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The Official Frank Okam thread....

kiwitexansfan

kiwitexansfan

Hall of Fame
I like to pull for a guy on the team, not one of the stars but an underdog and this year that guys is Frank Okam. (Previous recipinets of this dubious honour include Fletcher, Buchanon and Molden).

I'm really excited to hear that he has been getting his reps and looking heaps fitter.

Here's the latest on Okam...

(on DT Frank Okam) “Frank’s taken advantage of an opportunity. Travis (Johnson) hasn’t been out here practicing. DelJuan (Robinson) and Frank have been given an opportunity to step up and make the most of the opportunity, and they’re doing that. Frank has dropped a lot of weight, which was important for him to get himself into better shape. The more he works with Bill (Kollar), the more he sees himself as a player in this league, and that’s what we need.”

(on Okam’s size) “It’s nice to have that big of a body, but you still have to be athletic. You still have to be able to run the stunts and do those type of things, and Frank can do that at 335. He can’t do it at 360, so he’s working hard to get down. I think he weighed in this morning at 339, which is a big step in the right direction for him. He needs the same discipline when OTAs are over.”

(on Okam) “It’s just a discipline thing for Frank. If Frank gets out in his environment – and I don’t know what that is when he leaves here – but it has put a lot of weight on him (before). When he started the offseason programs, I wanted to say that Frank was 365. That’s way too big, but he’s been one of our most disciplined guys. He does the work with everybody. He does extra every day, and he’s showing the signs of that discipline. But it’s got to continue when someone is not right there with him.”

I hope he stays in shape and comes to Training camp even fitter..... Word is he's the teams strongest player, he has the smarts, and I think the weight loss shows the desire.... now we just need some game time.

Link
 
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kiwitexansfan said:
I like to pull for a guy on the team, not one of the stars but an underdog and this year that guys is Frank Okam. (Previous recipinets of this dubious honour include Fletcher, Buchanon and Molden).

I'm really excited to hear that he has been getting his reps and looking heaps fitter.

Here's the latest on Okam...

(on DT Frank Okam) “Frank’s taken advantage of an opportunity. Travis (Johnson) hasn’t been out here practicing. DelJuan (Robinson) and Frank have been given an opportunity to step up and make the most of the opportunity, and they’re doing that. Frank has dropped a lot of weight, which was important for him to get himself into better shape. The more he works with Bill (Kollar), the more he sees himself as a player in this league, and that’s what we need.”

(on Okam’s size) “It’s nice to have that big of a body, but you still have to be athletic. You still have to be able to run the stunts and do those type of things, and Frank can do that at 335. He can’t do it at 360, so he’s working hard to get down. I think he weighed in this morning at 339, which is a big step in the right direction for him. He needs the same discipline when OTAs are over.”

(on Okam) “It’s just a discipline thing for Frank. If Frank gets out in his environment – and I don’t know what that is when he leaves here – but it has put a lot of weight on him (before). When he started the offseason programs, I wanted to say that Frank was 365. That’s way too big, but he’s been one of our most disciplined guys. He does the work with everybody. He does extra every day, and he’s showing the signs of that discipline. But it’s got to continue when someone is not right there with him.”

I hope he stays in shape and comes to Training camp even fitter..... Word is he's the teams strongest player, he has the smarts, and I think the weight loss shows the desire.... now we just need some game time.
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I have mixed feelings about this, because I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of Frank Okam. I love the guy and want him to succeed in a bad way.

It's great that he's dropped the weight, but the fact that he showed up to the offseason program at 365 - about 20 pounds over his playing weight from last year - really makes me question his commitment to football, which, of course, was the biggest worry with him when he was drafted.

I hope Bill Kollar is somehow able to motivate him, because he can be a monster.
 
I think its all between the ears with this guy. Physically, he has the abilities of a Shaun Rogers. Mentally, he's not even close. And not just gap control and the mental aspects of the defensive line but too much pigging out in the offseason and not having the work ethic to put in the time in the weight room. I hate to say it but this is a pattern with Mack Brown athletes.
 
ok a little inside info, some buddies and I got passes to judge the cheerleader tryouts and Kasey was one of the Texans player judges.

I asked him about Frank and he said quote "I told him to lose the f-ing weight and lets do this thing"

Also I asked him how he was doing and the response was "I guarantee I'll be f-ing starting"
 
texanskan said:
ok a little inside info, some buddies and I got passes to judge the cheerleader tryouts and Kasey was one of the Texans player judges.

I asked him about Frank and he said quote "I told him to lose the f-ing weight and lets do this thing"

Also I asked him how he was doing and the response was "I guarantee I'll be f-ing starting"
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I love Studdard's attitude. Heh. Thanks for sharing that. I wish we had more guys with that bona fide mean-streak, but if you can't back it up on the field, I guess it doesn't mean jack.

Unless he goes Tonya Harding on Brisiel or Pitts, it ain't gonna happen... and even then - he's got Antoine Caldwell to deal with - a nasty character in his own right.
 
texanskan said:
ok a little inside info, some buddies and I got passes to judge the cheerleader tryouts and Kasey was one of the Texans player judges.

I asked him about Frank and he said quote "I told him to lose the f-ing weight and lets do this thing"

Also I asked him how he was doing and the response was "I guarantee I'll be f-ing starting"
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Glad that Frank has someone looking out for him who will chew his a$$ when needed.

Did you ask Kasey what he was smoking? Then again if he can beat out Pitts or Briesel its all good news for the franchise. In the end if you don't think you can do it, no one else will either.
 
kiwitexansfan said:
Glad that Frank has someone looking out for him who will chew his a$$ when needed.

Did you ask Kasey what he was smoking? Then again if he can beat out Pitts or Brisiel its all good news for the franchise. In the end if you don't think you can do it, no one else will either.
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Umm what's the matter with Pitts? (he's actually a very good guard in this league and has been the main stay on this line....when he becomes available he'll be signed by many teams)......or what's the matter with Brisiel? Brisiel isn't the biggest problem....Myers is. Chris Myers is the biggest problem on the line, which is why it's funny people question Brisiel's ability despite that Myers gets owned left and right (and most importantly STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE, WHICH KILLED SLATON on many runs)....there's a reason why the team drafted Caldwell in the 3rd round (Despite EVERYBODY thinking we needed another "goalline RB") and I hope to god he's (Caldwell) our starting center. Briesel wasn't the main problem, just the biggest victim from the performance of a crappy center.
 
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Carr Bombed said:
Umm what's the matter with Pitts? (he's actually a very good guard in this league.)......or for the matter with Briesel? Briesel isn't the biggest problem....Myers is. Chris Myers is the biggest problem on the line.
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I agree Pitts is a good lineman, Briesel isn't just a piece of meat either.... but if Kasey proves to be better than one or both of those guys, it means where a better team.
 
kiwitexansfan said:
I agree Pitts is a good lineman, Briesel isn't just a piece of meat either.... but if Kasey proves to be better than one or both of those guys, it means where a better team.
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Since Kasey has been here, the only thing he's proved is he's just another "body" (the guy is undersized, but also lacks the footwork and athleticism of a "ZBS Lineman") and in the play time he has got, he's only got manhandled time and time again. he's a practice squad/bottom roster guy at best.

Pitts is a legit boarderline probowl player (the guy is very underrated) and Brisiel is not near as bad as people make him out to be, he actually reminds me of the classic "OLineman that Gibbs can turn into a quality year in and out starter". (like Gibbs has done time and time again...the guy has shown flashes.)

However Chris Myers is horrible...he gets pushed back all the time/blown off the ball (and I mean all the time). Against the steelers the guy was picked up and thrown into Slaton and he pretty much tackled slaton (like he did alot of times at the goalline) and he plays a position where he has to anchor the line. (He made me miss a old broken knees Steve McKinney) so when he gets blown off the line (and he did quite often) he makes the players that played next to him look bad...which he did often last year.

Honestly....you can talk to alot of people here, I was the happiest person here with the Antoine Caldwell pick and I hope to god he becomes our future center, because we need one. Antoine Caldwell could very well go down as the best pick in this year's entire draft.
 
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Carr Bombed said:
Honestly....you can talk to alot of people here, I was the happiest person here with the Antoine Caldwell pick and I hope to god he becomes our future center, because we need one. Antoine Caldwell could very well go down as the best pick in this entire draft.
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We're agreed on this one. Caldwell will be the starting centre here within the year.

I can't begin to describe how excited I am about our draft this year.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Umm what's the matter with Pitts? (he's actually a very good guard in this league and has been the main stay on this line....when he becomes available he'll be signed by many teams
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Think he'll only get signed by one team ;)

Hopefully the texans!
 
Carr Bombed said:
Umm what's the matter with Pitts? (he's actually a very good guard in this league and has been the main stay on this line....when he becomes available he'll be signed by many teams)......or what's the matter with Brisiel? Brisiel isn't the biggest problem....Myers is. Chris Myers is the biggest problem on the line, which is why it's funny people question Brisiel's ability despite that Myers gets owned left and right (and most importantly STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE, WHICH KILLED SLATON on many runs)....there's a reason why the team drafted Caldwell in the 3rd round (Despite EVERYBODY thinking we needed another "goalline RB") and I hope to god he's (Caldwell) our starting center. Briesel wasn't the main problem, just the biggest victim from the performance of a crappy center.
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IMHO, I think it would be a big plus if Studdard can beat out either Pitts or Briesel. I agree that Briesel played well, and that Pitts would be a pro bowler if we had a winning season. If we've got someone on the team that can beat either of them out, that's saying something. In the past, we've been replacing scrubs, so earning a starting spot wasn't really saying much.

Meyers was a beast, in the running game, and struggled some in the passing game. But overall, he's a quality center. I'm not saying pro-bowl, or all-star, but he would start for several NFL teams.

I'd be shocked if Caldwell is starting early in the season. That would really be saying something.

As for this thread, it's good to hear good things about Okam. If he can be that guy he was at Texas, fuggit about it..... the Texans are going to roll. We will have a very good year.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Umm what's the matter with Pitts? (he's actually a very good guard in this league and has been the main stay on this line....when he becomes available he'll be signed by many teams)......or what's the matter with Brisiel? Brisiel isn't the biggest problem....Myers is. Chris Myers is the biggest problem on the line, which is why it's funny people question Brisiel's ability despite that Myers gets owned left and right (and most importantly STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE, WHICH KILLED SLATON on many runs)....there's a reason why the team drafted Caldwell in the 3rd round (Despite EVERYBODY thinking we needed another "goalline RB") and I hope to god he's (Caldwell) our starting center. Briesel wasn't the main problem, just the biggest victim from the performance of a crappy center.
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I think everyone here agrees that the center position was the weakest point on the line. The reason no one compares Kasey to Myers or suggests that he can take that position as opposed to Pitt's or Brisiel's is because Kasey is not a center, he is a guard. It would be like suggesting that Kasey can beat out Andre johnson.
I don't think he can touch Pitt's spot until Pitt's gives it up either by FA or retirement. Kasey has a better chance taking Brisiel's spot but so far he hasn't come close.
 
Okam has the potential to be the big two gap NT we need to stuff the run up the middle and protect DeMeco. Unfortunately, potential is worthless until we see it realized on the gridiron.
 
thunderkyss said:
IMHO, I think it would be a big plus if Studdard can beat out either Pitts or Briesel. I agree that Briesel played well, and that Pitts would be a pro bowler if we had a winning season. If we've got someone on the team that can beat either of them out, that's saying something. In the past, we've been replacing scrubs, so earning a starting spot wasn't really saying much.

Meyers was a beast, in the running game, and struggled some in the passing game. But overall, he's a quality center. I'm not saying pro-bowl, or all-star, but he would start for several NFL teams.

I'd be shocked if Caldwell is starting early in the season. That would really be saying something.

As for this thread, it's good to hear good things about Okam. If he can be that guy he was at Texas, fuggit about it..... the Texans are going to roll. We will have a very good year.
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You've got to be kidding me. Myers was absolutely horrible in the running game. Myers is one of the primary reasons our running game sucked on short yardage situations. Slaton was hit in the back field many times from Myers' man. Hell, Myers alone hit Slaton in the back field from being blasted so far off the LOS.

I can only hope he improves upon last season. If not, I would assume somebody else would love to take his spot.

LOL! You might want to re-evaluate Myers run blocking.
 
DiehardChris said:
I have mixed feelings about this, because I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of Frank Okam. I love the guy and want him to succeed in a bad way.

It's great that he's dropped the weight, but the fact that he showed up to the offseason program at 365 - about 20 pounds over his playing weight from last year - really makes me question his commitment to football, which, of course, was the biggest worry with him when he was drafted.

I hope Bill Kollar is somehow able to motivate him, because he can be a monster.
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Yeah, I'm not buying into any Frank Okam hype for even a second at this point. They've been talking about this guy since he was a sophmore at UT, and he has yet to show why he ever had any hype in the first place. I remember them nicknaming him "The nightmare" as a Junior in college and he even made the front page of ESPN magazine. The guy is soft. He doesn't have that mean streak that a D lineman needs to have like a Warren Sapp type. He likes to cook and wants to be a doctor or something like that which is great and admirable, but I don't see Okam ever being a very good D lineman in the pros. He never quite measured up in college, and he didn't seem to ever step up last season either.
 
Okam has all the ability, he was a top 10 recruit out of high school.

I am glad like one of the previous posters wrote that a former teammate and friend from college is on this roster to motivate him.

As far as Kasey starting, I love the attitude as well but I just don't see it. I do want a guy like that on the team because you can't have enough of those guys
 
Is it a coincidence that Kasey's comments of being a starter comes only a few days after his sweaty and shirtless buddy was quoted saying something similar? :thinking:
 
Carr Bombed said:
Umm what's the matter with Pitts? (he's actually a very good guard in this league and has been the main stay on this line....when he becomes available he'll be signed by many teams)......or what's the matter with Brisiel? Brisiel isn't the biggest problem....Myers is. Chris Myers is the biggest problem on the line, which is why it's funny people question Brisiel's ability despite that Myers gets owned left and right (and most importantly STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE, WHICH KILLED SLATON on many runs)....there's a reason why the team drafted Caldwell in the 3rd round (Despite EVERYBODY thinking we needed another "goalline RB") and I hope to god he's (Caldwell) our starting center. Briesel wasn't the main problem, just the biggest victim from the performance of a crappy center.
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Well apparently you know more than our coaching staff then because they've repeatedly said Chris Myers is our starting center.
 
I'm not looking for Okam to collapse the pocket, pressure the QB or get a sack. I want him to clog the middle and keep the RB from going thru him for more than 2 yards. If he can do that, I'll consider him successful.
 
m5kwatts said:
Well apparently you know more than our coaching staff then because they've repeatedly said Chris Myers is our starting center.
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Do you really want to get into this again......remember the thread where you pretty much said there's no way in hell we were going to draft a center in the first 3 rounds?

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60340&page=4

m5kwatts said:
Typically when guys are picked in the 1st through 3rd rounds, the organization has in mind that they want these guys to start at some point because their cap number dictates this. Our defense lacks more legitimate starters than our offense. Hence, our defense will get more attention in this draft, especially in the 1st through 3rd rounds. Carr Bombed, meet logic. Logic, meet Carr Bombed. You two need to get more acquainted.
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There's a reason why this team drafted Caldwell....it's because Myers was the weakest link on the line and is a subpar player. If he doesn't step his game up this year and can't prove that he can hold the line he will be replaced.
 
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m5kwatts said:
Well apparently you know more than our coaching staff then because they've repeatedly said Chris Myers is our starting center.
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If you've been reading the quotes from OTA's you'll sense its gone from Myers is our guy to Caldwell is pushing these guys really hard for a spot.....

and they haven't even put pads on yet.....

By the end of camp it will be darn close to Caldwell get the start.
 
Okam doesn't have to become a starter to make a contribution to this team. If he can push the guys in front of him to play better and be part of a rotation that is able to keep guys on the line fresh and healthy, then he'll have contributed as much as other guys drafted in his similar position.

If he can play up to his physical potential - all the better - but we just need to keep this thing in perspective. As a UT fan, I do think that his success will ultimately depend on his desire and confidence. Lets see what Kollar can bring out in him.

The discussion regarding Myers illustrates how far this offense has come. Myers had his issues last year, but we don't have to have an upgrade at center to be successful on offense. If Caldwell can beat him out at some point in the season, he would have had to prove a lot to beat out a seasoned guy with two years starting in the zone blocking scheme (I think he started for Denver before he came to Houston).

If Caldwell does push Myers out of the starting role, then he will become an excellent back-up at center and guard. I also wouldn't rule out Myers pushing Briesel for his starting spot and Briesel assuming the back-up duties at guard and center. All three of these guys can play both spots and two of them have significant experience starting in this league - so this is a great problem to have.
 
m5kwatts said:
Well apparently you know more than our coaching staff then because they've repeatedly said Chris Myers is our starting center.
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What motivation do you bring to someone by handing them the job? Secondarily, what type of message do you send your vets by ****-canning them in such a manner? Salaam (the only guy who really had a solid argument) bolted town. Not exactly like giving their 1st rounder the spot. Mario, Amobi, Brown and now Cushing have all been immediately entered as the starters so that's nothing new and honestly every single one of them was an upgrade.

Chris Myers is Kasey Studdard in the form of a C. Undersized, not athletic, not strong and not very good. The remaining image of Studdard for me will be a preseason game when a defender ran straight into him (he didn't notice him until the head on collision, if that's any indication of Studdard's awareness in space) and the announcer's saying, "OH my what a block by Studdard" Yeah. Sure it was.

They spent a 3rd on Caldwell to back Myers up or to replace him? Think about it, he's 30 pounds heavier, stronger, faster, and has a great mind for the spot from great college experience. Not only is Caldwell to replace Myers but he's probably going to lock the spot up for a couple years. Myers served valiantly but he's best served as the backup to Caldwell. Quality depth is beyond value in the NFL.
 
Spike said:
Okam doesn't have to become a starter to make a contribution to this team. If he can push the guys in front of him to play better and be part of a rotation that is able to keep guys on the line fresh and healthy, then he'll have contributed as much as other guys drafted in his similar position.

If he can play up to his physical potential - all the better - but we just need to keep this thing in perspective. As a UT fan, I do think that his success will ultimately depend on his desire and confidence. Lets see what Kollar can bring out in him.

The discussion regarding Myers illustrates how far this offense has come. Myers had his issues last year, but we don't have to have an upgrade at center to be successful on offense. If Caldwell can beat him out at some point in the season, he would have had to prove a lot to beat out a seasoned guy with two years starting in the zone blocking scheme (I think he started for Denver before he came to Houston).

If Caldwell does push Myers out of the starting role, then he will become an excellent back-up at center and guard. I also wouldn't rule out Myers pushing Briesel for his starting spot and Briesel assuming the back-up duties at guard and center. All three of these guys can play both spots and two of them have significant experience starting in this league - so this is a great problem to have.
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IF Okam can be depth and our short yardage and goal line run stuffer, that's enough.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Do you really want to get into this again......remember the thread where you pretty much said there's no way in hell we were going to draft a center in the first 3 rounds?

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60340&page=4



There's a reason why this team drafted Caldwell....it's because Myers was the weakest link on the line and is a subpar player. If he doesn't step his game up this year and can't prove that he can hold the line he will be replaced.
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The reason they drafted Caldwell was because he was the best player on the board at the time. I have no problem with drafting the best player available, we did the same thing with Casey and Hill. My point is we can have all the opinions we want on Myers but the reality is Kubiak has addressed this issue. He stated Chris Myers is our starting center. He didn't say that its a spot up for competition. All he's said is he hopes Caldwell can push the guys ahead of him which I take to be all 3 interior line spots. The only position on offense that could be considered a position battle is 2nd running back.

I'm not even saying Chris Myers is a quality center....I'm just yielding to the intelligence of our coaching staff. Alex Gibbs has forgotten more foootball than I even know. If Gibbs and Kubiak continue to trot out Myers as the starting center than he must be doing something to deserve it.
 
m5kwatts said:
If Gibbs and Kubiak continue to trot out Myers as the starting center than he must be doing something to deserve it.
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Just curious the last time you heard this stated.

The OTA quotes have mentioned Caldwell pushing the starters hard, but I haven't see any assurances the starters are locked in.
 
kiwitexansfan said:
Just curious the last time you heard this stated.

The OTA quotes have mentioned Caldwell pushing the starters hard, but I haven't see any assurances the starters are locked in.
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The gushing from Gibbs and Kubiak over all 5 lineman starters starting all 16 games wasn't enough of a tip off? The fact that Myers has the most experience in the ZBS than any other Texan lineman? Myers is working with the first team in OTAs? (just like he did every snap in practice and the regular season)
 
Kubiak and Rick Smith were both gushing about Caldwell, though. He might have the most experience, but that might just ensure he has a roster spot for the duration of his contract.
 
Frank the tank!

Frank-the-Tank-lg.gif
 
mexican_texan said:
Kubiak and Rick Smith were both gushing about Caldwell, though. He might have the most experience, but that might just ensure he has a roster spot for the duration of his contract.
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Caldwell also has experience in the ZBS...the guy ran multiple systems in college and it's probably a big reason why Houston targeted him....just like Slaton.

M5kwatts can talk about "best available player" as the reason why Caldwell was drafted all he wants, while completely IGNORING the obvious "NEED"....the real reason why our FO scouted and PICKED Caldwell...

Newsflash, the "best available player approach is WAY overblown...many teams draft NEEDS and mock drafts follow as such....I laugh when people always mention teams draft "BAP" over need...about the only time "BAP" is taken over need is when the "BAP" is going to replace a player that is aging/slipping in production/ stuck in a ugly contract dispute, or when said "BAP" has fallen so low you simply CAN'T pass him up.

What I don't understand is how M5kwatts said this team "WOULDN'T DRAFT A OFFENSIVE PLAYER" in the first three rounds just a coulple of months ago, because he thought the "biggest NEED was on DEFENSE", now he's excusing the drafting of a offensive center (something he said wouldn't happen) after he was wrong, because of the "best available player" aspect.....Teams mostly fill NEEDS early on...they take BAP's mostly on "prospects/flyers" later on. (unless like the circumstances above)

M5kwatts aslo disregarded his own self proclaimed "players who are drafted in the top 3 rounds are expected to start" statement....


How's this for "drafting NEED and not BAP", this is the same FO who drafted a LT just last year that everybody felt was a REACH (and the only reason why he wouldn't be "a REACH" is becuase reportedly S.D. was also willing to fill a NEED and was willing to take him with the very next pick), because this team was willing to fill a HOLE on the team. Now please try to tell me Duane Brown was the "BAP" on the board. There's a reason why during the draft, there's a "run on positions" and "reaches"...it's because most teams draft towards their needs and they don't take BAPs

Teams fill holes and NEEDS in the draft and everybody needs to forget about "best available player". If that was true coming out of college Reggie would sadly be on this team (as much as it pains me to say that...coming out he was thought to be the "BAP", while our FO said we "Needed" a player like Mario to win within our division and get at Peyton), Patrick Willis would be playing next to DeMeco, and Adrian Peterson would've never slipped as far as he did in his draft....this "BAP" stuff is way overblown, teams draft to fill holes in their rosters.

Antoine Caldwell is on this team and was taken in the thrid round, because this team felt they had a NEED to fill, not because the felt he was "the best available player" at the time.
 
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According to Kubes Frank is down to 335 and making the best of his opportunity with TJ out right now. This is good news for Okam fans, maybe he can work himself into the D-line rotation this year and contribute.
 
If Frank can keep the weight off and take advantage of the opportunity in OTA and mini camp in getting reps this team improves dramatically. If we can have Robinson and Okam pushing Okoye and T.J. we suddenly have a rotation in which no matter who subs in OLs are going to have problems. It alos means they'll be fresh later in tme game when it matters.

I've heard good stuff and Robinson and it's good to hear something on Okam, haven't heard much about Cody though.

Regaurding Myers and Caldwell, the sooner we insert Caldwell into the lineup the better IMO. Myers isn't all world but I don't think they'll have Caldwell do any less then earn the spot though.

I was spotty on this draft after looking at it, but it has the chance to be as good as '06.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Caldwell also has experience in the ZBS...the guy ran multiple systems in college and it's probably a big reason why Houston targeted him....just like Slaton.

M5kwatts can talk about "best available player" as the reason why Caldwell was drafted all he wants, while completely IGNORING the obvious "NEED"....the real reason why our FO scouted and PICKED Caldwell...

Newsflash, the "best available player approach is WAY overblown...many teams draft NEEDS and mock drafts follow as such....I laugh when people always mention teams draft "BAP" over need...about the only time "BAP" is taken over need is when the "BAP" is going to replace a player that is aging/slipping in production/ stuck in a ugly contract dispute, or when said "BAP" has fallen so low you simply CAN'T pass him up.

What I don't understand is how M5kwatts said this team "WOULDN'T DRAFT A OFFENSIVE PLAYER" in the first three rounds just a coulple of months ago, because he thought the "biggest NEED was on DEFENSE", now he's excusing the drafting of a offensive center (something he said wouldn't happen) after he was wrong, because of the "best available player" aspect.....Teams mostly fill NEEDS early on...they take BAP's mostly on "prospects/flyers" later on. (unless like the circumstances above)

M5kwatts aslo disregarded his own self proclaimed "players who are drafted in the top 3 rounds are expected to start" statement....


How's this for "drafting NEED and not BAP", this is the same FO who drafted a LT just last year that everybody felt was a REACH (and the only reason why he wouldn't be "a REACH" is becuase reportedly S.D. was also willing to fill a NEED and was willing to take him with the very next pick), because this team was willing to fill a HOLE on the team. Now please try to tell me Duane Brown was the "BAP" on the board. There's a reason why during the draft, there's a "run on positions" and "reaches"...it's because most teams draft towards their needs and they don't take BAPs

Teams fill holes and NEEDS in the draft and everybody needs to forget about "best available player". If that was true coming out of college Reggie would sadly be on this team (as much as it pains me to say that...coming out he was thought to be the "BAP", while our FO said we "Needed" a player like Mario to win within our division and get at Peyton), Patrick Willis would be playing next to DeMeco, and Adrian Peterson would've never slipped as far as he did in his draft....this "BAP" stuff is way overblown, teams draft to fill holes in their rosters.

Antoine Caldwell is on this team and was taken in the thrid round, because this team felt they had a NEED to fill, not because the felt he was "the best available player" at the time.
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See here's what you're not getting. There's my opinions about the team---like we shouldn't have and wouldn't drafted an offensive player in the 1st three rounds....its also my opinion that the higher a guy is drafted the more the organization expects him to start----these are all my opinions

Then there's the Texans opinions. They thought it was best to draft Caldwell at the time they did, just like with Hill and Casey. I completely yield to our scouting department and Rick Smith in drafting players. They're smarter than me and you when it comes to football. I also completely yield to Gibbs and Kubiak in picking starters.

So get what I'm saying here? There's my opinion and there's the Texans opinion. I don't have access to every snap of every draft prospects game film. I didn't attend their pro days. If they feel like these picks in this draft class are for the best, then I completely yield to that notion. Rick Smith's drafts have been pretty awesome so whatever player they pick its exciting because its likely they have a future with this team.
 
m5kwatts said:
See here's what you're not getting. There's my opinions about the team---like we shouldn't have and wouldn't drafted an offensive player in the 1st three rounds....its also my opinion that the higher a guy is drafted the more the organization expects him to start----these are all my opinions

Then there's the Texans opinions. They thought it was best to draft Caldwell at the time they did, just like with Hill and Casey. I completely yield to our scouting department and Rick Smith in drafting players. They're smarter than me and you when it comes to football. I also completely yield to Gibbs and Kubiak in picking starters.

So get what I'm saying here? There's my opinion and there's the Texans opinion. I don't have access to every snap of every draft prospects game film. I didn't attend their pro days. If they feel like these picks in this draft class are for the best, then I completely yield to that notion. Rick Smith's drafts have been pretty awesome so whatever player they pick its exciting because its likely they have a future with this team.
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:backsout:
 
This is huge offseason for big Frank. He needs to Kollar and the rest of the staff and team that he has the intensity and fire inside of him. I think he has the talent and he definitely has the size, I just needs to put it all together. I hope Kollar pushes Okam hard and gets the best out of him. I hope he makes the team and contributes next season.

I'm rooting really hard for Studdard. I like that dude's toughness a lot. I hope he has a great training camp and earns some PT if he is the best man for the spot.
 
ubecool454 said:
The only better news we can get than this is that Dunta is at the OTAs.
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Barker-(6-15-06)-C.jpg


I hold the deed to this gently used draw bridge (1909). Disclaimer: Slight rust on surface. Hinges don't move, but will probably only require a squirt or two of WD-40. Motors inoperable and replacements not longer available, but can be replaced with simple block and tackle.......and a crew of 100 on each side (which I will make available at a reasonable hourly rate [you supply all benefits]). Worried about safety? No problem. To ease your mind, I will even supply liability insurance through We Cover Anything Insurance, Inc. (San Marino, Calif. [in business since 06/05/09]). To consumate this transaction, please electronically deposit 4.5 million dollars into the Indeterminate National Bank of Nigeria. I guarantee, if you proceed with my investment, you will forget about all others........including Dunta.:tiphat:
 
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Goldensilence said:
I've heard good stuff and Robinson and it's good to hear something on Okam, haven't heard much about Cody though.
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No idea where Cody is at.... I was reading a story about players on the hot seat and it mentioned Travis Johnson. It was saying that he better watch out because the Texans has signed Cody.... at that point I stopped reading the article because it had become obvious that the writer new nothing about the Texans.

From what I figure Cody must be at least 5th on the depth chart.... Okoye, TJ, Robinson, Okam...... not counting Smith and Bulman sliding inside either.
 
I stand by what I said. Myers did well in the run game. I used the word beast earlier, and still, I think it fits.

He struggled in the passing games, sure. & I'll concede that he was the weakest link in short yardage situations. I don't know that for a fact, but if you say that's the case, then so be it.

But I don't believe he's the chopped liver he's being made out to be. He did a fine job between the 20s. 16 games straight.

I believe OL play is more about continuity, than anything else. Caldwell may be a stronger player. He may be flat out better. But I think it would be a mistake to introduce a new starting OLman.

IMO, you have to weigh how much better an athlete Caldwell is, to how much better an NFL pro Myers is.

I honestly don't care which starts. I feel comfortable with Myers, and if Caldwell is better..... all the better. I trust Kubiak to make the right choice here.
 
thunderkyss said:
I stand by what I said. Myers did well in the run game. I used the word beast earlier, and still, I think it fits.

He struggled in the passing games, sure. & I'll concede that he was the weakest link in short yardage situations. I don't know that for a fact, but if you say that's the case, then so be it.

But I don't believe he's the chopped liver he's being made out to be. He did a fine job between the 20s. 16 games straight.
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Meyers is not chopped liver at all. He is very good at ZBS, but weak when power blocking (read short yardage) and sometimes in passing situations. Continuity is a good thing but C is a place where the O could upgrade. The need is urgent enough to do it precipitously but I hope Caldwell turns into the rock in the middle and takes the job away on merit at some point.
 
infantrycak said:
Meyers is not chopped liver at all. He is very good at ZBS, but weak when power blocking (read short yardage) and sometimes in passing situations. Continuity is a good thing but C is a place where the O could upgrade. The need is urgent enough to do it precipitously but I hope Caldwell turns into the rock in the middle and takes the job away on merit at some point.
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I, too, have posted that in the typical "deflection" ZBS, he elevated his game in the second half of the season. But I can't take lightly his glaring deficiency in head-to-head situations (short yardage 3rd down, and at goal line) which is where the C position is so crucial. With a team like ours (fleet-footed receivers), with the expectation of having the QB heave some long ones, the extra seconds the C can hold and not be pushed into QB or allowing the pocket to crumble, is the difference between having a vertical game and having a predictably short one. The Texans want an improved short yardage running game, and an improved long yardage passing game. It's not going to happen without that "rock in the middle," no matter how good the QB's arm or how good Slaton's power counterpart may be.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
I, too, have posted that in the typical "deflection" ZBS, he elevated his game in the second half of the season. But I can't take lightly his glaring deficiency in head-to-head situations (short yardage 3rd down, and at goal line) which is where the C position is so crucial. With a team like ours (fleet-footed receivers), with the expectation of having the QB heave some long ones, the extra seconds the C can hold and not be pushed into QB or allowing the pocket to crumble, is the difference between having a vertical game and having a predictably short one. The Texans want an improved short yardage running game, and an improved long yardage passing game. It's not going to happen without that "rock in the middle," no matter how good the QB's arm or how good Slaton's power counterpart may be.
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Agreed

But I think Myers has alot of room for improvement. He is still a young guy who needs to improve his weight and strength.

I hope our new S&c coach is up to the job.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
I, too, have posted that in the typical "deflection" ZBS, he elevated his game in the second half of the season. But I can't take lightly his glaring deficiency in head-to-head situations (short yardage 3rd down, and at goal line) which is where the C position is so crucial. With a team like ours (fleet-footed receivers), with the expectation of having the QB heave some long ones, the extra seconds the C can hold and not be pushed into QB or allowing the pocket to crumble, is the difference between having a vertical game and having a predictably short one. The Texans want an improved short yardage running game, and an improved long yardage passing game. It's not going to happen without that "rock in the middle," no matter how good the QB's arm or how good Slaton's power counterpart may be.
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All true. Just trying to provide a little perspective as you did on the different facets of his game and where Caldwell may make headway. Schaub is a very heady QB. If he had a pocket to step up into you'ld see many of the sacks disappear. Strength at point of attack is not Meyers' game.
 
Good news from Kubiak on Okam. Okam reported for OTAs and said he wanted to lose some weight and Adibi overheard him and said give it to me. Now we have a lighter more athletic Okam and a heavier stronger Adibi...now thats teamwork.
 
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