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First Look - Next Years Draft

Number19

Number19

Hall of Fame
It's still very early, but I started looking at Senior prospects, with an eye as to who just immediately jumped out. And with an eye toward need. To me, that mostly means defense.

At the top of my list is Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis. He's going to be the first LB off the board and probably won't be available. Definitely a top 10 pick and probably a top 5.

But right behind Laurinaitis is Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry, who could be there for us: 6'-1 3/4", 247#, est 40 - 4.61.... positives : very instinctive, naturally strong, rare strength at point of attack, excellent hand use, plays big, smart, good coverage awareness, strong tackler. Negatives : ??????

The top cornerback on my list is Oregon State's Brandon Hughes. I'd like to pick him up in the second, but I don't think he'll last. Positives I've read about this player : 5'-10", 180 #, est 40 - 4.5....high character, productive technician, can shuttle and mirror, solid tackler, supports the run hard, plays bigger than his size, best in zone scheme. Negatives : needs to get bigger.

Western Michigan CB Londen Fryar is right behind Hughs. He is the son of Irving Fryar and seems to have all the qualities of a top notch CB. His big negative seems to be a swelled head and humongous ego.

No safeties have really caught my eye as worthy of our top 2 picks.

No DT's have jumped out at me.

At DE, Texas' Brian Orakpo. His big negative seems to be an inconsistent motor.

There you have it. 5 defensive players.

On offense, I didn't look at QB, RB ( I'm satisfied with Slaton - we have other needs ), TE or receiver.

I didn't look at Tackle, I figure we are set there, for now, and we have more pressing needs.

I haven't seen any OG's I really like.

But I have noticed how our OC gets manhandled and pushed back. This is, IMO, our most serious need on the OL. There's two I like, California's Alex Mack and Arkansas' Jonathan Luigs. If one of these were available in the 3rd, I'd have to consider real hard in investing this pick on this position.
 
Nice post, all definitely players that can improve this team. I'm more and more interested in find football players. Not too worried about measurables, if he can play... he can play. Someone that knows the game of football.

Keep an eye on Brandon Spikes, LB from Florida. Everytime I watch him, I come away more and more impressed. He's a good pass rusher too. There will definitely be some LB's to choose from in the 1st if we decide to go that route.

Have you gotten a look at the Center from Oregon - Unger? I havn't seen too much of him but am hearing some positives.
 
Unger is slightly overrated because of his ability to play multiple positions.

He is still a good mid-round pick though.
 
Unger is one I'm holding my opinion on until the workouts and combine. He may not be well suited for the ZB system. He may also have short arms and I'm not a fan of OL'men who have short arms. I'm not always right in this regard - I had the same opinion about Caveman and he's turned into a fine pick. But then again, it turned out his arm length was just at what is considered NFL minimum.

Spikes hasn't been on my radar.
 
Mays is a physical freak, but he doesn't seem to play up to his ability (not that he plays bad).

It may be because he is surrounded by All-Americans on defense and feels like he doesn't have to do as much, but it could be something else....
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Nice post, all definitely players that can improve this team. I'm more and more interested in find football players. Not too worried about measurables, if he can play... he can play. Someone that knows the game of football.

Keep an eye on Brandon Spikes, LB from Florida. Everytime I watch him, I come away more and more impressed. He's a good pass rusher too. There will definitely be some LB's to choose from in the 1st if we decide to go that route.

Have you gotten a look at the Center from Oregon - Unger? I havn't seen too much of him but am hearing some positives.
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Unger is on my wish list. Becasue of his versatility (he can play any position on the line) and his athleticism he may be gone before we pick in the 2nd. He is perfect for a ZB scheme like ours. If he can get a little stronger and add some weight some teams might want to get a look at him at LT at the combine.

I also like Spikes the more i see of him. His stock has to be rising up th way he has been playing lately.

2 players you might like that dont exactly have great measurables but can really play and IMO would really help this team are Victor Harris CB VTech. He is listed at 6' 192# not bad but only 4.55 in the 40. I have a feeling he will improve that time at the combine. He has gotten better every year. Hes physical, good in run support a threat to take it to the house if he gets his hands on a pass. Even plays on offense once in awhile. To top it off he is a very good kick returner.

The other is Emanuel Cook S from SC. He is only 5'10" and that might be a stretch but he weights 210#. I have heard him compared to Bob Sanders more than once. He is a very strong tackler and has good enough cover skills to get a look at CB at the combine.

I would take either one of these guys in the second round.
 
I'm keeping an eye on Unger as well.

How about Rashad Jennings (RB) out of Liberty college? He's 6'-1" 232lbs. & runs a 4.46 40 time.

Sounds like he could be the thunder to Slaton's lightning.
 
Number19 said:
But I have noticed how our OC gets manhandled and pushed back. This is, IMO, our most serious need on the OL. There's two I like, California's Alex Mack and Arkansas' Jonathan Luigs. If one of these were available in the 3rd, I'd have to consider real hard in investing this pick on this position.
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Well, if Shanahan (spelling?) Jr. would get off the field, he wouldn't get shoved around so much, lol. :jk:
 
Hottoddie said:
I'm keeping an eye on Unger as well.

How about Rashad Jennings (RB) out of Liberty college? He's 6'-1" 232lbs. & runs a 4.46 40 time.

Sounds like he could be the thunder to Slaton's lightning.
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Hes on my sleeper list.
along with Shonn Greene*, Iowa
Height: 5-11. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
10/26/08: Shonn Greene has been an absolute beast this year. Through eight games, Greene has tallied at least 100 yards in every single game, including a 217-yard, four-touchdown performance against Wisconsin.

Rashad Jennings, Liberty
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
10/18/08: For those of you who don't follow 1-AA football, Liberty is undefeated. The main reason is Rashad Jennings, who is literally carrying the Flames, Through six games, Jennings has 725 yards and eight touchdowns on a 5.6 YPC clip. NFL GMs and scouts are going to love his 40 time.

5/21/08: Rashad Jennings is a transfer from Pittsburgh, but he didn't switch schools because he couldn't keep up; he had family issues to deal with. At Liberty, Jennings totaled 1,113 yards and 15 touchdowns.
 
mussop said:
What exactly is it that you see as his weakness?
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I don't really see any "weaknesses".

But he isn't as strong at the point of attack as I would like. That may or may not be important in our scheme, it's just something I look at.

I'm also not a fan of taking centers before the third round unless it is an elite guy (like Kalil in 07). I wouldn't be opposed to taking Unger in the third. I just think that he will be overvalued because of his versatilty and taken higher than he should be.
 
I can really see how easy it could be for us to fix the middle of our OL early in this draft and have pretty much a dominant offense. It's just hard for me to think if we do that... we're avoiding serious upgrades to our defense.

I think, with the draft, you don't make very many decisions before hand. You gotta see how it shakes out, be prepared, and be flexible. You gotta take what it gives you... but I'm really thinking we're at least hoping those star players that slip are on the D side.

I still have hope for our OL, they HAVE improved, and I think will continue to do so as they play more. Doesn't look like a finished product by any means, but if they continue to improve even a little, we should be able to focus on getting some playmakers on the other side.


It gets back to what the Texans worked so hard during the offseason. Protect the ball, create turnovers on D, and don't get penalties. I think the D needs to be more proactive in forcing turnovers but after that- we've improved a great deal. I know your going to say turnovers- but That's not our RB,WR, TE's problems- they've got it down. It's the QB's and the darn Red Zone. That's what they've got to work on this offseason and I think we'll see improvement and that will have an IMMEDIATE impact on our W/L record alone. (More offensive points, higher T.O.P., rested defense, etc.)
 
Ummm we do need a RB. Not one w/any of our top picks but we need someone to move the damn pile.
 
The one good thing about space eating DTs and interior offesinve linemen is that you can always get good value for them. I'm not sure what big boys will be available in FA but here are two NT that could be available in the 4th round (info from walterfootball.com projections updated Nov 23)
Ron Brace, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round: 3-4.
5/9/08: Took over for B.J. Raji as Boston College's mammoth nose tackle. Ron Brace started seven games and recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, earning an All-ACC honorable mention.

Terrance Taylor, Michigan
Height: 6-0. Weight: 317.
Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
11/23/08: Once a possible first-round prospect, Terrance Taylor hasn't done much this year since blocking an extra point early in the season.

5/9/08: Terrance Taylor had 4.5 career sacks, but his bread and butter (and lots of butter at that) is stopping the run, though you probably knew that just by looking at his size.

2007: With Alan Branch and LaMarr Woodley gone, offensive coordinators will focus on stopping Terrance Taylor. If he's dominant this season, he may come out. There aren't too many 310-pound tackles who are close to breaking 5.0 in the 40.

As to C/G, C is very deep in this draft so it should be possible to find good quality late. A couple of names from walterfootball (projections updated Nov 2.)
A.Q. Shipley, Penn State (C)
Height: 6-1. Weight: 298.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
5/26/08: A.Q. Shipley has started every game the past two years and was named to the All-Big Ten first team. Co-captain for the Nittany Lions in 2008.

2007: I'd like to see A.Q. Shipley put on a few more pounds of muscle. He has two years to do so, meaning he still has time to move up my rankings. Shipley has has 14 career starts as of the first week of September.

Max Unger, Oregon (C)
Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
5/24/08: An extremely athletic and smart center who can also play offensive tackle. Max Unger's not as strong as some GMs would like, but he'll be an effective pass protector in a zone scheme.

2007: Possibly a candidate for a team with a zone-blocking scheme.

Eric Wood, Louisville (C)
Height: 6-4. Weight: 304.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
5/26/08: You're getting a rock at center if you draft Eric Wood; he's started 37 consecutive games. He was voted to the All-Big East first team last year.

2007: A member of the All-Big East second team in 2006, Eric Wood started all 13 games as a sophomore.

Tyronne Green, Auburn (G)
Height: 6-2. Weight: 309.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2009): 6. (I think he'll go earlier)
5/25/08: Thrived as a first-year starter in Auburn's offense, earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors once in 2007.

Rich Ohrnberger, Penn State (G)
Height: 6-2. Weight: 296.
Projected 40 Time: 5.16.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
11/2/08: There are many reasons for Penn State's success - one of which is the dominant play of the offensive line. Like his other four teammates, Rich Ohrnberger is doing a great job up front.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I can really see how easy it could be for us to fix the middle of our OL early in this draft and have pretty much a dominant offense. It's just hard for me to think if we do that... we're avoiding serious upgrades to our defense.

I think, with the draft, you don't make very many decisions before hand. You gotta see how it shakes out, be prepared, and be flexible. You gotta take what it gives you... but I'm really thinking we're at least hoping those star players that slip are on the D side.

I still have hope for our OL, they HAVE improved, and I think will continue to do so as they play more. Doesn't look like a finished product by any means, but if they continue to improve even a little, we should be able to focus on getting some playmakers on the other side.


It gets back to what the Texans worked so hard during the offseason. Protect the ball, create turnovers on D, and don't get penalties. I think the D needs to be more proactive in forcing turnovers but after that- we've improved a great deal. I know your going to say turnovers- but That's not our RB,WR, TE's problems- they've got it down. It's the QB's and the darn Red Zone. That's what they've got to work on this offseason and I think we'll see improvement and that will have an IMMEDIATE impact on our W/L record alone. (More offensive points, higher T.O.P., rested defense, etc.)
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My question OMT would be, who do you really justify taking with our first pick looking at our needs on defense? A list of LBs comes to mind but outside of that what players would be a reach? Adibi has proven to be a nice pick, Molden is doing well in ST and I'd really like to see get him some PT, and Okam is stil la question mark. The problem is how the defense has looked the past two weeks when RS gets it in his head it's okay to be aggressive startto finish. I'm not saying we're stacked with Pro-bowlers but there is enough talent there to field a middle of the pack defense.

I think we'd do good to draft a guy like Duke Robinson and seal up the interior line whomever is C next year. There is going to be good talent falling to the second and we'll have choices there on both sides of the ball.

I think it is much easier to plug and play defensive FAs then Offensive ones and there will be some good talent available on the defensive side of that ball.
 
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mussop said:
2 players you might like that dont exactly have great measurables but can really play and IMO would really help this team are Victor Harris CB VTech. He is listed at 6' 192# not bad but only 4.55 in the 40. I have a feeling he will improve that time at the combine. He has gotten better every year. Hes physical, good in run support a threat to take it to the house if he gets his hands on a pass. Even plays on offense once in awhile. To top it off he is a very good kick returner.

The other is Emanuel Cook S from SC. He is only 5'10" and that might be a stretch but he weights 210#. I have heard him compared to Bob Sanders more than once. He is a very strong tackler and has good enough cover skills to get a look at CB at the combine.

I would take either one of these guys in the second round.
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I haven't seen either one of these players play, but Cook's name keeps popping up as someone to keep an eye on. I know ideally he doesn't have the size, but he's a little bigger than Sanders (5'8" 206 lbs) and Polamalu (5'10" 207 lbs). If he can "bring it" like they can, they need to jump on him in the 2nd round if he's still there. JMHO!
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
...I think, with the draft, you don't make very many decisions before hand. You gotta see how it shakes out, be prepared, and be flexible. You gotta take what it gives you... but I'm really thinking we're at least hoping those star players that slip are on the D side.

I still have hope for our OL, they HAVE improved, and I think will continue to do so as they play more. Doesn't look like a finished product by any means, but if they continue to improve even a little, we should be able to focus on getting some playmakers on the other side...
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Exactly. We've been discussing it earlier, but the deepest positions of this coming draft may be at LB and OC and both of these are areas of need. I agree, regarding our OL, that there is reason for some optimism. But I am also somewhat concerned. Slaton has gotten his yards this season, but there are also a LOT of plays he is being stopped for no gain and for losses. I think we need to address Center in this draft, because of the depth of quality, but I'm willing to give them one more season to come together before we consider major changes.
 
dsorc said:
The one good thing about space eating DTs and interior offesinve linemen is that you can always get good value for them.
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Can you?

If you think of some of the dominant big-man DTs in the league, a lot of them were early-mid first rounders.

Haloti Ngata - 12th
Albert Haynesworth - 15th
Marcus Stroud - 13th
John Henderson - 9th
Vince Wilfork - 21st
Kevin Williams - 9th

Granted, some were taken in the second.
Shaun Rogers - 62nd
Kris Jenkins - 45th

And there's the occasional gem..
Pat Williams - UDFA

But, for the most part, if you want a truly dominant DT, you have to pay for him. I'd love to get some good value on a DL, especially after drafting so many of them in the first over the past few years, but you're going to have to sell me on a really special LB, CB, or DE for me to be happy about passing up Cody or Raji.
 
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nero THE zero said:
Can you?

If you think of some of the dominant big-man DTs in the league, a lot of them were early-mid first rounders.

Haloti Ngata - 12th
Albert Haynesworth - 15th
Marcus Stroud - 13th
John Henderson - 9th
Vince Wilfork - 21st
Kevin Williams - 9th

Granted, some were taken in the second.
Shaun Rogers - 62nd
Kris Jenkins - 45th

And there's the occasional gym...
Pat Williams - UDFA

But, for the most part, if you want a truly dominant DT, you have to pay for him. I'd love to get some good value on a DL, especially after drafting some many of them in the first over the past few years, but you're going to have to sell me on a really special LB, CB, or DE for me to be happy about passing up Cody or Raji.
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In general though, there's very few NTs that go that high with UTs being drafted earlier. An average NT doesn't put as much stats (usually little to no sacks) plus they're considered 2 down linemen. An average UT will get more attention. Notice I'm mentioning average, the guys you mentioned all break the mold. And do we really need an exceptional NT? Sure, it wouldn't hurt but a rotational guy but might be good enough to shore up the run.

The other thing in my mind is that I really do believe that Richard Smith has set up our line to fail against the run. The man just hates NTs as evidenced by letting go of Maddox and his refusal of letteing Okam play. We don't know what we have in Okam but when he's played he's done fine. Between Okam and another guy we might be able to do well enough in run situations.

As to your last comment. Cody has already implied that he's not coming out. Raji might be gone before we make our 2nd pick. There's really not another great NT. We probably should go BPA defense on those two picks so if a good NT is there why not. But we still should keep an eye on late round prospect just in case.
 
dsorc said:
In general though, there's very few NTs that go that high with UTs being drafted earlier. An average NT doesn't put as much stats (usually little to no sacks) plus they're considered 2 down linemen. An average UT will get more attention. Notice I'm mentioning average, the guys you mentioned all break the mold. And do we really need an exceptional NT? Sure, it wouldn't hurt but a rotational guy but might be good enough to shore up the run.

The other thing in my mind is that I really do believe that Richard Smith has set up our line to fail against the run. The man just hates NTs as evidenced by letting go of Maddox and his refusal of letteing Okam play. We don't know what we have in Okam but when he's played he's done fine. Between Okam and another guy we might be able to do well enough in run situations.

As to your last comment. Cody has already implied that he's not coming out. Raji might be gone before we make our 2nd pick. There's really not another great NT. We probably should go BPA defense on those two picks so if a good NT is there why not. But we still should keep an eye on late round prospect just in case.
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Thats because nobody is waving the garunteed 40-50 mil in front of his face yet.
 
dsorc said:
In general though, there's very few NTs that go that high with UTs being drafted earlier. An average NT doesn't put as much stats (usually little to no sacks) plus they're considered 2 down linemen. An average UT will get more attention. Notice I'm mentioning average, the guys you mentioned all break the mold. And do we really need an exceptional NT? Sure, it wouldn't hurt but a rotational guy but might be good enough to shore up the run.

The other thing in my mind is that I really do believe that Richard Smith has set up our line to fail against the run. The man just hates NTs as evidenced by letting go of Maddox and his refusal of letteing Okam play. We don't know what we have in Okam but when he's played he's done fine. Between Okam and another guy we might be able to do well enough in run situations.

As to your last comment. Cody has already implied that he's not coming out. Raji might be gone before we make our 2nd pick. There's really not another great NT. We probably should go BPA defense on those two picks so if a good NT is there why not. But we still should keep an eye on late round prospect just in case.
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I agree that Richard Smith's scheme is holding back a lot of potential on our defense. But, I think a truly dominant NT could do a number of things for our defense:

1. He'll keep DeMeco clean which will (a)keep him healthier and (b)free him up to make more plays
2. Tie up blocker which will allow Amobi shoot the gaps (Smith is also keeping him from doing this obviously) which plays to his strengths
3. Make it tougher for teams to get double teams on Mario
4. Clog up the middle, vastly improving our run defense

I think our defense's deficiencies against the run are even more important that those against the pass, so I think that, plus the aforementioned reasons, makes an impact DT considerably more important than a first round edge rusher.
 
nero THE zero said:
I agree that Richard Smith's scheme is holding back a lot of potential on our defense. But, I think a truly dominant NT could do a number of things for our defense:

1. He'll keep DeMeco clean which will (a)keep him healthier and (b)free him up to make more plays
2. Tie up blocker which will allow Amobi shoot the gaps (Smith is also keeping him from doing this obviously) which plays to his strengths
3. Make it tougher for teams to get double teams on Mario
4. Clog up the middle, vastly improving our run defense

I think our defense's deficiencies against the run are even more important that those against the pass, so I think that, plus the aforementioned reasons, makes an impact DT considerably more important than a first round edge rusher.
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THe first thing you have to be able to do on D is stop the run. Until we are able to do that regularly then we are just wasting time. Our top priority should be to strengthen our trenches. Unless their is a cant miss stud available we (IMO) will be drafting OL or DL.
 
Another aspect of the off-season that I am interested in is who are late round RFAs that we might target? 2 out of the last three years we have come out with a guy via this method and I think it is a nice way to get some value out of those picks. Kevin Walter for a 7 in Kubiak's first year was a stroke of genius and even though Myers hasn't been a world-beater getting a starting center for a 6 is a good deal. Even if we get an upgrade at center like many would like Myers is a quality back-up at two positions. Who knows, centers tend to age like fine wine, he could improve all the way into his 30s and honestly, the longer an offensive line stays together the better they tend to get. So who are the late round RFAs we might target this year?

As well as this we have had some productive draft picks in round 7. David Anderson and Zach Diles come to mind. Discussing this is pointless though because no one has the slightest clue who will be available in the first round much less the 7th but its nice to know that we have had success finding some players in those late rounds.
 
Jackie Chiles said:
Another aspect of the off-season that I am interested in is who are late round RFAs that we might target? 2 out of the last three years we have come out with a guy via this method and I think it is a nice way to get some value out of those picks. Kevin Walter for a 7 in Kubiak's first year was a stroke of genius and even though Myers hasn't been a world-beater getting a starting center for a 6 is a good deal. Even if we get an upgrade at center like many would like Myers is a quality back-up at two positions. Who knows, centers tend to age like fine wine, he could improve all the way into his 30s and honestly, the longer an offensive line stays together the better they tend to get. So who are the late round RFAs we might target this year?

As well as this we have had some productive draft picks in round 7. David Anderson and Zach Diles come to mind. Discussing this is pointless though because no one has the slightest clue who will be available in the first round much less the 7th but its nice to know that we have had success finding some players in those late rounds.
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I'm hoping for a 5th round pick in exchange for Michael Bush trade this year. :D
 
http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2009_3.php I know nothing about any of these guys for Texans on this mock. Moore may be good but I wish we could find a true FS rather than "he can play both" that has not seem to work. Graham looks ok if you research but only has 5 sacks so far and that is not impressive to me.

IMO;

QB is area of need as neither makes you go wow especially in this offense. I think nothing will be done here as no pressure until Sage is FA and Schaub is up for his $10 million bonus. David Carr bonus situation anyone?

FS need is critical but no one available in draft that I can find.

CB Dunta has 4 more games to earn a huge deal or go elsewhere. Someone will offer the $. Bennett is a ? but best avail that side. Reeves stats look good even if most are not joining his fan club. Asomugha will probably be franchised and no one else screams "I can nail down a corner for you" I do not see a CB selected before 3rd round unless a trade down happens which I do expect.

LB We have our starters in Adibi, Ryans and DIles. Back ups are suitable. No picks before 4th unless BPA.

DT this is a huge area of concern. I expected TJ to step up and distinguish himself. Me and my optimism. Okoye? We will see how he does remainder of season if he is healthy. I look for a good game from him against Pack. Okam? His season has gone as I expected. He will be on team next year but may not be the answer. Sure has the size though. I do expect a high pick on DE but no one is very good at where we are projected.

WR no movement as strongest position.

Oline; I'm ok with it as is, but if a good LT slips we might select and move some people we have around. No way will Smith spend $on center in FA Myers) and then select a high draft pick unless Myers falls apart last 4 games. Where are all the supporters of our back ups that had such high hopes prior to game one?

I am disappointed in the way I see this draft shaping up. We will make at least three trade downs and I will not be stunned to see some trades for higher pick for the following year. What a bummer. Free Agency will be a bust as even though we have big bucks, no player is worth it unless Asomugha is allowed to leave.
 
Although I think the safeties aren't rated that high, there are some good prospects coming out. Mays plays on a great defense that kind of overshadows his talent. But his measurables can't be overlooked - 6'4" 225lbs with speed to burn. William Moore hasn't had a stellar year which may be a blessing in disguise for the Texans if he drops to the 2nd round. Chung is a player but a little undedsized. Kevin Ellison is another very solid player for the Trojans. His play overshadows Mays even though Mays is rated higher. Curtis Taylor and Nic Harris will be available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

I think we've underestimated the impact that Eugene Wilson has brought to the defense. His ability and range have allowed our sorry ass DC to take more chances blitzing. However, Wilson is (I think) the oldest player in the league so the team needs a replacement for that position next season.

As far as LB, it's Aaron Mays at 1, Brandon Spikes at 2, and then Laurinitis imo. Mays and Spikes are simply more athletic than Laurinitis. Spikes and Mays are definitely more dynamic blitzers.

I think the Texans couldn't go wrong at DT, DE, or FS with the 1st round pick.
 
Texan JBZ said:
Although I think the safeties aren't rated that high, there are some good prospects coming out. Mays plays on a great defense that kind of overshadows his talent. But his measurables can't be overlooked - 6'4" 225lbs with speed to burn. William Moore hasn't had a stellar year which may be a blessing in disguise for the Texans if he drops to the 2nd round. Chung is a player but a little undedsized. Kevin Ellison is another very solid player for the Trojans. His play overshadows Mays even though Mays is rated higher. Curtis Taylor and Nic Harris will be available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

I think we've underestimated the impact that Eugene Wilson has brought to the defense. His ability and range have allowed our sorry ass DC to take more chances blitzing. However, Wilson is (I think) the oldest player in the league so the team needs a replacement for that position next season.

As far as LB, it's Aaron Mays at 1, Brandon Spikes at 2, and then Laurinitis imo. Mays and Spikes are simply more athletic than Laurinitis. Spikes and Mays are definitely more dynamic blitzers.

I think the Texans couldn't go wrong at DT, DE, or FS with the 1st round pick.
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I'm assuming you mean Curry?
 
Texan JBZ said:
I think we've underestimated the impact that Eugene Wilson has brought to the defense. His ability and range have allowed our sorry ass DC to take more chances blitzing. However, Wilson is (I think) the oldest player in the league so the team needs a replacement for that position next season.
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Wilson is only 28. He still some good years left and could be the short term answer at FS. Ferguson is 34 so I would think we draft a SS with some coverage ability to replace him in the near future.
 
dsorc said:
Wilson is only 28. He still some good years left and could be the short term answer at FS. Ferguson is 34 so I would think we draft a SS with some coverage ability to replace him in the near future.
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Man I was drinking earlier.
 
badboy said:
http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2009_3.php I know nothing about any of these guys for Texans on this mock. Moore may be good but I wish we could find a true FS rather than "he can play both" that has not seem to work. Graham looks ok if you research but only has 5 sacks so far and that is not impressive to me.

Every year we get pegged for taking a FS high. I just don't see it as a high priority for this staff and unless Richard Smith moves on and someone comes in feels we have an insane void at S I just don't see us taking a S in the first.

IMO;

QB is area of need as neither makes you go wow especially in this offense. I think nothing will be done here as no pressure until Sage is FA and Schaub is up for his $10 million bonus. David Carr bonus situation anyone?

Schaub is up for the the bonus next season and we need a legit understudy. Question is as the draft get more near does Nate Davis take a Joe Flacco type leap?

FS need is critical but no one available in draft that I can find.

Could see if Cook or Rolle falls to the third. Other then that the staff seems ok with its current Safeties on the roster.

CB Dunta has 4 more games to earn a huge deal or go elsewhere. Someone will offer the $. Bennett is a ? but best avail that side. Reeves stats look good even if most are not joining his fan club. Asomugha will probably be franchised and no one else screams "I can nail down a corner for you" I do not see a CB selected before 3rd round unless a trade down happens which I do expect.
I'd take a shot at Chris Gamble in FA and/or try to resign Dunta to a one year deal. He hasn't looked real impressive since coming back.I'd like to see Molden get some snaps.

LB We have our starters in Adibi, Ryans and DIles. Back ups are suitable. No picks before 4th unless BPA.

Not sure I am sold on Diles to be honest. I think we need a guy that will bring intensity to the team and speed outside. We could have some nice options with our first pick.

DT this is a huge area of concern. I expected TJ to step up and distinguish himself. Me and my optimism. Okoye? We will see how he does remainder of season if he is healthy. I look for a good game from him against Pack. Okam? His season has gone as I expected. He will be on team next year but may not be the answer. Sure has the size though. I do expect a high pick on DE but no one is very good at where we are projected.

I think the defensive staff is a bit confused on what to do with personnel at DT. Good some guys that would make more sense to run as gap penetrating DT but the staff seems hellbent on using them as standup lane clogging DTs. If Terrance Cody does come out no way in hell he drops into the 20s as Walter has him.We do need real help opposite Mario though.

WR no movement as strongest position.

Agreed unless a gem is there in the later rounds. Not sure if Jacoby will pan out as a WR.

Oline; I'm ok with it as is, but if a good LT slips we might select and move some people we have around. No way will Smith spend $on center in FA Myers) and then select a high draft pick unless Myers falls apart last 4 games. Where are all the supporters of our back ups that had such high hopes prior to game one?

We didn't spend a killer amount on Meyers but one thing is obvious. He needs to be replaced. Him and Brisiel are killing us on the interior. I would not be unhappy at all with Duke Robinson as our first rounder. If not and Alex Mack is still on the board in the second round we better RUN to the podium.

I am disappointed in the way I see this draft shaping up. We will make at least three trade downs and I will not be stunned to see some trades for higher pick for the following year. What a bummer. Free Agency will be a bust as even though we have big bucks, no player is worth it unless Asomugha is allowed to leave.
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Might be another good draft for trading back but I don't expect to see another flurry of draft day trades again this year unless it involves a player.
I don't see FA as being a bust on he defensive side this year. We will have a chance to upgrade a position if we want to. Of course the biggest off-season move would be addition by subtraction(Richard Smith).
 
bah007 said:
As I've been saying for months now, I think Nate Davis is the real deal.

He seems to have all the tools needed to succeed in the NFL.
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Yea. I remember seeing this guy in one of the first games of the year and thinking "this guy can really play".

I'm really starting to get excited about the possibilities of taking him in the 2nd round if available, assuming he comes out. I know we have alot of holes, but QB is a position that we need to upgrade, plus we need depth at the position. We could develop him while we test Schaub for another year or two.
 
badboy said:
Free Agency will be a bust as even though we have big bucks, no player is worth it unless Asomugha is allowed to leave.
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Are you forgetting that Albert Haynesworth will be a Free Agent?

He is definitely worth big bucks. Not only would signing him help upgrade a deficient position for the Texans, but it would also help by depleting the roster of a divisional opponent.

Can you imagine the Texans D-Line with Haynesworth plugged in at Travis Johnson's position?

I would expect immediate improvement from the entire defense.

On running downs Haynesworth is a load, which means the opposing O-Line must commit more blockers to him or he will tackle the runner. If they commit more blockers to him it means Ryans should be free to make plays.

On passing downs Haynesworth must also be accounted for because he has shown he can get enough push to disrupt the pocket up the middle. Just as Ryans would benefit on running downs so would Mario and Amobi on passing downs.

The best thing about a possible Haynesworth signing is that the Texans wouldn't lose any draftpicks in the process, which would mean that they would be free to address the need for another DE early in the Draft.

Now, imagine that. A D-Line consisting of Mario Williams, Albert Haynesworth, Amobi Okoye, and a Rookie DE.:aggressive:
 
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