Maybe I'm imposing my personal impatience or that of Texans fans onto Kubiak and Smith. However, I have to believe that they feel 2010 is the year they need to break through. Schaub took a big step forward. AJ remains elite. We have an elite passing attack. The defense is improved and has a foundation of youth that will continue to improve. Much more so than 2008 and 2009, there's no excuse for not making the playoffs in 2010.
How does this impact their draft philosophy, particularly Rounds 1-3.
1. We need to draft players that will have immediate impact. We need another Cushing type addition, possibly 2.
2. I think Pollard and Dunta will be brought back. It is very rare to have a CB take over as a starter as a rookie. I don't know that anyone other than Hayden projects to that type of rookie. Continued improvement on defense is going to come from Dunta being 1 more year removed/recovered from the surgery and injury, from continuity, and from young players improving.
3. In think we wanted Coffee or Shonn Greene last year, and they were taken before our pick came up in the third round. I think at the time, Kubiak and Smith had strong misgivings about that. With our garbage run game, bare cupboard at RB, they can't let it happen again, and if anything, they'll overcompensate to make sure it doesnt.
4. Where does this leave the draft?
I think it's a lock they take Dwyer in the first round or Highest rated RB in second round. That would have the greatest impact on our team in 2010, no doubt about it.
From there, the next highest impact positoin is FS. I'd take highest rated, perhaps Thomas in Rd 1, or the BPA at FS in Round 2.
DT's are too big a gamble in the draft. To shore up the line, McNair just needs to spend the money.
Interior OL - I believe we can continue to stockpile talent and depth in the middle rounds. It's very possible to find startign caliber talent in the middle rounds.
Perhaps this is all elementary, but I think expectations and our experience from the 2009 draft will shape Kubiak's and Smith's behavior in the 2010 draft.
How does this impact their draft philosophy, particularly Rounds 1-3.
1. We need to draft players that will have immediate impact. We need another Cushing type addition, possibly 2.
2. I think Pollard and Dunta will be brought back. It is very rare to have a CB take over as a starter as a rookie. I don't know that anyone other than Hayden projects to that type of rookie. Continued improvement on defense is going to come from Dunta being 1 more year removed/recovered from the surgery and injury, from continuity, and from young players improving.
3. In think we wanted Coffee or Shonn Greene last year, and they were taken before our pick came up in the third round. I think at the time, Kubiak and Smith had strong misgivings about that. With our garbage run game, bare cupboard at RB, they can't let it happen again, and if anything, they'll overcompensate to make sure it doesnt.
4. Where does this leave the draft?
I think it's a lock they take Dwyer in the first round or Highest rated RB in second round. That would have the greatest impact on our team in 2010, no doubt about it.
From there, the next highest impact positoin is FS. I'd take highest rated, perhaps Thomas in Rd 1, or the BPA at FS in Round 2.
DT's are too big a gamble in the draft. To shore up the line, McNair just needs to spend the money.
Interior OL - I believe we can continue to stockpile talent and depth in the middle rounds. It's very possible to find startign caliber talent in the middle rounds.
Perhaps this is all elementary, but I think expectations and our experience from the 2009 draft will shape Kubiak's and Smith's behavior in the 2010 draft.