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Defensive thoughts as of lately...

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
Your thoughts on overall positions of need for us and players in the draft to fit? pros/cons for positions. I feel like we're so close, yet still far away.

So I've been thinking about the DL, LB's and DB's and how one another compliment one another. For instance, a great pass rush will mask most deficiencies in a secondary. Likewise, a great secondary will allow the DL that little extra second to get more pressure. With TE, slants and RB screens playing a huge role in our defeats- LB's with good coverage skills and play reading is just as important. So I don't know how I feel about going after a DT like Cody, pass rusher like Johnson/Orakpo- pick your poison, LB like Curry or DB like Davis/Jenkins.

The thing that gets me is seeing how well our DL is getting pressure on the QB. We are there so many times, just a fraction late. This led me to start pushing for a great CB like Vontae Davis. Reeves, Bennett, Robinson, Faggins, Molden... none are playing like #1 CB's and I'm not sure any of them actually are. So if we can get a true #1 CB the other cb's on our roster may be able to thrive. Vontae should be able to cover quite well and this may allow our DL to make that play more often than not.

Reeves- but then I get back to him. I am one of the few on the board that actually like this guy. Shoot, I'm one of the few in HOUSTON that likes the guy. He's not outstanding but he's progressing. I didn't expect him to come in and be a pro bowler right away, hell maybe never. But we needed someone adequate and that's what I think we got. Robinson, while showing so much drive to actually get out on the field, isn't playing superb. Bennett is not doing well. Reeves has great coverage skills and is fast to make up for his mistakes. His problem is he just can't turn his head to locate the ball! When he's in a position to do that, he makes the pick like monday night.

I'm a big proponent of building through the trenches first. OL and DL. I think a great OLB would do wonders. But my pick this week is going towards a CB.


I think our defense has enough needs that we need to focus on this but I really don't like our C/RG combo as I've expressed before. This may go against Gibbs initial intentions but I'm really starting to wonder IF we're in a position for a guy like Mike Oher, take him to shore up our pass blocking, move Brown in to RG. Somethings gotta be done before we have to go out and trade for a QB again or pick one early in the draft. 3rd year in a row of Schaub getting hit hard isn't going to do us much good if we're looking for the playoffs next year or the year after.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Your thoughts on overall positions of need for us and players in the draft to fit? pros/cons for positions. I feel like we're so close, yet still far away.

So I've been thinking about the DL, LB's and DB's and how one another compliment one another. For instance, a great pass rush will mask most deficiencies in a secondary. Likewise, a great secondary will allow the DL that little extra second to get more pressure. With TE, slants and RB screens playing a huge role in our defeats- LB's with good coverage skills and play reading is just as important. So I don't know how I feel about going after a DT like Cody, pass rusher like Johnson/Orakpo- pick your poison, LB like Curry or DB like Davis/Jenkins.

The thing that gets me is seeing how well our DL is getting pressure on the QB. We are there so many times, just a fraction late. This led me to start pushing for a great CB like Vontae Davis. Reeves, Bennett, Robinson, Faggins, Molden... none are playing like #1 CB's and I'm not sure any of them actually are. So if we can get a true #1 CB the other cb's on our roster may be able to thrive. Vontae should be able to cover quite well and this may allow our DL to make that play more often than not.

Reeves- but then I get back to him. I am one of the few on the board that actually like this guy. Shoot, I'm one of the few in HOUSTON that likes the guy. He's not outstanding but he's progressing. I didn't expect him to come in and be a pro bowler right away, hell maybe never. But we needed someone adequate and that's what I think we got. Robinson, while showing so much drive to actually get out on the field, isn't playing superb. Bennett is not doing well. Reeves has great coverage skills and is fast to make up for his mistakes. His problem is he just can't turn his head to locate the ball! When he's in a position to do that, he makes the pick like monday night.

I'm a big proponent of building through the trenches first. OL and DL. I think a great OLB would do wonders. But my pick this week is going towards a CB.


I think our defense has enough needs that we need to focus on this but I really don't like our C/RG combo as I've expressed before. This may go against Gibbs initial intentions but I'm really starting to wonder IF we're in a position for a guy like Mike Oher, take him to shore up our pass blocking, move Brown in to RG. Somethings gotta be done before we have to go out and trade for a QB again or pick one early in the draft. 3rd year in a row of Schaub getting hit hard isn't going to do us much good if we're looking for the playoffs next year or the year after.

Honestly we have so many needs, IMO going BPA is still the best route. Let the draft come to us. Now if it comes down to our pick and Oher, Orakpo, Curry and either one of the top 2 corners are left Im going Oher. Franchise LT's are a rare commodity. You just dont pass them up. I would not be against moving Brown gaurd at all. Its not like hes been dominating at T. It would only make our line stronger and its not like we have good depth there. Think about how bad a situation it would be if Brown or Winston went down.

My next choice would be Orakpo. With the way the rules are now its almost impossible to get coverage sacks. Because WR's are given such an advantage now its even more important to get pressure on the QB or you are going to get picked apart no matter who you have at CB. Of cousre if we had a DC that blitzed the OLB more I would go with whomever is best at getting to the QB.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Honestly we have so many needs, IMO going BPA is still the best route. Let the draft come to us. Now if it comes down to our pick and Oher, Orakpo, Curry and either one of the top 2 corners are left Im going Oher. Franchise LT's are a rare commodity. You just dont pass them up. I would not be against moving Brown gaurd at all. Its not like hes been dominating at T. It would only make our line stronger and its not like we have good depth there. Think about how bad a situation it would be if Brown or Winston went down.

My next choice would be Orakpo. With the way the rules are now its almost impossible to get coverage sacks. Because WR's are given such an advantage now its even more important to get pressure on the QB or you are going to get picked apart no matter who you have at CB. Of cousre if we had a DC that blitzed the OLB more I would go with whomever is best at getting to the QB.
Brown looks more like a guard, this could work. Oher is the prototypical NFL LT has everything you look for size, technique & temperment, but alas its a pipe dream to expect him to hang around on the board until the Texans pick.

investing in DE is a time intensive proposition one that I'd be willing to spend via free agency where he is ready & up to speed immediately. thats why the Texans should be aggressive & go after Peppers in free agency. Texans can create more cap room to get real players if they cut loose less productive cost prohibitive dissapointments (Greenwood/Weaver/Travis Johnson/Ahman Green).

defensive questions hinge not only active players but those on the shelf, recovering/rehabing from injury. is Dunta the same corner before the injury & what is his market value now? can Diles & CC Brown both starting cornerstones on defense return to form? Rick Smith has done well to maintain those positions by aquireing depth via free agency & the draft but are any of those players starting material going forward into the future?

I'm satisfied with the results from the last draft when the Texans used their #1 pick to trade down & aquire the extra pick that became their running attack in Steve Slaton (also like Barber going forward, maybe he can replace CC Brown if unable to stay healthy). a proven, steady strategy is to maximize much as possible draft picks & tradeable players to aquire upgrades across this roster. I would like to see two of those high picks placed on the interior of each line, meaning OL/DL. after that speed on the edge in run/pass rush support, meaning OLB. then maybe one free agent banger type RB & one via the draft to replenish the ground game. thats both realistic & probable as time passes over the next five months :twocents:
 

TexansSeminole

Hall of Fame
If you look at our defense we have one star at each level. On the Dline it's Mario, LBers it's DeMeco, and CBs it's Dunta. Outside of these guys we could really use an upgrade at every position. We aren't stacked with depth at any position so we have the opportunity to take BPA on defense. What is our biggest need on defense? It is arguable. Run stuffing DT? Cover corner? Versatile LB? Lengthy Safety? All things we need.

The best way to approach our first round pick this year may be to just take the most dominating defensive player left on the board, regardless of position.

If we went CB our situation would be 1st rounder, Dunta, Bennett, Reeves, Molden. Perhaps we would be shoving Molden and Bennett aside too early. Even Reeves is a young player. Not to mention next year is going to be the year to judge post-injury Dunta. I think we should wait another year to see what the CBs already on our roster can do. At this point I have no idea what Molden can do, other than he plays well on special teams and seems to work hard. Bennett is up and down and I don't know what caliber of player he is yet. Reeves looks to be a solid #3 and a somewhat inconsistent #2.

Safety is tough because we need a good safety desperately but honestly I don't see a sure fire first round safety outside of Mays in this draft. And even Mays is tough to grade accurately IMO.

There seems to be a few DTs that fit our run stuffing needs in this draft. Same goes for pass rushing DEs and versatile LBers. I think it will come down to DT/DE/LB if we decide to go defense in the 1st round.

It works because we do not get enough tackles for loss. We need to start dominating the point of attack if we want to dominate offenses.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
It works because we do not get enough tackles for loss. We need to start dominating the point of attack if we want to dominate offenses.
While we are picking this high in the draft lets stockpile the trenches. teams that control the line of scrimage seldom loose. Think of how good Slaton would look running behind a better OL. Im for building the trenches also. O or D.
 

ATXtexanfan

Hall of Fame
I say d-line 1st, gotta get a DT that can tie up blockers and hold his own in the run game, wouldn't mind a DE
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Order of needs IMO

Two DT's
DE
C
LB
CB
S

If we can trade up-down we should be able to fill 4 needs thru the draft & 2 thru FA

The reason I have S listed so low is I think Wilson is doing a good job & Barber is going to be a fine young SS.

One more piece of business that needs to be taken care of is firing Dick Smith
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
1. OLB (Curry)
2. DT/DE
3. DE/DT
4. Change of Pace RB
5. Project QB
6&7 BPA

All subject to change dependding on who falls. If a good LT or DE falls to us in the 1st, why not. Just not the GT End. He is unimpressive.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
1. OLB (Curry)
2. DT/DE
3. DE/DT
4. Change of Pace RB
5. Project QB
6&7 BPA

All subject to change dependding on who falls. If a good LT or DE falls to us in the 1st, why not. Just not the GT End. He is unimpressive.
He's very impressive physically.

It's the mental part that is completely unimpressive.
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
He's very impressive physically.

It's the mental part that is completely unimpressive.
Id rather have a blue collar work horse than a phisical specimen who is kinda lazy not mentally developed. We have had too many of them over the years..
 
#1 DE Pass Rusher like Orakpo
#2 LT Who can actually pass protect Like Monroe, mayby Oher if he runs well
#3 NT big space eater like Raji or Cody
#4 FS who can cover ground in a hurry and make big plays, like R.Johnson
#5 OC who doesn't get pushed backwards every play like Mack or Luigs
#6 LCB who can cover #1 recievers, and let D-Rob play on the right where he's best suited
#7 RB who can pick up short yardage, and push the pile
#8 OLB incase Diles doesn't recover
#9 SS who can make plays
#10 RG to push or replace Brisiel


Top 5 are priorities. Bottom 5 are a bonus if you can get them.
 

Blake

MMQB
Give me a beast like Orakpo or Maualuga. Malcolm Jenkins gets my third vote. I dont care how many cornerbacks we have. There is nothing wrong with having good corners, and good depth at cornerback.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
I think a lot of us are thinking the a big DT is quite necessary for this team.

But the whole arguement of another pass rusher to get to the QB or a better secondary to help our DL... what do people think of that? Do you think an elite cornerback to start would be more benificial and allow the DL that extra split second since the cb can cover better or a DE to make the QB get rid of it a little sooner and having the same cb's on the wr would be better?
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
#1 DE Pass Rusher like Orakpo
#2 LT Who can actually pass protect Like Monroe, mayby Oher if he runs well
#3 NT big space eater like Raji or Cody
#4 FS who can cover ground in a hurry and make big plays, like R.Johnson
#5 OC who doesn't get pushed backwards every play like Mack or Luigs
#6 LCB who can cover #1 recievers, and let D-Rob play on the right where he's best suited
#7 RB who can pick up short yardage, and push the pile
#8 OLB incase Diles doesn't recover
#9 SS who can make plays
#10 RG to push or replace Brisiel


Top 5 are priorities. Bottom 5 are a bonus if you can get them.
I think Wilson is very servicable. OLB is a much higher priority. As is any defensive playmaker.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
But the whole arguement of another pass rusher to get to the QB or a better secondary to help our DL... what do people think of that? Do you think an elite cornerback to start would be more benificial and allow the DL that extra split second since the cb can cover better or a DE to make the QB get rid of it a little sooner and having the same cb's on the wr would be better?
regardless he's probably going to throw it away risk grounding or throw it up for grabs. the point should be to strike fear in the offensive line & inflict the same medicine Carr/Schaub have known since Texans franchise inception :ouch: it needs to be known when playing the Texans the chances of being dominated starts with the front four forcing the QB out of the pocket to run for his life dictating lower percentage plays & errors in judgement. But yes an infusion of speed to captialize on these mistakes would be like a pair of freshly poured beers :toast2: you should know. Ole Miss has a couple of my favorite defensive players that I would love it if they where drafted by the Texans :brando:
 
I think a lot of us are thinking the a big DT is quite necessary for this team.

But the whole arguement of another pass rusher to get to the QB or a better secondary to help our DL... what do people think of that? Do you think an elite cornerback to start would be more benificial and allow the DL that extra split second since the cb can cover better or a DE to make the QB get rid of it a little sooner and having the same cb's on the wr would be better?
I think it's a futile question. Reeves is locked up as a starter whether we like it or not; Bennett had a great rookie season and, after a rough start, has been winning back playing time; and Dunta is Dunta. Molden is having a tough time getting on the field and I cannot imagine Rick Smith drafting a CB high given the fact that he has a young, talented CB that can't get on the field as it is. There's simply not enough room unless Smith's ready to concede that Molden was a bad pick, Bennett was a bad pick, and/or Reeves was a bad signing.

There's the (very slim) possibility that (1)Rick Smith and Kubiak aren't back next year and/or (2) Dunta Robinson isn't back next year. If either of those happens, it becomes much more plausible to spend a high pick on a CB. Otherwise I just can't imagine it happening.
 
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Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
Ole Miss has a couple of my favorite defensive players that I would love it if they where drafted by the Texans :brando:
DT Peria Jerry has been absolutely outstanding but not what we need with TJ and Okoye on the team, imo. (unfortunately!). Greg Hardy has been plagued by a foot injury all season but is a freak of an ahtlete. Both of these guys are 1st round material or early 2nd. Both need to refine their game some which happens to most players, 1st is probably too early for us i think. Hardy in the 2nd if he's there would be great.

I think it's a futile question. Reeves is locked up as a starter whether we like it or not; Bennett had a great rookie season and, after a rough start, has been winning back playing time; and Dunta is Dunta. Molden is having a tough time getting on the field and I cannot imagine Rick Smith drafting a CB high given the fact that he has a young, talented CB that can't get on the field as it is. There's simply not enough room unless Smith's ready to concede that Molden was a bad pick, Bennett was a bad pick, and/or Reeves was a bad signing.

There's the (very slim) possibility that (1)Rick Smith and Kubiak aren't back next year and/or (2) Dunta Robinson isn't back next year. If either of those happens, it becomes much more plausible to spend a high pick on a CB. Otherwise I just can't imagine it happening.
I know what you mean but I kind of see that on a lot of levels on the defense. a CB vs. the ones we have, an OLB vs Diles or Adidbi, and then DE/DT. I think there's a greater chance Dunta isn't here much longer than we all want to believe. I have no doubt in my mind Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak will be here another few seasons.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
If Dunta leaves then I like Malcolm Jenkins.

He can come up and play the run just as well as Dunta, plus his coverage skills are better.

I'm with most of you guys in that we need to start at the trenches, but if guys like Curry and Jenkins fall to us, could you pass on them?
 
I know what you mean but I kind of see that on a lot of levels on the defense. a CB vs. the ones we have, an OLB vs Diles or Adidbi, and then DE/DT. I think there's a greater chance Dunta isn't here much longer than we all want to believe. I have no doubt in my mind Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak will be here another few seasons.
Eh, not really.

At CB you have a 3rd rounder who can't get on the field, a 4th rounder who had a great rookie season, a high priced FA, and (presumably) Dunta.

At LB you have a 7th rounder coming off a serious injury, a good, promising 4th rounder, and DeMeco.

The DL line positions are a bit more fluid given the rotation and situational needs.

But, I think it's quite obvious, assuming Dunta's re-signed, that there's just not room for a rookie CB unless some major shake-up occurs. it would be much easier to replace Diles, TJ, or even Weaver.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
DT Peria Jerry has been absolutely outstanding but not what we need with TJ and Okoye on the team, imo. (unfortunately!). Greg Hardy has been plagued by a foot injury all season but is a freak of an ahtlete. Both of these guys are 1st round material or early 2nd. Both need to refine their game some which happens to most players, 1st is probably too early for us i think. Hardy in the 2nd if he's there would be great.
that type of thinking is no different than passing on Willis because we have DeMeco. not sure but TJ may be a restricted free agent? anyway if the Texans can pull off another trade down scenero maybe they could pull both in the 2nd. how much would that help fill some needs on defense? with the resulting 1st rd. pick left from trading down add to the defense OLB. you could still get Aaron Curry or Clint Sintim. the defense would be converted into a beast after only the first day. second day focus on RB/OL :)
 
I think Wilson is very servicable. OLB is a much higher priority. As is any defensive playmaker.
Adibi is very promising, and Diles looks like a stud; just a matter of recovery.

Diles was on pace for 132 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 ints before breaking his leg.
Adibi in 3 starts has 27 tackles, almost all solo; 16 game projection 144 tackles.

I don't see any reason to actively look to replace them, over some other, higher priority.

Wilson has looked ok, but he is certainly not the elite center fielder a good defense needs.
 
P

Polo

Guest
I think the Elephant in the room is the DE opposite Mario....

The LB's are o.k...I'd even go to battle with Bentley as a starter if we got a pretty good player to start opposite him on the D-line or another good player on the D-line period...I'll even roll with our current safeties and corners as long as Greenwood and Weaver aren't starters...
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
I think the Elephant in the room is the DE opposite Mario....
I've already made my thoughts on this on numerous posts. I'm with you polo.

Look, they either have to get more athletic in the back seven or...get someone who can make a difference on third down. The only thing wrong with Duane Brown is Shanahand's play calls. The play calling has been helter skelter for two and half years. He pancakes guys. He makes his combo blocks. He knocks people in the dirt when he gets in the open on the second level. If they aren't calling some plays to take the heat off of him....that's not on Brown. Counters, draws....end around, flanker around, reverses.

Between the twenties Myers is OK. In the green zone he sucks. Don't be shocked if they live with Myers.

Just as they needed play makers two years ago on the offensive side of the ball, they need them now on the defensive side. They're loaded with young DBs learning. the only thing that is wrong with them is that they need snaps to learn. Reeves is getting better. Why they aren't running more press, which is what he does best is a head scratcher. I gotta an idea why.

If they have Everett Brown or Brian Orakpo...that gives them the tools to drop guys into an odd front and bring what everyone says they want...heat in passing situations. I know Orakpo is use to dropping off and covering . Don't know about Everett Brown.

The reason we're walking in Titan's droppings this year, they have a +13 turnover ratio. They've got guys making plays on balls. We've got QBs giving them up. Not too compicated...go get guys who can give our young DBs a chance at making plays on the ball.

They're going to miss not having the mudder Rb this Sunday. Supposed to be dry. Gotta have a mudder for the out doors games in December and January.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
that type of thinking is no different than passing on Willis because we have DeMeco. not sure but TJ may be a restricted free agent? anyway if the Texans can pull off another trade down scenero maybe they could pull both in the 2nd. how much would that help fill some needs on defense? with the resulting 1st rd. pick left from trading down add to the defense OLB. you could still get Aaron Curry or Clint Sintim. the defense would be converted into a beast after only the first day. second day focus on RB/OL :)
I get what your saying, I was actually interested in the idea of moving demeco outside and drafting Willis (guaranteed all star). Okoye they obviously had rated higher and if he pans out will be a monster, but he's such a risky pick. I see Jerry being similar players to Okoye and TJ, he wouldn't really be the nose tackler we need but fit in a rotation as a pass rushing DT. I could definitely live with the draft shaking out like you've got it here.
 

TexansSeminole

Hall of Fame
I know Orakpo is use to dropping off and covering . Don't know about Everett Brown.
I have only seen him do it a couple times, but when he did he broke up the pass or came up and made the tackle. I'm not sure he is used to doing it, but he is athletic enough to pull it off.
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
I have only seen him do it a couple times, but when he did he broke up the pass or came up and made the tackle. I'm not sure he is used to doing it, but he is athletic enough to pull it off.
http://sidelinescouting.com/blog/mock-draft/

Thought you'd enjoy this one.

Just looking trough the herd of gurus post's as of the first of December it's a lock Andre Smith and Micheal Oher will be top fives....

Any one that has Micheal Johnson in the top twenty is guessing. He ain't playing top five. MJ is a herd fabraction. Their buying the numbers. Gaines Adams had production and so did Mario. This guy has been a ghost.
 
http://sidelinescouting.com/blog/mock-draft/

Thought you'd enjoy this one.

Just looking trough the herd of gurus post's as of the first of December it's a lock Andre Smith and Micheal Oher will be top fives....

Any one that has Micheal Johnson in the top twenty is guessing. He ain't playing top five. MJ is a herd fabraction. Their buying the numbers. Gaines Adams had production and so did Mario. This guy has been a ghost.
How many GT games have you seen?
 

TexansSeminole

Hall of Fame
How many GT games have you seen?
I've seen alot, probably 5 this season. Maybe 6. MJ is inconsistent at best. He's the type of guy who will be invisible when he runs into a good OL, but will usually only show up when the OL are severely outmatched athletically.

The impressive defensive linemen on Georgia Tech are the tackles, Darryl Richard and Vance Walker.

6'4" 290 lb Darryl Richard 2008: 34 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 1 FR.

2007: 30 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1FF, 1 FR.

6'2" 293 lb Vance Walker 2008: 33 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 1 FF, 1 safety.

2007: ?? tackles, 14.0 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 FF, 2 FR.

I couldn't get an exact number of tackles for Vance Walker in 2007. I've been watching these guys for the last two years, and they are both good players. It'd be good depth at DT, which we don't have any of.

Wow, highest I have seen Everette Brown. 2 seems pretty high. I'd say he could get in the top 10 if he just kills the strength AND speed tests. I already know he will test well for speed, but strength is the key. According to FSU strength and conditioning coach Todd Stroud, he improved his strength dramatically before this season.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Michael Johnson does not have the same motor as Gaines Adams (has linebacker skills) seems a bit slower (Calais Campbell anyone) more of a bigger framed, RDE for NFL. Teams would run right at him (away from Mario) & I'm not sure how good his footwork is in the trenches, more effective in space where his length makes it difficult to go over/around him.

its a big range for him if he comes out? that makes me nervous. would be more inclined as a Texan to look for him falling early 2nd rd. where risk is closer to reward. meaning, probably not in Texans future plans.

I'll tell you the Gerogia Tech player more likely on the Texans wish list (next year only a true sophmore) is RB Jonathan Dryer, would be a nice complement to Steve Slaton 6-0 228 lbs.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Michael Johnson does not have the same motor as Gaines Adams (has linebacker skills) seems a bit slower (Calais Campbell anyone) more of a bigger framed, RDE for NFL. Teams would run right at him (away from Mario) & I'm not sure how good his footwork is in the trenches, more effective in space where his length makes it difficult to go over/around him.

its a big range for him if he comes out? that makes me nervous. would be more inclined as a Texan to look for him falling early 2nd rd. where risk is closer to reward. meaning, probably not in Texans future plans.

I'll tell you the Gerogia Tech player more likely on the Texans wish list (next year only a true sophmore) is RB Jonathan Dryer, would be a nice complement to Steve Slaton 6-0 228 lbs.
Dryer is impressive.
 
I've seen alot, probably 5 this season. Maybe 6. MJ is inconsistent at best. He's the type of guy who will be invisible when he runs into a good OL, but will usually only show up when the OL are severely outmatched athletically.

The impressive defensive linemen on Georgia Tech are the tackles, Darryl Richard and Vance Walker.

6'4" 290 lb Darryl Richard 2008: 34 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 1 FR.

2007: 30 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1FF, 1 FR.

6'2" 293 lb Vance Walker 2008: 33 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 1 FF, 1 safety.

2007: ?? tackles, 14.0 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 FF, 2 FR.

I couldn't get an exact number of tackles for Vance Walker in 2007. I've been watching these guys for the last two years, and they are both good players. It'd be good depth at DT, which we don't have any of.
I think Derrick Morgan is Tech's best DL.

I disagree about MJ though. I catch GT every time they're shown here, I've been raised a Yellowjacket fan, and every game I've seen he's been a huge factor. He might not put up the consistent sack numbers but he's terribly athletic and always in the backfield making plays, batting balls, and getting in the QB/RB's face. With his length and athleticism he actually reminds me a lot of Mario. So, he might be a but redundant for our purposes, but I think a lot of the haters are off base.
 
Michael Johnson does not have the same motor as Gaines Adams (has linebacker skills) seems a bit slower (Calais Campbell anyone) more of a bigger framed, RDE for NFL. Teams would run right at him (away from Mario) & I'm not sure how good his footwork is in the trenches, more effective in space where his length makes it difficult to go over/around him.

its a big range for him if he comes out? that makes me nervous. would be more inclined as a Texan to look for him falling early 2nd rd. where risk is closer to reward. meaning, probably not in Texans future plans.

I'll tell you the Gerogia Tech player more likely on the Texans wish list (next year only a true sophmore) is RB Jonathan Dryer, would be a nice complement to Steve Slaton 6-0 228 lbs.
Dwyer would be nice, though his running style does lend itself to injury (and he has had his share.)

Let's hope Paul Johnson doesn't run his mileage up too far next year.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
I think Derrick Morgan is Tech's best DL.

I disagree about MJ though. I catch GT every time they're shown here, I've been raised a Yellowjacket fan, and every game I've seen he's been a huge factor. He might not put up the consistent sack numbers but he's terribly athletic and always in the backfield making plays, batting balls, and getting in the QB/RB's face. With his length and athleticism he actually reminds me a lot of Mario. So, he might be a but redundant for our purposes, but I think a lot of the haters are off base.
With wha tI have seen I have to agree with this.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
After this win in GB for the Texans, I still see a space eating DT like Cody as high priority, an outside linebacker like Curry (Diles moves to backup), or a DB. I like Eugene Wilson but we could use a real playmaker at the other S position. Not seeing an early 1st round safety in the draft though. Our CB's did a better job of reacting to the ball this game.
 
After this win in GB for the Texans, I still see a space eating DT like Cody as high priority, an outside linebacker like Curry (Diles moves to backup), or a DB. I like Eugene Wilson but we could use a real playmaker at the other S position. Not seeing an early 1st round safety in the draft though. Our CB's did a better job of reacting to the ball this game.
I like Raji better than Cody for that role. He also has the benefit of being more than a 2 down player.

With the win over GB, and a gimmee against Oakland, the Texans are a lock to pick 13+; well beyond where Curry will go.
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
Michael Johnson does not have the same motor as Gaines Adams (has linebacker skills) seems a bit slower (Calais Campbell anyone) more of a bigger framed, RDE for NFL. Teams would run right at him (away from Mario) & I'm not sure how good his footwork is in the trenches, more effective in space where his length makes it difficult to go over/around him.

its a big range for him if he comes out? that makes me nervous. would be more inclined as a Texan to look for him falling early 2nd rd. where risk is closer to reward. meaning, probably not in Texans future plans.

I'll tell you the Gerogia Tech player more likely on the Texans wish list (next year only a true sophmore) is RB Jonathan Dryer, would be a nice complement to Steve Slaton 6-0 228 lbs.

I like Dwyer( hey I was close) and the Iowa back a lot also. I bet they go cheap at the running back spot again. Isn't Dwyer a true sophmore though. Unga is a red shirt Junior. What I was thinking....and I'm assuming here that we've bought the cow with Slaton....

cheap...you grab Unga in the fourth, Chase Daniels in the sixeth. Unload the RB trash on the IR. Bring back Moats and Cecil give them a fair shot with the OTAs under their belts...get a very good stable of backs ..on the cheap backing up Slaton. Chase Daniels isn't a little guy. He's got a neck Like a bowling ball. And I'd never advoacate hm as a front line starter Qb....but in a pinch for a game or two why not ? Unga is no slower than Terrel Davis. and he dd Ok in this system. Big six foot & two forty pound Larry Moriority type with quick feet, would go a long way to softening folks up. Unga stats sugest that he has very soft hands. I wouldn't expect him to hit the corner on the NFL level like he does in college though. Thunder beast to go with secrateriate.

I want Secreteriate under twenty touches a game. Unga is getting five to seven touches and Daneils getting two or three that should put Slaton where he needs to be with touches per game.

We're getting twenty five to thirty positive rushing plays on someone were kicking the heck out of them.

herd mocks in one place via Walter football:
http://www.walterfootball.com/draftdata.php
 
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kcdoubleeagle

Waterboy
whatever happens we MUST GET either Haynesworth or Peppers. Our draft could be determined from there.

If we get Albert...we draft DE first round...FS second....

If we get Peppers...then we go with BPA defense 1st round.....

I would also like to remember our needs on the OL.

WE MUST MAKE A SPLASH IN FA THIS YEAR TO BE COMPETITIVE NEXT YEAR.
 
I like Raji better than Cody for that role. He also has the benefit of being more than a 2 down player.

With the win over GB, and a gimmee against Oakland, the Texans are a lock to pick 13+; well beyond where Curry will go.
A while ago when it was looking like we were headed for a top 5-10 pick I was pushing Raji as a great prospect for us in the early 2nd. Since then we have moved back to likely middle of the first and Raji's stock has been going up pretty steadily to the point where I would not mind at all if he was our first round pick. If we could manage a small trade down it would be ideal but I wouldn't bank on it.

My reasoning is that at this point in the draft I'm not sure we will get the kind of value at DE that we would if we were picking higher. Also we have to get better against the run, a ton better. If someone like Taylor Mays is there he would have to be a major consideration as well and if there is some stud linebacker there that is the BPA its gonna be tough to pass on him. Pretty much though I expect the pick to be a big DT like Raji, a quality DE, or a stud Safety. Looking at it now I think we will have a group of players available that fit that bill at our pick and we aren't going to have to spend top 10 pick money on them.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
Here's my thoughts, assuming all are there.

#1 - Orakpo
#2 - Cushing
#3 - BPA from C/NT/RB/S
#4 - BPA from remaining above - finishing draft

What would throw a kink into all of this is if we could get either Peppers or Suggs in FA. For the record, I'm going to want Sergio Kindle when he comes out next year as well. Effective pass rushers can stifle the most dynamic of offenses. Examples Tenn this year and NYG last year.

Clearly among the C/NT/RB/S - system fit will be a priority. NT should be a big space eater, capable of eating a double team. RB should be a physical runner. I am of the opinion that our CB's need another year to develop before we throw any under the bus.
Kindle may enter this year. He's going to put his name in for the underclassmen evaluation and see what his possibilities are.

If he enters this year, I see him as more of a 3-4 OLB than a 4-3 DE. If he returns to school and adds some weight, then maybe.
 
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