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Priority needs for 2012 Texans

badboy

Hall of Fame
List what you think Texans need by position and why. Don't just say nose tackle or WR or inside linebacker but why you think it is priority and what level the need is.
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
1. WR -- We need a better #2 and a player to groom to grow into the #1 spot. This should be a big, fast WR so I think we've got to go early here.

2. G -- I think the weaknesses in our offensive line are Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel. They're working well together as a unit but I think it can be improved.

3. ILB -- At first, this is about getting rid of Dobbins. But if we could get a guy who can play better than Demeco has been or just better than Sharpton, I'll be fine with that.

4. DT -- Note, NOT NT. I don't think we're going to see a big, immoveable NT in this defense. But if there's a dominating penetrating 4-3 DT, we would be in the market for him. He'd have to beat out Cody and Mitchell, though.

But, personally, after round 1 which should be WR, I think we should go BPA.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
1. WR -- We need a better #2 and a player to groom to grow into the #1 spot. This should be a big, fast WR so I think we've got to go early here.

2. G -- I think the weaknesses in our offensive line are Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel. They're working well together as a unit but I think it can be improved.

3. ILB -- At first, this is about getting rid of Dobbins. But if we could get a guy who can play better than Demeco has been or just better than Sharpton, I'll be fine with that.

4. DT -- Note, NOT NT. I don't think we're going to see a big, immoveable NT in this defense. But if there's a dominating penetrating 4-3 DT, we would be in the market for him. He'd have to beat out Cody and Mitchell, though.

But, personally, after round 1 which should be WR, I think we should go BPA.
Ok, we draft WR in first. What OG available in late second round would beat out Wade Smith or Brisiel? Zeitler, maybe there but he would not start first year imo.
 

Insideop

All Pro
1) WR.... Johnson and Walter are getting old and injury prone. Jacoby's not Andre!

2) NT.... Cody's been good this year but he's almost 30. How many more years can he take the pounding? Mitchell is only backup and he's too lite for the position IMO. Think he would be better suited at DE in a 3-4 or DT in a 4-3.

3) ILB... Ryans is still good but he has definitely fallen off some since his injury. Sharpton was only real depth and he's on IR now. We need more depth!

4) S..... We've had our best Safety play ever with Manning, GQ, and Demps but when Barber went on IR and Manning broke his leg we were pretty thin back there. Good thing Demps was still available. We could probably get a late pick for this and develop him on the PS or maybe he'll be good enough to knock Barber off the team.

5) QB.... I'm not real set on this and a lot depends on how TJ does the rest of the way and also on Leinart. Did he sign a 2 year deal? Will his collarbone be healed enough? With Schaub's and Leinart's injury history Kubes may want to bring in another QB.

That's my priority needs for the Texans in 2012. Not sure if they will be big players in FA due to $ constraints but they could free up some $ if they don't resign Mario. JMHO!
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
1) WR.... Johnson and Walter are getting old and injury prone. Jacoby's not Andre!

2) NT.... Cody's been good this year but he's almost 30. How many more years can he take the pounding? Mitchell is only backup and he's too lite for the position IMO. Think he would be better suited at DE in a 3-4 or DT in a 4-3.

3) ILB... Ryans is still good but he has definitely fallen off some since his injury. Sharpton was only real depth and he's on IR now. We need more depth!

4) S..... We've had our best Safety play ever with Manning, GQ, and Demps but when Barber went on IR and Manning broke his leg we were pretty thin back there. Good thing Demps was still available. We could probably get a late pick for this and develop him on the PS or maybe he'll be good enough to knock Barber off the team.

5) QB.... I'm not real set on this and a lot depends on how TJ does the rest of the way and also on Leinart. Did he sign a 2 year deal? Will his collarbone be healed enough? With Schaub's and Leinart's injury history Kubes may want to bring in another QB.

That's my priority needs for the Texans in 2012. Not sure if they will be big players in FA due to $ constraints but they could free up some $ if they don't resign Mario. JMHO!
Thanks for your info. Do you agree Mitchell looking much better? He seemed to be much more active against Atlanta. Do you see Wade drafting a Nose with a second round pick?

Do you see Ryans better or the same after his cast comes off? WIll MArio returning decrease pressure on Demeco and the need to draft an ILB?
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
Ok, we draft WR in first. What OG available in late second round would beat out Wade Smith or Brisiel? Zeitler, maybe there but he would not start first year imo.
I thought we were just talking about needs. I haven't really geared up for the draft, yet.

But for right now, consider it a competition/project pick. Getting someone in there to battle for the spot and to push the guys. This line has chemistry from having worked together so anyone taken shouldn't be expected to break the starting lineup immediately but rather.

I don't think our top two draft picks need to break the starting lineup anymore.

Zeitler, Osemele, Glenn, and Miller -- those are the guys that are in the mix at this point but I don't know which ones of them (if any) fit our scheme or how they'll do at the combine.
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
2) NT.... Cody's been good this year but he's almost 30. How many more years can he take the pounding? Mitchell is only backup and he's too lite for the position IMO. Think he would be better suited at DE in a 3-4 or DT in a 4-3.
I think a 4-3 DT is exactly what Wade wants at the nose. He wants a penetrator. He doesn't want the big guy that everyone's been asking for (I include myself in that everyone).

I think we all need to back away from the NT requirement because I don't think Wade's defense uses it.

Unless a really, really good one falls to us.
 

Corrosion

Idealist
Staff member
1. WR -- We need a better #2 and a player to groom to grow into the #1 spot. This should be a big, fast WR so I think we've got to go early here.

2. G -- I think the weaknesses in our offensive line are Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel. They're working well together as a unit but I think it can be improved.

3. ILB -- At first, this is about getting rid of Dobbins. But if we could get a guy who can play better than Demeco has been or just better than Sharpton, I'll be fine with that.

4. DT -- Note, NOT NT. I don't think we're going to see a big, immoveable NT in this defense. But if there's a dominating penetrating 4-3 DT, we would be in the market for him. He'd have to beat out Cody and Mitchell, though.

But, personally, after round 1 which should be WR, I think we should go BPA.
I pretty much agree with your assessment .... and in the correct order.

AJ's been hurt an awful lot .... I might take a WR in the1st @ 4th rounds tbh.

False Start on #65 ..... James you may need to change that 69 to 65.

ILB ..... You can never have enough good LB's.


NT/DT Cody's been spectacular in the middle ..... Mitchell hasnt been bad but games are won and lost in the trenches and if one of them were to go down ..... there's nothing behind them.


Toss in a RB in the late rounds ..... just for depth.
 

Wolf6151

All Pro
1. WR, I have to agree with the consensus opinion here. AJ is getting older and has been injured alot this year, Walter has been disappointing this year not near the production he had a couple years ago, and Jacoby is what he is a #4 WR who'll make an ESPN highlight play followed up by 3-4 bonehead plays or drops he's just not worth the roster spot. The rest of WR corp are roster filler nothing special. A top notch WR would take pressure off of AJ and make life for the whole offense better by spreading the defense thinner.

2. NT, for all the wonderful skill position players on the field that make the highlight reels football still has it's foundation on what happens in the trenches. Cody has played well lately but started the year off slowly and Mitchell isn't a 1 gap or 2 gap NT, he should be moved outside to DE for added depth after getting a real NT that can hold the point of attack against a double team but can also penetrate on occasion. A real NT will also take alot of pressure off the ILB's freeing them to make plays.

3. OG/C, again football has it's foundation in the trenches and a team is only good if they can control the line of scrimmage. Our O-line has played well this year for the most part but Winston is getting older, has trouble with OLB speed rushers and has short arms. Winston is effective but not spectacular. Smith, Briesel, and Caldwell are all effective but nothing special, they'd be great quality backups. Myers has played great this year but we all know that he has trouble with huge NT's, I really wish he could add 10-20 lbs. of muscle without losing athleticism. Our O-line could use some upgrades.

4. ILB, Cushing is outstanding, Demeco was great but has now been slowed by injury and we're uncertain is he'll ever get back to his old self, Dobbins is effective depth only, and Sharpton should be replaced he has the heart but not the size for the position. ILB's have to be large and tough to take on OG's, FB's, and RB's. I agree with keeping Demeco for another year to see if he can improve while also paying out more of his guaranteed money and lessening the financial hit if we cut him after next season due to diminished play. This needs some high quality depth.

5. SS/FS, Manning and Quin have been great but their backups are late round picks or street FA's. Nolan and Demps have played well this year but just like ILB an overall talent upgrade in the backups is needed and Barber should be gone. I think the Texans should consider moving Jason Allen or McMannis to Safety depth, Allen has the size, closing speed, and seems to have the instinct for the position and we could improve the quality of depth without using a pick in the draft.

6. P, Hartmann was playing very well until his ACL injury. I'm not sure how ACL injuries affect Punters but the battle of field position is important. We need a guy who can punt deep but also have directional accuracy.

7. RB, I think we let Derrick Ward walk after this season to save some money so we'll need a #3 RB.

8. FB, Casey is a "jack of all traits and master of none" he can fill in at several positions but he's depth only, Vickers is a good FB but we could probably get someone in the draft just as good but cheaper. We need the next Vonta Leach, a tank that can make holes in the defense a guy who can run the ball on occasion but more importantly who can catch a pass on occasion as well.

9. DE, just like ILB and SS/FS we have good starters but need better quality depth. I think picking a good NT will free us up to move Mitchell to DE.

***OLB is dependent on if Mario returns, if he does then we can skip this in the draft, if he leaves then OLB depth should be a 3rd or 4th round priority.

***CB, we obviously need to get better but KJ has been playing much better this year, Allen is effective depth, and we still don't know what we have in Harris and Carmichael. Needs here are dependent on the development of our younger players.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
I thought we were just talking about needs. I haven't really geared up for the draft, yet.

But for right now, consider it a competition/project pick. Getting someone in there to battle for the spot and to push the guys. This line has chemistry from having worked together so anyone taken shouldn't be expected to break the starting lineup immediately but rather.

I don't think our top two draft picks need to break the starting lineup anymore.

Zeitler, Osemele, Glenn, and Miller -- those are the guys that are in the mix at this point but I don't know which ones of them (if any) fit our scheme or how they'll do at the combine.
Good info. I am using all sources to help me develop my mock. Appreciate your insight.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
1. WR, I have to agree with the consensus opinion here. AJ is getting older and has been injured alot this year, Walter has been disappointing this year not near the production he had a couple years ago, and Jacoby is what he is a #4 WR who'll make an ESPN highlight play followed up by 3-4 bonehead plays or drops he's just not worth the roster spot. The rest of WR corp are roster filler nothing special. A top notch WR would take pressure off of AJ and make life for the whole offense better by spreading the defense thinner.

2. NT, for all the wonderful skill position players on the field that make the highlight reels football still has it's foundation on what happens in the trenches. Cody has played well lately but started the year off slowly and Mitchell isn't a 1 gap or 2 gap NT, he should be moved outside to DE for added depth after getting a real NT that can hold the point of attack against a double team but can also penetrate on occasion. A real NT will also take alot of pressure off the ILB's freeing them to make plays.

3. OG/C, again football has it's foundation in the trenches and a team is only good if they can control the line of scrimmage. Our O-line has played well this year for the most part but Winston is getting older, has trouble with OLB speed rushers and has short arms. Winston is effective but not spectacular. Smith, Briesel, and Caldwell are all effective but nothing special, they'd be great quality backups. Myers has played great this year but we all know that he has trouble with huge NT's, I really wish he could add 10-20 lbs. of muscle without losing athleticism. Our O-line could use some upgrades.

4. ILB, Cushing is outstanding, Demeco was great but has now been slowed by injury and we're uncertain is he'll ever get back to his old self, Dobbins is effective depth only, and Sharpton should be replaced he has the heart but not the size for the position. ILB's have to be large and tough to take on OG's, FB's, and RB's. I agree with keeping Demeco for another year to see if he can improve while also paying out more of his guaranteed money and lessening the financial hit if we cut him after next season due to diminished play. This needs some high quality depth.

5. SS/FS, Manning and Quin have been great but their backups are late round picks or street FA's. Nolan and Demps have played well this year but just like ILB an overall talent upgrade in the backups is needed and Barber should be gone. I think the Texans should consider moving Jason Allen or McMannis to Safety depth, Allen has the size, closing speed, and seems to have the instinct for the position and we could improve the quality of depth without using a pick in the draft.

6. P, Hartmann was playing very well until his ACL injury. I'm not sure how ACL injuries affect Punters but the battle of field position is important. We need a guy who can punt deep but also have directional accuracy.

7. RB, I think we let Derrick Ward walk after this season to save some money so we'll need a #3 RB.

8. FB, Casey is a "jack of all traits and master of none" he can fill in at several positions but he's depth only, Vickers is a good FB but we could probably get someone in the draft just as good but cheaper. We need the next Vonta Leach, a tank that can make holes in the defense a guy who can run the ball on occasion but more importantly who can catch a pass on occasion as well.

9. DE, just like ILB and SS/FS we have good starters but need better quality depth. I think picking a good NT will free us up to move Mitchell to DE.

***OLB is dependent on if Mario returns, if he does then we can skip this in the draft, if he leaves then OLB depth should be a 3rd or 4th round priority.

***CB, we obviously need to get better but KJ has been playing much better this year, Allen is effective depth, and we still don't know what we have in Harris and Carmichael. Needs here are dependent on the development of our younger players.
#2 I agree 100% and have said so on mocks and PMs. A solid NT will lengthen Demeco's career and take pressure off allowing him to make more significant plays. I think he is having to do more to help Dline rather than attack the runner.

#8 Chad Diehl FB:Clemson 6'2" 260 road grader never missed game (medical red shirt 2007) PURE BLOCKER and available 7th round
 

Wolf6151

All Pro
#2 I agree 100% and have said so on mocks and PMs. A solid NT will lengthen Demeco's career and take pressure off allowing him to make more significant plays. I think he is having to do more to help Dline rather than attack the runner.

#8 Chad Diehl FB:Clemson 6'2" 260 road grader never missed game (medical red shirt 2007) PURE BLOCKER and available 7th round
#8, I like Cody Johnson better because he can block but he can also carry the ball and catch a pass, he's not as one dimensional as Diehl.
 

Insideop

All Pro
Thanks for your info. Do you agree Mitchell looking much better? He seemed to be much more active against Atlanta. Do you see Wade drafting a Nose with a second round pick?

Do you see Ryans better or the same after his cast comes off? WIll MArio returning decrease pressure on Demeco and the need to draft an ILB?
Mitchell has been pretty good spotting Cody but I just feel he is too lite to keep taking the pounding year in and year out. If Cody goes down, who will spot Mitchell? We need depth. It's not about how Cody or Mitchell are playing, it's about depth at a position that, to me, is thin. And yes, I see Wade possibly drafting a NT in the 2nd. Not saying it will be a 330 pounder or anything, but maybe someone the size of Cody in the 300 to 310 range.

As for Ryans, I've seen some flashes of his old self but not many. I just hope he can come back next year and show everyone he's a 100%. Not sure I see how Mario coming back will decrease pressure on DeMeco and the need to draft a ILB. Whether or not Mario comes back I still think they need to draft an ILB.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
#8, I like Cody Johnson better because he can block but he can also carry the ball and catch a pass, he's not as one dimensional as Diehl.
Correct but he is nowhere near the blocker and will go much higher in draft. We don't need a FB to catch (see Vickers or Leach). We need a cannon ball smashing a path of distruction and one who can if needed carry the rock into the end zone right thru the middle.
 

Insideop

All Pro
I think a 4-3 DT is exactly what Wade wants at the nose. He wants a penetrator. He doesn't want the big guy that everyone's been asking for (I include myself in that everyone).

I think we all need to back away from the NT requirement because I don't think Wade's defense uses it.

Unless a really, really good one falls to us.
I didn't say Wade would get a big NT. I just said they need someone bigger that Mitchell (289 lbs). Cody is listed as only 301 lbs. I think someone in the 300 to 310 lb range is what Wade may look for, which is still small for a true NT in the NFL today.

I do wonder though, if someone like Poe was there in the 2nd, would Wade go for him? :thinking:
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
I didn't say Wade would get a big NT. I just said they need someone bigger that Mitchell (289 lbs). Cody is listed as only 301 lbs. I think someone in the 300 to 310 lb range is what Wade may look for, which is still small for a true NT in the NFL today.

I do wonder though, if someone like Poe was there in the 2nd, would Wade go for him? :thinking:
I evaluate Dontari Poe as a run stopping hole plugger like Ta'Amu. Difference is Poe will eventually become a penetrator & why he is moving up boards and now rated by some including me as going higher than Ta'amu. If either are avail at our second, it wil be interesting if Wade moves on him.
 
We already have a FB that does it all (Casey) and Vickers while willing to stick his nose into the action isn't a great blocker and I think his contract was just for this year. Diehl is 6'2'' 265 4.7 40 former high school OL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUeXvwtTpgE guy would be a perfect match blowing gaps open for Foster or Tate.

WR/TE
OG
DB
LB depth
FB
DL depth
WR depth
 

ObsiWan

Hall of Fame
Contributor's Club
our 2012 needs.... hmmm....

1. ILB: Some one who can spell DeMeco and Cushing with little drop off in performance. I see that most folks want to go WR as first priority but I think having a great defense is more important to team success than great offense. I offer as evidence the comparison between our 2009 team and this year's team. In 2009, we had a stud offense and mediocre defense. This year we have a stud defense and an okay offense and we're on track to our first double-digit win season.

2. OLB: See above on the importance of defense. Whether Mario returns or not (and count me among those that hopes we keep him) we need another Brooks Reed type so when the starters need a blow, we don't have a drop off in effectiveness.

3. WR: As long as Kubiak is running the offense, AJ, KW, and JJ will be our 1, 2, & 3 WRs. But it doesn't hurt to get quality depth and maybe someone to push JJ for that #3 spot. Better make sure they can block because this ain't the Saints or the Packers, we are RUN FIRST.

4. DT: Someone to spell Cody and push (or replace) Mitchell as his backup. In Wade's system it's more important that the DT is active and disruptive rather than huge. If he's disruptive AND huge, so much the better.

5. OL: The O-line has been operating at a fairly high level for most of the year. But upgrades to the backups wouldn't hurt at all.

I'm not a draftnik so I have no idea who would fill these requirements but these are the spots that need addressing IMHO.
 

TexCanada

All Pro
1. WR -- We need a better #2 and a player to groom to grow into the #1 spot. This should be a big, fast WR so I think we've got to go early here.

2. G -- I think the weaknesses in our offensive line are Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel. They're working well together as a unit but I think it can be improved.

3. ILB -- At first, this is about getting rid of Dobbins. But if we could get a guy who can play better than Demeco has been or just better than Sharpton, I'll be fine with that.

4. DT -- Note, NOT NT. I don't think we're going to see a big, immoveable NT in this defense. But if there's a dominating penetrating 4-3 DT, we would be in the market for him. He'd have to beat out Cody and Mitchell, though.

But, personally, after round 1 which should be WR, I think we should go BPA.
I agree with this. When it comes to the draft though, I really believe that we just need to go BPA after targeting a WR in the first. Guys like Cody and KJ have stepped up enough to turn most of the "needs" on this team into "wants" or "could improves".
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
TJ Yates has what it takes to be our #2 QB and Leinert can fulfill #3 under his last year in 2012. I want to see how Yates matures next season under Kubes and the QB coach. I've moved QB off my mock.
 

Kaiser Toro

Native Mod
WR, ILB, OG/C, DE, OLB

Fortunately our only immediate need is WR, outside of that, it is about raising the talent level across the 53.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Yep ... it's WR , then look for deals where depth is needed at LB , DL , and OL .
While there should be good receivers at later rounds, I would go for the guy I want in first and resolve that spot. If Mario returns that reduce need for OLB and DE imo to late rounds if at all.
 

srrono

All Pro
I think a 4-3 DT is exactly what Wade wants at the nose. He wants a penetrator. He doesn't want the big guy that everyone's been asking for (I include myself in that everyone).

I think we all need to back away from the NT requirement because I don't think Wade's defense uses it.

Unless a really, really good one falls to us.
so u guys think wade would pass on a Haloti Ngata NT 6-4 330
 

Texan4Ever

All Pro
I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?
With OLB playmakers like Mario, Barwin & Reed Wade wants/needs his nose tackle to command double teams. I would say a larger, more powerful force inside would do wonders for this defense, screw this one gap penetrator non-sense :cutthroat:

However, I do think Winn would make an excellent 5 tech DE.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?
Mitchell is the back up and Cody starts @ 301; both were already on team and not "chosen" by Wade. When questioned about the NTs size he replied that he had success in past with smaller & bigger NTs. I think most folks rate Wade's choices in last draft as excellent; filling holes very well. It will be interesting to see what defensive moves are to be made this coming draft.
 

Insideop

All Pro
so u guys think wade would pass on a Haloti Ngata NT 6-4 330
No! I don't think Wade would pass on Ngata if he were coming out in this draft. The question is, is there anybody in this draft class like Ngata? I have to think the answer is no! This seems to be a weak class of NT's and Ngata is in a class of NT's that are rare. Wade may go after a NT in this draft but I doubt he will have the size and ability that Ngata has. JMHO!
 

Insideop

All Pro
I'm assuming Wade likes smaller nose tackles since we have Mitchell as our current NT and he's only 289-lbs. If so, how about a guy like Billy Winn from Boise St. who plays in a nickel defense but also has experience in a 3-4 scheme?
I don't think Wade would necessarily go after a smaller NT, but I don't think he wouldn't either. As for Winn, I think he is better suited as a DE in a 3-4, like I think Mitchell is. Not saying they both can't play NT in a 3-4, but I think they are better suited at DE. Having said that, I think/hope the Texans will look for someone like Derek Wolfe from Cincinnati to fill their NT needs. He's listed at 6' 5" and 302 lbs and has a "relentless motor." Sound familiar? Watt and Reed anyone....
 

Wolf6151

All Pro
I think Wade has 2 different types of NT's based on the down/yardage and field position. Cody plays 1st and 2nd downs and Mitchell comes into the game on 3rd downs or obvious passing downs. Cody plays the run better because of his size/strength, he can hold up to the pounding better than Mitchell, and Mitchell plays passing downs because he's quicker and better at penetrating and putting pressure on the QB. Now it would obviously be nice to have one NT that could do both and be an every down player but those type of guys are rare and no I don't see a Ngata type of player in this draft. I still think there are several DT/NT players depending on round that can fit our style of defense. In the 1st round Brandon Thompson from Clemson is the obvious pick since he could possibly be a 3 down NT, he's got size, quickness, athleticism, strength for the double teams. In the 2nd round Josh Chapman from Alabama could be our guy, he holds up to the double teams well, gets good leverage, and is very strong. Chapman can also collapse the pocket from time to time. In the 3rd round Sylvester Williams from UNC looks good, he's got the size and athleticism to penetrate and play the run, not sure if he's powerful enough to collapse the pocket but all of these guys on an NFL strength and conditioning program should be able to add some size/strength/agility. Dontari Poe from Memphis is anther guy to look for, I haven't seen him play, but I read that he's got the size and athleticism to handle NT in the NFL. Poe is a bit of a mystery though having no film on him to watch and he played against lesser competition, but from what I read he's got potential and could go in the 2nd round or possibly with a great Combine in the 1st round if he decides to come out, he's a junior. If you want the big 2 gap traditional NT then Alameda Ta'amu from Washington is your man. Ta'amu was a 1st round prospect most of the season but is falling on draft boards because I think people are realizing that he's got 1st round size but 3rd round skills. He's huge and strong, can play the run and collapse the pocket occasionally but also slow and non-athletic.

Question:

How important is NT to us in this draft, where is it on your priority list 2nd round, 3rd round, late round? Where do you see us drafting, mid 20's or early 20's?

Also my priority list keeps changing, it was WR, NT, OG now it's becoming WR, OG, NT
 
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beerlover

Hall of Fame
I think Wade has 2 different types of NT's based on the down/yardage and field position. Cody plays 1st and 2nd downs and Mitchell comes into the game on 3rd downs or obvious passing downs. Cody plays the run better because of his size/strength, he can hold up to the pounding better than Mitchell, and Mitchell plays passing downs because he's quicker and better at penetrating and putting pressure on the QB. Now it would obviously be nice to have one NT that could do both and be an every down player but those type of guys are rare and no I don't see a Ngata type of player in this draft. I still think there are several DT/NT players depending on round that can fit our style of defense. In the 1st round Brandon Thompson from Clemson is the obvious pick since he could possibly be a 3 down NT, he's got size, quickness, athleticism, strength for the double teams. In the 2nd round Josh Chapman from Alabama could be our guy, he holds up to the double teams well, gets good leverage, and is very strong. Chapman can also collapse the pocket from time to time. In the 3rd round Sylvester Williams from UNC looks good, he's got the size and athleticism to penetrate and play the run, not sure if he's powerful enough to collapse the pocket but all of these guys on an NFL strength and conditioning program should be able to add some size/strength/agility. Dontari Poe from Memphis is anther guy to look for, I haven't seen him play, but I read that he's got the size and athleticism to handle NT in the NFL. Poe is a bit of a mystery though having no film on him to watch and he played against lesser competition, but from what I read he's got potential and could go in the 2nd round or possibly with a great Combine in the 1st round if he decides to come out, he's a junior. If you want the big 2 gap traditional NT then Alameda Ta'amu from Washington is your man. Ta'amu was a 1st round prospect most of the season but is falling on draft boards because I think people are realizing that he's got 1st round size but 3rd round skills. He's huge and strong, can play the run and collapse the pocket occasionally but also slow and non-athletic.

Question:

How important is NT to us in this draft, where is it on your priority list 2nd round, 3rd round, late round? Where do you see us drafting, mid 20's or early 20's?

Also my priority list keeps changing, it was WR, NT, OG now it's becoming WR, OG, NT
There is a better chance of a everydown NT being available in 1st rd. vs 2nd vs whichever WR is on still on the board. even Todd McShay is mocking Texans selecting a OT instead of reaching for a WR too early (Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, 6056 300).

Texans should have their pick of NT group. You know the drill, they will evaluate group, then rank them on their draft board weighting position perhaps just below WR.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
If you're looking for a couple of 3rd rd NT types

Star Lotuleli, 6'3 325 LBS, 1st team all Pac 12, Morris trophy winner best DL in Pac 12, Kalil won the Morris trophy for best OL in Pac12.

Hebron Fangupo, 6'1 331 LBS, He really impressed me against UT this yr. Suffered a high ankle sprain this yr. Cutting down on his effectiveness, this is the only reason he will fall in the draft. Fangupo is a difference maker.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
If you're looking for a couple of 3rd rd NT types

Star Lotuleli, 6'3 325 LBS, 1st team all Pac 12, Morris trophy winner best DL in Pac 12, Kalil won the Morris trophy for best OL in Pac12.

Hebron Fangupo, 6'1 331 LBS, He really impressed me against UT this yr. Suffered a high ankle sprain this yr. Cutting down on his effectiveness, this is the only reason he will fall in the draft. Fangupo is a difference maker.
excellent work SB
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
If you're looking for a couple of 3rd rd NT types

Star Lotuleli, 6'3 325 LBS, 1st team all Pac 12, Morris trophy winner best DL in Pac 12, Kalil won the Morris trophy for best OL in Pac12.

Hebron Fangupo, 6'1 331 LBS, He really impressed me against UT this yr. Suffered a high ankle sprain this yr. Cutting down on his effectiveness, this is the only reason he will fall in the draft. Fangupo is a difference maker.
I like Fangupo also and he could learn under Cody. I have him no higher than 4th though.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I like Fangupo also and he could learn under Cody. I have him no higher than 4th though.
Agreed,

But with Texans picking late in the 4th I could see Fangupo being already being taken when the Texans pick.

To get him you would either have to take Fangupo late in the 3rd or trade up to the top half of the 4th.

I'm for trading up. The price for trading up in the 4th shouldn't be to much. Probably a swap of 4th rd draft positions and a 6th rd pick.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Thanks,

I really dont see a NT that's worthy of a 1st rd pick in 2012.
I want to watch him again but Worthy Michigan st sure looked the part of a first rounder.

As far what I would call priority in the upcoming draft, as always for me it's B.P.A. first and foremost. If the talent is close go with position where you are weakest. Use FA to fill holes. I know people hate hearing this but it's really the best approach.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I want to watch him again but Worthy Michigan st sure looked the part of a first rounder.

As far what I would call priority in the upcoming draft, as always for me it's B.P.A. first and foremost. If the talent is close go with position where you are weakest. Use FA to fill holes. I know people hate hearing this but it's really the best approach.
Yep and luckily the WR (Not in 1st rd) meets the BPA criteria.

Would you take Adams the OT from Ohio St. if he were BPA? Even though there are more pressing needs? (For example)
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Yep and luckily the WR (Not in 1st rd) meets the BPA criteria.

Would you take Adams the OT from Ohio St. if he were BPA? Even though there are more pressing needs? (For example)
Depends! How much more talented is he that the next guy? Is the next BPA a position of need? There are a lot of factors you have to consider. You can't just go in blind saying we need a WR so that's what we are drafting. You have to come out of each round with proper value for that round.
 

Iceman16

Waterboy
so u guys think wade would pass on a Haloti Ngata NT 6-4 330
Absolutely. Look at Ratliff. Wade will get quality players at other defensive positions. He's confident in his ability to make late-round DTs into All-Pros, just as he did in Dallas.
 

SAMURAITEXAN

All Pro
1. WR -- We need a better #2 and a player to groom to grow into the #1 spot. This should be a big, fast WR so I think we've got to go early here.

2. G -- I think the weaknesses in our offensive line are Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel. They're working well together as a unit but I think it can be improved.

3. ILB -- At first, this is about getting rid of Dobbins. But if we could get a guy who can play better than Demeco has been or just better than Sharpton, I'll be fine with that.

4. DT -- Note, NOT NT. I don't think we're going to see a big, immoveable NT in this defense. But if there's a dominating penetrating 4-3 DT, we would be in the market for him. He'd have to beat out Cody and Mitchell, though.

But, personally, after round 1 which should be WR, I think we should go BPA.
Wow Pencil Neck, I didn't know we share very similar opinion. Here is how I see 2012 Texans draft which I posted on other thread.

I maybe looking into 2012 draft too hard but hear me out. It seems to me our needs are WR, OG, and ILB. The most obvious need is #2WR and likely to draft high in 1st or 2nd rd. Looking at our history of draft under Kubiak and Smith, we may not go after OG until 3rd rd and later. After all, we've got one of the best Oline in the NFL and a decent back up would work for now. I think, the same can be said to our ILB position. We do have very talented LB group in the league.

I am not expert of mock draft nor familiar with the 2012 prospects (Limited access to NCAA football and do not see much of the games) So, I don't know if there's a quality depth of talent at OG and ILB position in 2012 draft and if thin, may change everything of what I mentioned earlier. In case there's enough talents at both positions, I see our draft from 1-6 rds goes down by position like the followings:

1st rd WR/?
2nd rd WR/?
3rd rd OG/ILB/?
4th rd OG/ILB/?
5th rd OG/ILB/?
6th rd OG/ILB/?

***I ain't sure where WR,OG, and ILB will be drafted so, I just mentioned where these positions likely to be filled. We may draft OLB that able to play ILB so we can't count out OLB prospect*******

The question marks are the big question.

Looking at last year's draft, Wade seems to has a lot of say in who to draft and I think, this trend will continue in 2012 as well. Who or by position would Wade prefers to draft in early rds? CB, S, or NT? I think, 1 or 2nd rd Wade may pick his player if available.

Like I said, I maybe looking into 2012 too hard but would like to hear yall thoughts.

Go Texans!!!
 
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