Anyone Find Kubiak's First Draft Odd?

Reading all these "Bush vs. Mario" threads, it got me thinking...

Does anyone find it funny that Kubiak, an offensive guru, decided that defense was our most pressing need? To me, that says that he doesn't find much wrong with our offense other than the line, which he addressed in the third round. It seems as though he decided that because of the additions that had been made through free agency (McKinzie, Putzier, Moulds, Bennett, etc.), our offense didn't call for a first or second round draft pick. This leads me to believe that Bush was only "seriously" considered because of his hype...and not because we ever wanted him.

Don't get me wrong, I was for Bush all the way...but I have a feeling looking back on things that, had we picked Bush, in 7 years we'd be pulling ourselves out of salary cap hell like the Titans are still struggling with.

All I have to say is that Kubiak obviously sees something in our offense that most of us don't....

Ask yourself this: is it easier for an offensive guru like Kubiak to work with less talent on offense or defense? He's a OFFENSIVE coach, so he can do more with less on offense. Defensively, he needs some help and improvement. His actions this draft showed that he wants help on defense because he feels he can work with what we have put together thus far on offense.

In terms of a purely personnel standpoint, I don't think it can be argued that our defense looked horrible compared to our offense. While our line is obviously the weakest point of our offense, we had decent backs and recievers. And given a good system, our offense should be much better. But on defense, we straight up suck. You don't become last in rushing defense by running the wrong schemes. You do that by simply having a crappy defense.

TheCD said:

Reading all these "Bush vs. Mario" threads, it got me thinking...

Does anyone find it funny that Kubiak, an offensive guru, decided that defense was our most pressing need? To me, that says that he doesn't find much wrong with our offense other than the line, which he addressed in the third round. It seems as though he decided that because of the additions that had been made through free agency (McKinzie, Putzier, Moulds, Bennett, etc.), our offense didn't call for a first or second round draft pick. This leads me to believe that Bush was only "seriously" considered because of his hype...and not because we ever wanted him.

Don't get me wrong, I was for Bush all the way...but I have a feeling looking back on things that, had we picked Bush, in 7 years we'd be pulling ourselves out of salary cap hell like the Titans are still struggling with.

All I have to say is that Kubiak obviously sees something in our offense that most of us don't....

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...most of us???...don't think so, just the Bush wannabe's---everyone else knows the draft is over and Bush ain't coming here, no matter how many threads are opened up about him!!!!!!!!!

Looking back, this team looks better than the 7-9 team in '04. The only thing I'm concerned about is that if we don't get a corner to go along with D-Rob, teams will attack the second or third CB, regardless of the pass rush or D-Rob's coverage. Our secondary is missing a voice, a leader that can mentor our young'uns.

mexican_texan said:

Looking back, this team looks better than the 7-9 team in '04. The only thing I'm concerned about is that if we don't get a corner to go along with D-Rob, teams will attack the second or third CB, regardless of the pass rush or D-Rob's coverage. Our secondary is missing a voice, a leader that can mentor our young'uns.

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yeah i totally agree with this unless of course buchannah shows the talent that he has within him (hidden somewhere) then our corners are good, but still we need a leader among those DB's (our DB's are still young a bit inexperienced)

TheCD said:

Does anyone find it funny that Kubiak, an offensive guru, decided that defense was our most pressing need? ....

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Not really.

Look at Denver's first round picks over the last ten years (exclude Cutler for the sake of this part of the argument). 70% have been defensive players - guys like D.J. Williams, Willie Middlebrooks, Deltha O'Neal, Al Wilson, Trevor Pryce, and John Mobley. A couple were WRs. One was an OL, and none were RBs.

One may argue that Denver didn't need offense, but over that long of a period every team develops needs on both sides of the ball (you can include Cutler in that part of the argument).

Flanagan, who wasn't mentioned, will anchor the interior line. That plus the acquisition of two young offensive tackles went a long way toward building this OL. And yes, Kubiak and Sherman probably do think they can do more with the talent that was here than the previous coaching staff.

I thought this draft had Kubiak written all over it and for once, the Texans appeared to be very smart in how they approached it.

buchannah shows the talent that he has within him (hidden somewhere)

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He has a great talent and it is not hiding, he has the talent to bag the eyes of the last coaching regime and totally convince them that his horrible play is somehow good. Showtime is Notime, his understanding of a hit is on a blackjack table IMHO.

what can one really say after A.J. lays it all down on the table like that...i totally agree...instead of giving in to the hype and public pressure kubiak actually went to work did research on our team and figured out what our pressing needs were. then he got with the scouting staff and informed them of what he needed and who were the best players available at those positions and where could we expect to find those players in the draft. I think they did and EXCELLENT draft and that includes passing on bush and retaining the services of one Mario Williams.

One question though...in the opeining post of this thread bennett was mentioned....did we get him from N.O.????

sprtsfanatic said:

what can one really say after A.J. lays it all down on the table like that...i totally agree...instead of giving in to the hype and public pressure kubiak actually went to work did research on our team and figured out what our pressing needs were. then he got with the scouting staff and informed them of what he needed and who were the best players available at those positions and where could we expect to find those players in the draft. I think they did and EXCELLENT draft and that includes passing on bush and retaining the services of one Mario Williams.

One question though...in the opeining post of this thread bennett was mentioned....did we get him from N.O.????

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Not yet! Still talking a deal with Saints. Saints fan on other thread said that Texans and Fins are current front runner for the trade but some other teams are showing interests.

SAMURAITEXAN said:

Not yet! Still talking a deal with Saints. Saints fan on other thread said that Texans and Fins are current front runner for the trade but some other teams are showing interests.

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gotcha...thanks, hadnt read anything about it being confirmed yet...

When I thought we were taking Bush I kept thinking to myself, even if the offense is flashy and entertaining, our defense is still going to be subpar which could translate to entertaining but not winning. With this draft I feel we are now more of a complete team. Good teams are built in the trenches. Drafting great trench players normally isn't exciting for the media or fans, that comes later when the wins start piling up. I applaud the Texans for not taking Bush. He was simply a accomodity not a necessity that we couldn't afford.

Defense DOES win in almost every sport. If you can prevent the other team from scoring, no matter how bad your offense is you always have a shot at winning. Believe me, it is easier to win 10-7 with a great defense and bad offense than it is to win 42-35 the other way around.

Hookem Horns said:

When I thought we were taking Bush I kept thinking to myself, even if the offense is flashy and entertaining, our defense is still going to be subpar which could translate to entertaining but not winning. With this draft I feel we are now more of a complete team. Good teams are built in the trenches. Drafting great trench players normally isn't exciting for the media or fans, that comes later when the wins start piling up. I applaud the Texans for not taking Bush. He was simply a accomodity not a necessity that we couldn't afford.

Defense DOES win in almost every sport. If you can prevent the other team from scoring, no matter how bad your offense is you always have a shot at winning. Believe me, it is easier to win 10-7 with a great defense and bad offense than it is to win 42-35 the other way around.

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I noticed in the 1st TC at NO they had to hold Bush out after a few plays because of Hammy problems. Is there more to come. Only time will tell.

LORK 88 said:

Ask yourself this: is it easier for an offensive guru like Kubiak to work with less talent on offense or defense? He's a OFFENSIVE coach, so he can do more with less on offense. Defensively, he needs some help and improvement. His actions this draft showed that he wants help on defense because he feels he can work with what we have put together thus far on offense.

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That's a very good statement. I too believe it is easier to do more with less talent when a "guru" coach takes over. Besides that, I think that the offense was certainly the most talent of the two sides. Espcially with the additions of Putzier, Moulds, Flanagan; I mean c'mon. I believe it was two years ago, the Texans had a 3,000 yard QB and a 1,000 yard RB and WR. Now with the addition of the previously mentioned, I believe Kubiak has what he wants on offense, so he probably thought it was more imparitive fo him to have a defense that will keep them in games.

LORK 88 said:

Ask yourself this: is it easier for an offensive guru like Kubiak to work with less talent on offense or defense? He's a OFFENSIVE coach, so he can do more with less on offense. Defensively, he needs some help and improvement. His actions this draft showed that he wants help on defense because he feels he can work with what we have put together thus far on offense.

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Remember how we used to try and hold a lead going into the 4th qtr. Our offense got real conservative and the defense would fold. Well I think Kubiak has seen enough tape to know that defense was our biggest weakness. And we needed to pressure the QB in order to go to the next level.

TheCD said:

Reading all these "Bush vs. Mario" threads, it got me thinking...

Does anyone find it funny that Kubiak, an offensive guru, decided that defense was our most pressing need? To me, that says that he doesn't find much wrong with our offense other than the line, which he addressed in the third round. It seems as though he decided that because of the additions that had been made through free agency (McKinzie, Putzier, Moulds, Bennett, etc.), our offense didn't call for a first or second round draft pick. This leads me to believe that Bush was only "seriously" considered because of his hype...and not because we ever wanted him.

Don't get me wrong, I was for Bush all the way...but I have a feeling looking back on things that, had we picked Bush, in 7 years we'd be pulling ourselves out of salary cap hell like the Titans are still struggling with. All I have to say is that Kubiak obviously sees something in our offense that most of us don't....

Click to expand...

I found his draft to be refreshing.

No more "reaching" for raw, undeveloped prospects.

Waiting on the players to come to him. grabbing Winston in the 3rd was just ASTOUNDING. Granted, everyone is a potential bust...but Winston lasting that long was pure oversight on other teams' behalf if you ask me.

No QB in the 7th was refreshing.

Back-to-back picks on offensive line was refreshing.

Kubiak being happy with our current backfield, and thus taking a stud at defensive end...which I think will help Travis Johnson a lot...was refreshing.

Nope, it wasn't odd at all. I'd say it was a draft (for me) that was fairly refreshing.

gpshafer_1976 said:

I found his draft to be refreshing.

No more "reaching" for raw, undeveloped prospects.

Waiting on the players to come to him. grabbing Winston in the 3rd was just ASTOUNDING. Granted, everyone is a potential bust...but Winston lasting that long was pure oversight on other teams' behalf if you ask me.

No QB in the 7th was refreshing.

Back-to-back picks on offensive line was refreshing.

Kubiak being happy with our current backfield, and thus taking a stud at defensive end...which I think will help Travis Johnson a lot...was refreshing.

Nope, it wasn't odd at all. I'd say it was a draft (for me) that was fairly refreshing.

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lol is it safe to say that we actually had a good, normal draft?

I saw nothing odd with the draft and am somewhat puzzled because, looking at your post, I don't think you see it as odd either.

Bobo said:

I saw nothing odd with the draft and am somewhat puzzled because, looking at your post, I don't think you see it as odd either.

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Not odd for other teams, just odd for us based on history. Hopefully, the reson is also history.:bananasplit:

TheCD said:

Does anyone find it funny that Kubiak, an offensive guru, decided that defense was our most pressing need? To me, that says that he doesn't find much wrong with our offense other than the line, which he addressed in the third round. It seems as though he decided that because of the additions that had been made through free agency (McKinzie, Putzier, Moulds, Bennett, etc.), our offense didn't call for a first or second round draft pick. This leads me to believe that Bush was only "seriously" considered because of his hype...and not because we ever wanted him.

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If the Texans had drafted like this from the beginning we would not have been 2-14 after 4 years of building the franchise. so yes its unusual from the Texans veiwpoint, historically speaking, which is why they revamped their staff and hired a new coach. Why Kubiak drafted defense is easy there was a huge need for improvement and defensive playmakers the kind you can only get with 1st rd. talent.

Gil Brandt summed it up best I thought in regards to Kubiak & Texans going Defense 1st- "Well, the favorite in the Kentucky Derby doesn’t always win. Reggie Bush is going to be a great player, and he would have made a bigger splash, but with Domanick Davis already on the roster, the Texans have made a much bigger upgrade at defensive end than they would have at running back. It’s important to remember that Houston’s new head coach is Gary Kubiak, who spent 11 seasons as Denver’s offensive coordinator. Remember how the Broncos have been successful with running backs who were not taken in the first round (Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, etc.). There were six teams who scored more than 25 points per game last season -- three had a left tackle drafted in the top 10, two had a left tackle taken in the top 20, and Denver’s left tackle (Matt Lepsis) was undrafted. Now Kubiak is bringing his system to Houston. The three most important positions on a football team are quarterback, left offensive tackle, and right defensive end, and Houston has added a DE who is much like Julius Peppers and has great upside. He should appear in multiple Pro Bowls". http://www.nfl.com/draft/analyzer and then using the 2nd rd. pick to fill the leadership role @ LB was brilliant with Demeco Ryans- http://www.rolltide.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=8000&ATCLID=240020"A graduate in December after just seven semesters, DeMeco closed his collegiate career as one of the Tide’s most celebrated players, on and off the field. He was a consensus All-America selection, one of only four in the SEC and the Tide’s first since Chris Samuels in 1999. Ryans was also the 2006 Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP after a team-leading seven tackles and two stops behind the line against Texas Tech. Following spring practice, he was named a 2005 Arthur Ashe, Jr., Sports Scholar. Ryans won the Lott Trophy and was a finalist for the Bednarik, Butkus, Draddy, Lombardi, and Naguski awards. He was the 2005 male recipient of the Bryant Award, symbolic as the Athletic Department’s top student-athlete. He is a three-time Academic All-SEC selection. He started 37 career games and closed his career ranked 5th on the all-time tackle list with 307 career stops. He earned the Mal Moore Leadership Award following spring practice".

then Kubiak gave Carr the protection he needed along with some new weapons that fit the offense, from a productive TE to a powerback & scrappy WR- all excellent fits and values. There is nothing funny about the Texans anymore- are you ready for some football :bananasplit:

bigTEXan8 said:

That's a very good statement. I too believe it is easier to do more with less talent when a "guru" coach takes over. Besides that, I think that the offense was certainly the most talent of the two sides. Espcially with the additions of Putzier, Moulds, Flanagan; I mean c'mon. I believe it was two years ago, the Texans had a 3,000 yard QB and a 1,000 yard RB and WR. Now with the addition of the previously mentioned, I believe Kubiak has what he wants on offense, so he probably thought it was more imparitive fo him to have a defense that will keep them in games.

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Dont get to excited about the "guru". Capers was a 3-4 "guru", it does ultimately come down to the players.