's missed some time and we have a decent amount of DBs duking it out right now.
I haven't noticed much of Enoka Lucas and Tavo Tupola outside of position drills. I think both look like decent fits for a ZBS but I don't know how talented either of them is. I could see Lucas making it on the practice squad this year.
Darius Walker has looked ok although he's only seen time with the 3rd team. I seriously doubt he makes the active roster with 5 guys all in front of him at this moment (plus any others that become available on roster cut-downs later). He is similar to Domanick Davis/Williams only not as good in any category, but he's got ok size/build and is decent at almost everything. He could end up on practice squad unless they drop Lundy or Taylor down.
Jared Zabransky as I mentioned before has looked a little shaky but it looks and sounds like he is putting in some extra time to improve. He could end up on practice squad but especially with Schaub getting his contract this year and Sage looking entrenched as the backup I don't expect to see Zabransky here long-term.
drewmar74
disgruntled
Dude, awesome writeup. Thanks for taking the time to post all of that and I look forward to reading the blog entry in its entirety. I'm more than a little jealous that you get to go watch some of the OTA's. Even though I'm only 2-3 hours away, it would be impossible to break away to go see some workouts.
I found that uber-encouraging about Amobi and Jacoby. Heck, I also raised an eyebrow regarding Bennett and Frye. I don't guess that I expected that much out of anyone else, so anything in addition that was positive was taken as icing on the cake.
I know that we've still got a lot of "ifs" on this team, but its really hard not to be encouraged.
I found that uber-encouraging about Amobi and Jacoby. Heck, I also raised an eyebrow regarding Bennett and Frye. I don't guess that I expected that much out of anyone else, so anything in addition that was positive was taken as icing on the cake.
I know that we've still got a lot of "ifs" on this team, but its really hard not to be encouraged.
Yankee_In_TX
Dance Lindsay!
OTA's are closed, sessions, right?
And thanks for the write up!!
And thanks for the write up!!
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
I believe he's already been signed by the Texans. It's just a matter of him making the team at this point and that's just not very likely.
As prolific as he was in college, will that translate well into the NFL? I'm not as optimistic as one would expect to be. Now... I sure hope that he breaks everything all open that he's a Texan but we're going to have to sit tight with Matt Schaub at the helm at this point in time.
I know I'm not saying anything new but I'm certainly one of those who's gunning for Zabransky. I'm not so sure that I want him to challenge Matt Schaub. Schaub is our starter and I'm going to sit pat on that. If he were to challenge Schaub then that would reflect poorly on the front office for paying such a price for Schaub.
I'm not saying that we overpaid. I'm just saying we paid a lot and for a guy to come on off the practice squad and put him out just isn't a very likely scenario. I see the front office sitting pretty with Matt Schaub regardless of his performance this season. He will be our starter and Zabransky can only hope that he can make the roster as a third QB.
powerfuldragon
Enchilada Aficionado.
bullhorn has a great sig.
Hagar
Drink up yall, its the Texans!
After all the money the Texans have spent on DTs, a 19 year old rookie is "easily our best DT". Thats so sad you have to laugh.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Really, help my memory out here and list off all the money the Texans have spent on DT's?
I'll spot you TJ--and?
Let me save you a few attempts--Walker DE, Weaver DE, Babin DE/LB, Payne DT but solid when healthy and no longer on the roster so not available for comparison, Robaire--DE.
Where is all the DT money?
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
powerfuldragon
Enchilada Aficionado.
BULLHORN
Practice Squad
Technically Walker, R.Smith, Payne, etc. were DEs in the 3-4, but in truth they were all really tackles. And Weaver was brought here to play end in Kubiaks 4-3, but played quite a bit on the inside last year.
And most of all, many think we may ultimately find out that Mario really is best suited to play tackle in the 4-3. That of course remains to been seen.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Payne is the only one who played DT for the Texans and that's what counts when talking about the money the Texans have spent on the DT position.
TJ himself played DE in the Capers 3-4, but of course is a tackle just as Walker, R. Smith, etc. were and where they would play if still here in Kubiaks defense.
The difference in the 3-4 DEs & 4-3 DTs is primarily in the job title and not
the required skill set or job description. You don't really have DEs in the 3-4.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
I understand all that but it is irrelevant to the issue. It isn't whether the Texans have a bunch of guys who could play DT it is whether the Texans have spent a bunch of money on the DT position, i.e. the guys on the depth chart at DT--they have not.
R
real
Guest
That's not really true....
I agree with your overall point that the DE's in the 3-4 are DT's in the 4-3 (althought that's not entirely true either)....
badboy
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the update. I'll cancel my Houston Chronicle subscription. Good info that is welcomed.
Hagar
Drink up yall, its the Texans!
Old Texans Article
Blurbs from various place on the contracts of these players:
Payne: signed free-agent nose tackle Seth Payne to a four-year, $16 million deal.
Johnson: Travis Johnson's contract with the Texans: (2005) Signed a 5-year $10.2 million contract; $7.7 million guaranteed; (2007) $435,000; (2008) $707,500; (2009) $1,030,000; (2010) $1,352,500; (2011) $1,675,000; (2012) Free Agent
Smith: Smith's contract is worth $26.3 million and he received an $8 million signing bonus. He'll receive base salaries of $750,000 in '04, $1.35 million in 2005 and $3.4 million in 2006.
Walker: The Houston Texans have reworked the contract for two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Gary Walker to make it more salary-cap friendly.
Walker would have counted about $12.6 million against the cap this season under the contract the Texans inherited when they plucked him from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2002 expansion draft. His new six-year deal softens the blow, though financial terms were not immediately available.
I could be mistaken here, but it looks like a lot of money to me. Funny part is, the worst player of the bunch is still on the team.
Granted if you took the absolute, most conservitive view of DT position, my earlier statement would be incorrect. But if you just expand your vision, just a little bit, you might see where I'm coming from.
Blurbs from various place on the contracts of these players:
Payne: signed free-agent nose tackle Seth Payne to a four-year, $16 million deal.
Johnson: Travis Johnson's contract with the Texans: (2005) Signed a 5-year $10.2 million contract; $7.7 million guaranteed; (2007) $435,000; (2008) $707,500; (2009) $1,030,000; (2010) $1,352,500; (2011) $1,675,000; (2012) Free Agent
Smith: Smith's contract is worth $26.3 million and he received an $8 million signing bonus. He'll receive base salaries of $750,000 in '04, $1.35 million in 2005 and $3.4 million in 2006.
Walker: The Houston Texans have reworked the contract for two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Gary Walker to make it more salary-cap friendly.
Walker would have counted about $12.6 million against the cap this season under the contract the Texans inherited when they plucked him from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2002 expansion draft. His new six-year deal softens the blow, though financial terms were not immediately available.
I could be mistaken here, but it looks like a lot of money to me. Funny part is, the worst player of the bunch is still on the team.
R
real
Guest
I don't think T.J is that bad....I just think he can't stay healthy...I think he's going to be awesome for us in a back up role this year...i doubt he comes around, but if he does that'd be great...He may end up being a goner due simply to being an overpaid back-up though...
But my over all point is that he has some talent and if he can just stay focused and consistent he might be a keeper...
But my over all point is that he has some talent and if he can just stay focused and consistent he might be a keeper...
threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
If Mario is on the inside, that there thingy is a busted pick. Rick Smith should be on the phone to a three four team immediatly and slavage what he can from the disater if Mario is a DT. Not going to happen. We passed on the two water walkers for a shot at Reggie White. Plantar farcus has given you cataracs. You don't put 4.6, 299 on the inside. Jimmy Kennedy just got delt for a six pack and a song. Space eating big guys are a dime a dozen.Quick big guys who post 4.6's are not. Those guys give elite OLTs and their QBs head aches. No one got the edge last year on Mario. He is a DE. Period.
The only question about Mario at this point is will the injury be chornic. His hands play improved every game even with the gimmpy foot his rookie season. The only thing I'm looking for this preseaon with Mario is how many moves has he added to his arsonal ? That is one of the "ifs". Can we get a push with just the four down guys ? If Mario's foot is 100% that should be a "yes". But not if he's banging on the inside. A 100% Mario should be a very scary thingy coupled with the John Randle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Randle we just drafted. We should get a push with just the four.
threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
The only thing positive about the T.J. pick thus far is that the move down gave them an oportunity to go back to back along the o-line the next draft. He's got one more year at best. They'll eat the salary this season for a warm healthy body. After that he's gone. The college hype doesn't eqaul the player. The fact that they had to double dip with the Okoye pick is very damning for T.J. From my tree he looks as though his production in college was a by product of those tallents around him. I wouldn't at all be surprise if he wasn't amoung the first cuts to get down to 76. If they offer to restucture him at a more cap friendly number, he should take the deal. Anything more than the vet minimum is a waist. He will be out of the league in three seasons.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Not an option. His salary is already at or near minimum this season at $435 k. His total cap hit is $1.45 mil. The problem is his prorated signing bonus which still has 5 years at $1 mil a year so he is way more expensive to cut than keep. The only way to get that number down is extend the term of his contract.
TK_Gamer
Veteran
TJ is kinda my step child hopefull, I think if he can stay healthy all year and Okoye and Maddox can apply pressure, we could still salvage a solid player out of him. I don't think he will ever live up to 1st round money but not alot of players do. The biggest problem is the structuring of his contract, the old regime just loved to give guaranteed money away. I think an unproven rookie should get more incentive bonuses than guaranteed signing bonuses. but I would probably make a terrible GM.
MorKnolle
All Pro
OTA's are closed, sessions, right?
And thanks for the write up!!
OTAs are closed to the public, but if you know people that work there they can get you in as a guest, and luckily I've gotten to catch a few of the early practices each of the last couple years. I can't wait for training camp to see how things keep coming together and see what Brandon Harrison brings to the table, along with hopefully having Jerome Mathis, Anthony Weaver, and Charles Spencer back from injuries.
Honoring Earl 34
Something Witty !
One of the best things about this board is the camp reports from Mork and crew .
vtech9
All Pro
Amen brother...Mork, a.j., and a few others, have my utmost respect for their time and effort to keep the rest of us up to date with the goings on at camp. You guys definately have my appreciation.
R
real
Guest
He played out of position his first two years. Last year was his first year back in the system he's comfortable with and best in. Not really sure what games you were watching, but when healthy last year T.J. made plays.
Maddict5
Hall of Fame
R
real
Guest
My bad.
Maddict5
Hall of Fame
no bother... we all make mistakes but it does seem that tj has been around longer than 2 seasons
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
I hope the guy steps up this year. He was working with the twos yesterday. Even though they were without pads doing run throughs, he was far from impressive. The few plays I saw of him he was thrown around like a ragdoll by the Oline. Mario over persued a couple plays. One was a pitch left and he went after the QB. It could've been a designed play so I ain't going to read much into it. Amobi looked good, very quick off the ball.
