GP
Go Texans!
Mel Kipers summer audits of the AFC South give us a lot to consider. Heres a sampling with some thoughts by Kuharsky at the end.
Kiper thinks Mercilus will be BETTER than Brooks Reed.
Houston Texans
Kiper: (The) zone-blocking scheme the Texans have made the centerpiece of this offense -- so much emanates from them executing well here -- keeping (Chris) Myers around means a lot. No, he wasn't "added" per se, but he will add to the stability. If this team can't run the ball, the play-action, easy-read system it runs takes a big hit, so retaining Myers might be one of the more underrated moves in the division
Last year, Brooks Reed stepped in for the injured Mario Williams and showed some things, but (Whitney) Mercilus has even more talent and athleticism. Elsewhere, DeVier Posey could go either way as a third-round pick, but he can get down the field and make plays. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him get first-team reps. Keshawn Martin is another receiver to watch. He simply knows how to create space.
Is the offense actually showing signs of cracking just as the defense really comes into its own? My guess is teams will stack hard this year against the run and show less fear of the play-action. It'll be up to (Matt) Schaub and personnel to prove they can still be dangerous.
Next year's help, now: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington St.
Kuharsky: The question about the offense keeping pace with the defense is a good one. Gary Kubiak can be a great play-caller, and will need to really show an understanding of what his young guys can, and cannot, do as contributors.
If Posey and Martin pan out, the Texans could be in position to look for something other than another receiver in the draft. Offensive line and outside linebacker could be positions of need based on what they could lose in free agency.
Kiper thinks Mercilus will be BETTER than Brooks Reed.