Depth Chart and Draft Need Rankings

This is my review of what the Texans need based on my perception of their quality of talent at each position (if you want the backups all listed, help yourself). Please chime in with corrections and your opinions on rankings.
[1=we have no talent, 2=we need to improve, 3=poor man's starter and we should try to improve, 4=decent/average NFL starter that is more than sufficient, 5=above average talent, 6=stud or forget about improving this without a trade]

QB - Carr 6 - He is the guy, for better or worse.
RB - DomDavis, Hollings 4 - The jury is still out, but it looks good.
But, it may be a need next year.

WR1- AJ 6 - Stud
WR2- ? 1 - Our backups lack talent.
If not addressed in FA, a major need.
WR3- Gaffney, Armstrong 4 - These guys are solid #3s, just not 2s.
TE - Joppru/Bruener/Miller 3 - Wait and see for one more year?
OLT- Wand 2 - Our BIGGEST weakness at a critical spot.
OLG- Pitts 3 - ?
C - McKinney 3 - ?
ORG- Washington 3 - ?
ORT- Wade 5 - super solid

P- Stanley 4 -solid
K- Brown 5- more than solid
Return Specialists- Moses 2 - (maybe a 1) Moses is not hacking it.

SS- Earl 4 (based on potential)
FS- Simmons 3 - ?
RCB- Dunta 6 - stud
LCB- Glenn 5/2 - Gleen is strong
(but we need to develop a backup)
ROLB- Peek 2 - might be an argument here
(but he is only potential at this time)
ILB1- Greenwood 3 - we hope he is a 4
ILB2- Wong 3 - again, we hope he is a 4
LOLB- Babin 4 (based on potential)
DLT- Walker 4 - but paid like a 5, need depth
NT- Payne 4 - but paid like a 5, need depth
DRT- RSmith 4 - but paid like a 5, need depth
NICKEL CB- Faggins 3 - sufficient

I am not sure about a few of these guys, like Simmons, Earl and Greenwood. But, it looks like they are sufficient.

Based on my perception, our biggest needs are WR2 (ranked 1), ROLB (ranked 2) and OLT (ranked 2).
At the same time, we need to draft depth at OL interior and DL.
Also, we need to draft a CB to replace Glenn.
Beyond that, we need ILB to develop.

Based on everyone else's top 13 mocks, we should be able to choose a BAP that fills one of these needs.
Top 11 guys that will be gone [QB -Rodgers/ASmith, RB- Benson/CWilliams/Brown, LB - DJ/Merriman, CB - Rolle/Jones, WR - Williams/Edwards] If any of these slip, I think we have to take them (except QB) (and yes, that applies even to a RB)

So, assuming noone slides, starting at 13 we have to pick from the not so highly ranked next group.

If the top 11 are gone, I hope we trade down. If I were sold on Williamson, he would be the guy. I hate to draft a DL in the first for him to be a bu and the other OLBs do not seem worthy of the pick. I say trade down, get an extra 2nd and/or 3rd to round out our need for depth.

FYI--Coleman is the starting FS not Simmons and Weigert is the starting RG not Washington.

if Benson falls.. I could see us snatching him in a heartbeat. Cadillac im not so sure about.. Brown I could see us snatching too.. but I doubt he falls.

WR I dont see as our biggest priority because I disagree that Gaffney or Armstrong could not play #2. it may call for some slight changes in our playbook but I think either one of them could be a #2 for us. Though grabbing a fast WR in the second or third may be a good idea.

LT i do not see as a huge need either because Wand is our guy and we are going to give him a shot.. if he goes down or doesnt work out, then Pitts can move back to LT and we can put someone else at LG. I think that interior linemen are a bigger need than an LT, and this is a deep draft for interior linemen.

Needs:

1st OLB
2nd OL
3rd ILB
4th WR
5th DL

Thanks for the correction. Especially on Coleman because he was solid.

I think the biggest need is WR.

But if you want a OG, there are 3 projected to go in the top half of the 2nd round:
Elton Brown OG 6-6, 330 Virginia
Marcus Johnson OG 6-6, 315 Mississippi
David Baas C 6-4, 320 Michigan (OG)

I would like us deal up to 9 (for our 1st and a 3rd) - DJ or one of the WRs will probably slide.
If not up, then down - # 13 for Philly's #31 and #35 picks. Those picks could be OL and either WR or CB. Maybe, DL, OG, CB, WR, and a few LBs in order. Not the most immediate impact draft but it would help build our talent base.

WR - you can get a #2 in later rounds its not a 1st round definitive need.

DL- Major need - our DL is aging and our backups are subpar at best if a starter goes down.

OLB - Minor we can get some more later round project linebackers and be successful.

MLB - Think we are OK unless we lose sharper then depth could be a focus.

CB - We are ok for now next year priority

S - unless Lord is just a marvelous safety and ready we could ue a little depth

OL - 2nd biggest Priority over D-Line our guards are old and not the zoneblocking type of guards they are big and stationary. Definately can use some talent here.

RB - only if its a can't miss prospect

QB - Only if our front office suffers from paranoia

TE - #3 on my draft need list we need a more versatile tightend that can block and pass.

I like Williamson at #13 and a trade up maybe a package of Sharper and a #2 to move up and get Blackstock... and maybe its not peeks time.

Blackstock is a 28-35 pick by the way.

Well if Casserly and Co. are sold on Demarcus Ware, Barret Ruud, Channing Crowder, Mark Clayton, or Ciatrik Fason.. having the 31 & 35 could be alot better than having the #13.

Personally id like to see us trade down to the #17-#19 .. get another second rounder and grab David Pollack.

Royce Im going to nominate you as the president of the Troy Williamson Fan Club.

I think if Spears is still on the board at 13 thats a lock. Id rather see some young talent forced into a starting role on our DL than watch sears and DeLoach push the opposing OL back an amazing 2 inches.

WR you dont take in the first round unless you have no clear cut #1 receiver.

If we drafted Williamson and Atl Drafted Baas, Id look at a trade I guarantee Atl will be looking for a WR.

outofhnd said:

Royce Im going to nominate you as the president of the Troy Williamson Fan Club.

I think if Spears is still on the board at 13 thats a lock. Id rather see some young talent forced into a starting role on our DL than watch sears and DeLoach push the opposing OL back an amazing 2 inches.

WR you dont take in the first round unless you have no clear cut #1 receiver.

If we drafted Williamson and Atl Drafted Baas, Id look at a trade I guarantee Atl will be looking for a WR.

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yes but spears wont be there. Cowboys or Chargers will take him... If you listen to flagship station they said that we have a large interest in a WR in the 1st and ROLB. Their is a possibility that Williamson will be gone at 13 to chargers who pick 12... if this happens we can trade down... draft Clayton... then turn around use the picks thats we got from the trade and use them to trade up and get Blackstock... is that meeting you half way.

edit...
#13 pick worth= 1150 trade down to like 22-28 thats a 780-660 area.. then we can get a 2nd and 4th on top of it
maybe trade down to end of the 1st... draft Blackstock... get a #2 and #4 from a team who really wants it.. Then we have the room to get WR, and CB in the 2nd. then the 3rd we can get a DE, and a LB, 4th S, WR 5th we get TE 6th WR

hmmm possible what do u think... my mind is doing a trade churnning right now. This is if Williamson is gone which it is starting to look like he will. I retract what i say about OL.. I dont agree with an OL drafting anymore.

I can't Im in Dallas. Originaly from Houston... So NO I havent. Personally I see SD going for the outside Pass Rusher. Not Spears. (atleast I hope) I want Spears Darnit! We have put off D Line long enough. I think Merriam is going to go to Dallas.

outofhnd said:

I can't Im in Dallas. Originaly from Houston... So NO I havent. Personally I see SD going for the outside Pass Rusher. Not Spears. (atleast I hope) I want Spears Darnit! We have put off D Line long enough. I think Merriam is going to go to Dallas.

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1. 49ers Aaron Ridgers
2. Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB
3. Browns Derrick Johnson LB
4. Bears Braylon Edwards WR
5. Buccaneers Cadillac Williams RB
6. Titans Pacman jones CB
7. Viking Mike Williams WR
8. Cardinals Chris Benson RB unless Travis Henry deal happens
9. Washington Redskins – Antrel Rolle CB
10: Lions: Erasmus James DE/LB
11. Dallas: Shawne Merriman DL
12. Chargers Marcus Spears DL
13 Texans troy Williamson WR
thats how i think 1st 13 will go.. you have to remember San Diego has a DE need. If say James was to fall out of the top 12 then i can see us trading down. Maybe to like 16-18 maybe to get a different WR and getting a #2 or a #3 for it. What do you think?

i agree on merriman if Lions dont take him.

royce1054 said:

1. 49ers Aaron Ridgers
2. Dolphins Ronnie Brown RB
3. Browns Derrick Johnson LB
4. Bears Braylon Edwards WR
5. Buccaneers Cadillac Williams RB
6. Titans Pacman jones CB
7. Viking Mike Williams WR
8. Cardinals Chris Benson RB unless Travis Henry deal happens
9. Washington Redskins – Antrel Rolle CB
10: Lions: Erasmus James DE/LB
11. Dallas: Shawne Merriman DL
12. Chargers Marcus Spears DL
13 Texans troy Williamson WR
thats how i think 1st 13 will go.. you have to remember San Diego has a DE need. If say James was to fall out of the top 12 then i can see us trading down. Maybe to like 16-18 maybe to get a different WR and getting a #2 or a #3 for it. What do you think?

i agree on merriman if Lions dont take him.

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You don't think anyone in the top 12 will draft QB Alex Smith? After his workout the buzz is he's equal in value to Aaron Rodgers. The only teams in the top 12 that are set at QB are Titans at 6, Vikings at 7 and Chargers at 12, with the Lions at 10 bringing up a distant fourth.

I think the Browns have got to be in serious consideration for his services. At the moment, their QB is Trent Dilfer. How long could he last up there? Do they really think Luke McCown will ever take over the starting role?

1. 49ers- Aaron Rogers
2. Dolphins- Ronnie Brown
3. Browns- Alex Smith
4. Bears- Braylon Edwards
5. Bucs- Cedric Benson
6. Titans- Atrel Rolle
7. Vikings- Mike Williams
8. Cards- Cadilac Williams
9. Redskins- Pac-Man Jones
10. Lions- Derrick Johnson
11. Dallas-Shawne Merriman
12. Chargers- Eramus James
13. Texans- Marcus Spears

Why spend big money on a WR in the first round when this draft is laden with depth in the draft. Williamson is good, but he is not even the fasthest guy in the draft and he definately does not have the best hands. DJ who I like is likely not going to fall to us but it is nice to dream. Pollack would be like drafting another BABIN which would suck. With both of them on the field we are a liability in coverage. A corner to be groomed by AG would be freakin awsome. Someone to block for our most prized possession Carr so he can get it to our best possession AJ would be worth it but not as high as 13. Alex Barron will give up as many sacks as wand did last year, but then wand can move to guard where is quick feet will help with pulling. Why are we not going after OG Dan Neil?

cadahnic said:

Why are we not going after OG Dan Neil?

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I think he has injury problems.

He knows the blocking system we are using and he has been a staple for that line on the Broncs. I think he would add some great depth, but who knows he might be too expensive to be used for depth and competition, but if we can get him at the veteran minimum that might be worth it.

I truly would be stunned if our 1st rounder wasn't spent on either a WR or ROLB.

TheOgre said:

I truly would be stunned if our 1st rounder wasn't spent on either a WR or ROLB.

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I think we should use it on a DL, like Marcus Spears for instance. We could take a WR in the 2nd like Rosco Parish out of Miami. We should let Peek start at ROLB, we were one of the worst in the leage at rushing the quarterback and Peek would improve that imensely

TheOgre said:

I truly would be stunned if our 1st rounder wasn't spent on either a WR or ROLB.

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I agree so much to that statement i think we will package Sharper and #2 to move up and get Blackstock. We need do need the Pass rusher.

Sarg01 said:

You don't think anyone in the top 12 will draft QB Alex Smith? After his workout the buzz is he's equal in value to Aaron Rodgers. The only teams in the top 12 that are set at QB are Titans at 6, Vikings at 7 and Chargers at 12, with the Lions at 10 bringing up a distant fourth.

I think the Browns have got to be in serious consideration for his services. At the moment, their QB is Trent Dilfer. How long could he last up there? Do they really think Luke McCown will ever take over the starting role?

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no i do not. Savage will draft his team before he gets his franchise QB.. I think Alex Smith will fall to i think its 23, 24 to the packers. Farves replacement.

If Smith starts to slide someone who needs a QB will trade up for him. The opinion is split on who will be the better QB long term, and some are not sold on Rogers since he is a Tedford product.

I think the '9ers will take Rogers. But yes, for sure there are enough teams who'd love a QB that if Smith does fall out of the top 10 it won't be very far.

I don't think Smith would slide by Detroit - they have been looking for a qb and Garcia is old.
Dallas would take him. Bledsoe is only adequate and is also old. Washington might take him also - they do not seem happy with Ramsey.

Too many teams with QB problems for either of those guys to slide out of the top 10.

I hope we either trade our first and a third to move up to #9 and get one of DJ/merriman/MWilliams/Edwards or we trade down. We could trade down 3 or 4 spots and pick up another 3rd or drop down about ten spots for another 2nd (fair value according to value chart). Either we we could bolster depth and fill more needs.

If Smith or Rodgers slide past Cleveland, you've gotta think Arizona would take whchever one, and sit him behind Warner until Denny Green feels he's ready...