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Wanted 3-4 OLB's

beerlover

beerlover

Hall of Fame
I'm just going down Ourlads list in order of ranking possible OLB fits for Texans. Make your case for who the Texans should & will draft if available later on today. Note had to edit two, Martez Wilson/Quan Sturdivant only allowed to include 6 images & both are rated as ILB's.

Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia, 6027 270 4.68 Dominant size for position, has some experience in system. Questionable work ethic/instincts. Red Flag for substance abuse (pot). Imposing quick twitch athletic big man who was very productive w/10 sacks & 18 1/2 TTL.
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Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA, 6024 254 Plays best on line of scrimmage as a pass rusher. Can shade the corner & flex to get to the QB. Is proficient in pass coverage as well. Very fluid athlete not a quick twitch type.
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Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina, 6020 241 Coming off left knee injury, otherwise 1st rd. talent. Doesn't stay blocked, great instincts, quickness total package when healthy.
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Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh, 6027 264 4.69 Long arms/big hands for position (reminds me of a mini Tyson Alalu) toughness above all others & relentless downhill pass rusher. Red flag, cleared up, under the radar prospect.
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Sam Acho, DE/OLB, Texas, 6016 257 4.68 Smart well proportioned athlete. Good flexability, knee bend & leverage coming off edge. Another good hustle player who fits workman like attitude Texans covet.
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Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona, 6024 263 4.65 Explosive first step. Another high motor/effort guy who likes to get after it & chase down the ball. Bears a striking resemblance to Clay Matthews III in looks & style of game.
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Great thread BL.

I would rank them like this:

1) Justin Houston- Monster of an OLB at 270, but still incredibly fluid and quick. He has experience in the 3-4, which is a huge bonus, as he will have some idea of what is going on. The buzz is that he is dropping due to a failed drug test.

2) Brooks Reed- Another good player, evokes images of CM3. A bit of a linear athlete on tape, which is my main concern

3) Bruce Carter- Possibly the most athletically gifted, but with injury concerns, and the wonder if he will ever "get it".

4) Akeem Ayers- like BL said, Ayers is more fluid than sudden. I would not be upset with the pick, but I would prefer to go another direction.

The next two players I feel it is too early for, however, it is unlikely they will be there in the 3rd, so if they want them, they have to reach or trade down.

5) Sam Acho
6) Jabaal Sheard
 
rmartin65 said:
Great thread BL.

I would rank them like this:

1) Justin Houston- Monster of an OLB at 270, but still incredibly fluid and quick. He has experience in the 3-4, which is a huge bonus, as he will have some idea of what is going on. The buzz is that he is dropping due to a failed drug test.

2) Brooks Reed- Another good player, evokes images of CM3. A bit of a linear athlete on tape, which is my main concern

3) Bruce Carter- Possibly the most athletically gifted, but with injury concerns, and the wonder if he will ever "get it".

4) Akeem Ayers- like BL said, Ayers is more fluid than sudden. I would not be upset with the pick, but I would prefer to go another direction.

The next two players I feel it is too early for, however, it is unlikely they will be there in the 3rd, so if they want them, they have to reach or trade down.

5) Sam Acho
6) Jabaal Sheard
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Good. Spot on me thinks :htown2atx: but how are the Texans viewing his...er... discretion :hmmm:
 
I mentioned in another thread that I'd ask the Vikings ( they don't have a third ) about the price of the pick right after us . Our 3rd + ? , and pick an OLB with a CB/S .

Houston and Dowling
Ayers and Williams
Reed and Austin
Williams and Sheard

Dream dream dream dream dream
 
Would you give up our 5th round pick to leap frog the Titans and Cowboys and take Wilson or Aaron Williams, or stay pat and take Moore or Paea?
 
BigBull17 said:
If he's your guy, yeah. You can always trade back in the 3rd to get another pick later.
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I think the Texans will try to walk away from round 2 with either Reed, Houston, or Ayers.

I know Ayers isnt a board favorite, but I think he is the best rush/drop combo linebacker.
 
Super Mario said:
I think the Texans will try to walk away from round 2 with either Reed, Houston, or Ayers.

I know Ayers isnt a board favorite, but I think he is the best rush/drop combo linebacker.
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Ayers would be AWESOME across from your main rush threat.

Maybe Barwin can be that guy. If you are backing Barwin to be our RUSH LB, then take Ayers.
 
Super Mario said:
I think the Texans will try to walk away from round 2 with either Reed, Houston, or Ayers.

I know Ayers isnt a board favorite, but I think he is the best rush/drop combo linebacker.
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I wasn't an Ayers in the first fan. In the second he is an absolute steal. We won't draft him, but I would LOVE Houston.
 
So, outside Bowers, is Houston the best pure rusher left?

From my understanding, Ayers is a Cushing type player, while Reed is more of a No. 2 rusher (like Spencer with Dallas).

You guys are the experts, so I'll probably just follow you guys:doot:
 
I'd prefer

1.)Ayers - solid in all phases
2.) Houston - if not for the drug test he'd be 1b with ayers
3.) Sheard
4.) Reed - just am weary trying to clone clay matthews III with a guy not neary as athletic as him.
5.) Carter - mainly b/c of the left knee surgery
 
Just throwing this out there, 3-4 OLBs can come later in the draft or even as UDFA (e.g. Cameron Wake, James Harrison). I'm going to throw in some late round/FAs we could look at:


Alex Wujciak - ILB from Maryland: The reason I am high on him is because of his production as a college football player. 381 career tackles, 22 TFLs, and 4 INTs as a MLB.

Mike Mohamd - Could play inside or outside and needs to bulk up but, a hard worker with excellent instincts. Is a disruptor who causes chaos behind the LOS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpWO9NPGqTQ
 
Texan4Ever said:
Just throwing this out there, 3-4 OLBs can come later in the draft or even as UDFA (e.g. Cameron Wake, James Harrison). I'm going to throw in some late round/FAs we could look at:


Alex Wujciak - ILB from Maryland: The reason I am high on him is because of his production as a college football player. 381 career tackles, 22 TFLs, and 4 INTs as a MLB.

Mike Mohamd - Could play inside or outside and needs to bulk up but, a hard worker with excellent instincts. Is a disruptor who causes chaos behind the LOS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpWO9NPGqTQ
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OOOOH, if we are going to play this game can I throw in Thomas Keiser from Stanford?
 
Super Mario said:
I think the Texans will try to walk away from round 2 with either Reed, Houston, or Ayers.

I know Ayers isnt a board favorite, but I think he is the best rush/drop combo linebacker.
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I agree, but if the Texans chose Watt that means they place a high value on motor, work ethic & character these are all things shared by Reed. So unless they select a CB, Brooks Reed would be my guess to become the next Houston Texan :toropalm:
 
beerlover said:
I agree, but if the Texans chose Watt that means they place a high value on motor, work ethic & character these are all things shared by Reed. So unless they select a CB, Brooks Reed would be my guess to become the next Houston Texan :toropalm:
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Why the toropalm? Not a Reed fan?

If we do get him, we'll have Watt, Barwin, Demeco, Cushing and Reed in the Front 7 who all pride themselves on working as hard as they can. 5 guys with tremendous work ethic and don't expect anything to be handed to them. I'd absolutely love it.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Why the toropalm? Not a Reed fan?

If we do get him, we'll have Watt, Barwin, Demeco, Cushing and Reed in the Front 7 who all pride themselves on working as hard as they can. 5 guys with tremendous work ethic and don't expect anything to be handed to them. I'd absolutely love it.
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love reed too, like watt, but think the Texans might just go CB/FS :)
 
Bowers could still be an option. Unless he's just been completely red flagged for his injury I could see him as a 3-4 SLB. At 6'3 280 he's like having another DL on the field, has great strength to hold the point and is a good reliable tackler with a nice mix of passrush moves/abilities.

I would still look for a D.Ware style WLB to be the primary passrush specialist ontop of the 20-30 sacks you would be getting from Williams, Watts and Bowers.

----------------Cushing---Ryans
Barwin - Williams -- NT -- Watts -- Bowers

With a big nasty NT in the middle that is a damn hard front to run against while still bringing you 35+ sacks.
 
I probably would not take Bowers. He is not a great fit for the 3-4 (although I am sure Wade could rig up a scheme), and his knee injury worries me. If the bone on bone buzz is true, then teams will be lucky to get more than 2 years out of him.
 
VTexan said:
Can Bowers be converted to a 3-4 OLB? or is he too slow?
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If Wade Phillips thinks so :wadepalm: it might behoove Texans to move up & get him. Since he could not do the drills @ the combine I don't have numbers to plug in & see his splits, explosiveness in BJ or Vert, but on game film he flashes elite pass rush ability & numbers to support much higher grade than 2nd rd. pick w/11 sacks, 19 TFL.
 
Why do people keep pluralizing "Watt"? I know he was a beast in college, but There is only one of him.

Kind of reminds me of Kevin "Walters"
 
Dutchrudder said:
Why do people keep pluralizing "Watt"? I know he was a beast in college, but There is only one of him.

Kind of reminds me of Kevin "Walters"
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I think it is because most folks are trying to get a point or thought about the man across rather than correct spelling, punctuation or grammer. You probably did not know whom a poster was talking about when typing Walters but most others on the board did.
 
Dutchrudder said:
Why do people keep pluralizing "Watt"? I know he was a beast in college, but There is only one of him.

Kind of reminds me of Kevin "Walters"
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Probably because of this guy....J.C.Watts former OU quarterback turned Congressman.

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I still maintain that JJ Watt should receive automatic induction into the Reggie Cleveland All-Stars.
 
beerlover said:
If Wade Phillips thinks so :wadepalm: it might behoove Texans to move up & get him. Since he could not do the drills @ the combine I don't have numbers to plug in & see his splits, explosiveness in BJ or Vert, but on game film he flashes elite pass rush ability & numbers to support much higher grade than 2nd rd. pick w/11 sacks, 19 TFL.
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Texans took the safe pick over upside in round 1. I would love to see them roll the dice on Bowers.
 
The1ApplePie said:
Texans took the safe pick over upside in round 1.
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Why do I keep reading this? He is safe due to his physical gifts and work ethic. However, being safe does not preclude upside. Watt has incredible upside, as he has only played the position for 2 years. He could learn a lot, in addition to getting bigger and stronger in the NFL.
 
rmartin65 said:
Why do I keep reading this? He is safe due to his physical gifts and work ethic. However, being safe does not preclude upside. Watt has incredible upside, as he has only played the position for 2 years. He could learn a lot, in addition to getting bigger and stronger in the NFL.
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IMO Fairley had a shitload more upside (if he stays motivated), as does Quinn.

Their positions certainly have more impact than 3-4 DEs as well.
 
rmartin65 said:
Why do I keep reading this? He is safe due to his physical gifts and work ethic. However, being safe does not preclude upside. Watt has incredible upside, as he has only played the position for 2 years. He could learn a lot, in addition to getting bigger and stronger in the NFL.
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Exactly. Just because someone has a "high floor" doesn't mean they have a "low ceiling".
 
The1ApplePie said:
IMO Fairley had a shitload more upside (if he stays motivated), as does Quinn.

Their positions certainly have more impact than 3-4 DEs as well.
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How so on the first part? Both film and workout numbers show that Watt is just as, if not more, explosive than Fairly and Quinn.

I would argue the second point as well. They may show up on the stat sheet more, but DE in the 3-4 is a very valuable position. They have to hold down the sides and tie up blockers, as well as provide some pressure.
 
Texans took Watt because he fits Wade Phillips hybrid system. Not only an upgrade 5 tech DE, when they shift to four man front he bumps inside to DT. They want pass rushers with versatility who can crash the pocket & disrupt the QB. I like Cameron but he is a little different 5 tech who is better fitted to stand up or play LDE which they already have in Mario.
 
Super Mario said:
Can you expand upon how Failrley has more upside than Watt?
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Fairley on his A-game is unstoppable. 2-gap penetration, pass rush up the middle. He has all the talent of Suh and could have been the Texans Jay Ratliff.

I know the college level does not matter now, but Fairley was the best player in college football last year. If he can project that ability to the NFL in a similar way to Suh, then I would call that superior upside.

I would argue the second point as well. They may show up on the stat sheet more, but DE in the 3-4 is a very valuable position. They have to hold down the sides and tie up blockers, as well as provide some pressure.
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I would argue that they are less important than NT or OLB in a 3-4. The Texans have neither right now.
 
rmartin65 said:
How so on the first part? Both film and workout numbers show that Watt is just as, if not more, explosive than Fairly and Quinn.

I would argue the second point as well. They may show up on the stat sheet more, but DE in the 3-4 is a very valuable position. They have to hold down the sides and tie up blockers, as well as provide some pressure.
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I agree to the point that Quinn and Fairley have a lot of upside (but I think both carry a TON of risk). I do think Watt is a very safe pick but he also has a LOT of upside. I could have gotten on board with either Aldon or Quinn at OLB but they both really really really scared me so I'm glad with (i) didn't get the chance with AS and (ii) we passed on Quinn. Fairley would be a disappointing pick for me.

As far as IMPACT... Yes Demarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, James Harrison... these guys that Quinn could potentially come really really impact the game. But Watt could impact our defense the way Richard Seymor, Vince Wilfork or Jared Allen. He could put up big time sack numbers like Allen or maybe not so much. But in the truest sense of the word IMPACT... the DL is a huge huge part of what makes the OLBs do so well. As good a pass rusher as Matthews is, the GB d-line does a ton to allow Clay to impact.

Quinn could JUST as easily become Aaron Maybin as he could Demarcus Ware.
 
If Reed is there he will be the pick.

I'm hoping A.Williams falls to the Texans and they take him. He's a future all-pro S. IMHO

Rick and Gary then should do wharever it takes to move back into the 2nd rd and pick Reed or Houston.

Then all levels of this team will be very improved. If they sign a vet FA CB this defense will look a whole lot different that last yr. Watt and a contract yr for Mario should help improve the Texans pass rush. Along with a pick like Reed coming off the edge.
 
Super Mario said:
You just broke my bro's arm. Time to meet Dr. Watts!
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badboy said:
I think it is because most folks are trying to get a point or thought about the man across rather than correct spelling, punctuation or grammer. You probably did not know whom a poster was talking about when typing Walters but most others on the board did.
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I know who they are talking about, I just don't understand why people keep putting an S at the end of some names. There are only a couple of Texans with pluralized last names: Williams, Jones, Meyers, Ryans and Daniels. Everyone else is singular.

Señor Stan;1688106 said:
Probably because of this guy....J.C.Watts former OU quarterback turned Congressman.


I still maintain that JJ Watt should receive automatic induction into the Reggie Cleveland All-Stars.
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I think this is the best explanation.
:bravo:
 
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