Rick Smith Open to Trading Up...

[Tx Longhorn]

Why on earth would you mortgage that much for a rookie when this year's FAs at those positions are so deep/talented?

You would honestly rather have:

Peterson

instead of:

ODaniels
Jacoby Jones
11th pick
73rd pick?

When, once FA starts, we can sign someone like:

Jonathan Joseph
Richard Marshall
Brent Grimes
Brandon Carr... and still have OD, JJ, and a 1st and 3rd?

To be fair, I'd do that deal without hesitation.

Peterson isn't just run of the mill. He's an elite level talent who not only helps the Texans for the long term future, I think he gives them a very good chance to break through NOW.

I like OD and Jacoby as much as anyone, however to me both are replaceable. For several years now, Houston has been right on the cusp of making the playoffs, yet have been done in by the big play, usually of the passing variety. While the draft is the biggest of crapshoots, I'm fully convinced you put a Peterson level cornerback on the roster, the Texans win 3 of the 5 close losses and make the playoffs.

If the choice is an elite level, shutdown CB or a damn good TE and an ok #2 WR with moderate production, give me the CB... Every time.

Issue is, I don't think Buffalo does that move.

 

[Tx Longhorn]

Here's the question I've had from the start about Aldon Smith:

He's raw. He needs refining and is a "work in progress" pick.

I think we all can agree that 2011 is likely a crap or get off the pot year for Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith. We know it, be assured they realize it too. Thus, all the talks being mentioned of them moving up to take Miller or Peterson. Both give them the best chance NOW. Smith, especially coming off a pretty serious injury? I don't feel quite the same about. I also think the front office feels this way. I also have been very adamant that I feel if the Texans take a non -CB at 11, it'll be Cameron Jordan, not Smith for this very reason.

Granted, it is very possible if Kubes and Smith get fired, Wade may be given the HC job and whoever the new GM is will more or less be told to work with him as "the man" but that's no certainty. I see the front office drafting the best player who helps them win now. That isn't Aldon Smith.

 

[Corrosion]

Here's the question I've had from the start about Aldon Smith:

He's raw. He needs refining and is a "work in progress" pick.

I think we all can agree that 2011 is likely a crap or get off the pot year for Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith. We know it, be assured they realize it too. Thus, all the talks being mentioned of them moving up to take Miller or Peterson. Both give them the best chance NOW. Smith, especially coming off a pretty serious injury? I don't feel quite the same about. I also think the front office feels this way. I also have been very adamant that I feel if the Texans take a non -CB at 11, it'll be Cameron Jordan, not Smith for this very reason.

Granted, it is very possible if Kubes and Smith get fired, Wade may be given the HC job and whoever the new GM is will more or less be told to work with him as "the man" but that's no certainty. I see the front office drafting the best player who helps them win now. That isn't Aldon Smith.

Come on , dont go using common sense here .... that just screws up everyone's fantasy.

 

[Tx Longhorn]

Come on , dont go using common sense here .... that just screws up everyone's fantasy.

I'll try my best not to in the future

 

[Norg]

I think we really need to make sure this 3-4 is all set I know in the draft we will prob half and half meaning d line and secondary help

But IMO we need alot of players on the dline

We need

Like two ILB
Like two OLB
Two NT
Like 3 DE

!!!

 

[badboy]

Just a few notes on some posts above; Jacoby Jones is not on roster and could not be traded if he was until CBA resolved. We can not trade players or 2012 picks as of today (April 27th 4pm central). I don't want a CBA until after draft as I think some teams will trade up to take QBs as no free agency. This should help Texans.

For me Texans need to get 3 starters out of this draft.

 

[HOU-TEX]

Just a few notes on some posts above; Jacoby Jones is not on roster and could not be traded if he was until CBA resolved. We can not trade players or 2012 picks as of today (April 27th 4pm central). I don't want a CBA until after draft as I think some teams will trade up to take QBs as no free agency. This should help Texans.

For me Texans need to get 3 starters out of this draft.

Actually, teams can trade 2012 picks. At their own risk, of course

 

[DocBar]

Why on earth would you mortgage that much for a rookie when this year's FAs at those positions are so deep/talented?

You would honestly rather have:

Peterson

instead of:

ODaniels
Jacoby Jones
11th pick
73rd pick?

When, once FA starts, we can sign someone like:

Jonathan Joseph
Richard Marshall
Brent Grimes
Brandon Carr... and still have OD, JJ, and a 1st and 3rd?

Yes I would. Sorry if that hurts your feelings. Maybe there's a reason neither one of us are GM's.

 

[DocBar]

Actually, teams can trade 2012 picks. At their own risk, of course[/QUOTE}If I'm Smithiak this draft, I go balls out, no quit and get the best. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I want to win in '11. If we win in '11 then '12 can take care of itself cuz there are obviously fewer holes to fill. Call me crazy, but that's how I see it. Plus I just won a poker game( all the chips, not just one hand) on a pair of queens. It happens like that sometimes.

 

[dalemurphy]

Actually, teams can trade 2012 picks. At their own risk, of course[/QUOTE}If I'm Smithiak this draft, I go balls out, no quit and get the best. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I want to win in '11. If we win in '11 then '12 can take care of itself cuz there are obviously fewer holes to fill. Call me crazy, but that's how I see it. Plus I just won a poker game( all the chips, not just one hand) on a pair of queens. It happens like that sometimes.

I'm not sure that starting a rookie CB next to Kareem Jackson and in front of a young CB learning the transition to FS, getting rid of an all-pro TE, a playmaking WR/punt returner, and a mid round draft pick is the recipe to win now.

 

[VTexan]

I'm not too sure about all the Aldon hate. He looks exactly like a Demarcus Ware clone (not to mention Ware was drafted at 11).

All the cons are that he is more of a pass rusher than anything else.... But what else do you want out of your rushing olb?

 

[DocBar]

The Texans offense can still put up plenty of points without OD. Dressen filled in quite nicely and is the better blocker.

J.Jones makes some great playes , then turns around and drops a gimmie in the endzone. He's not likely to be in a Texans uniform after this season with FA fast approaching for him.


0k0ye likely doesnt fit the scheme as a DT and hasnt proven to be much more than quality depth as a 43 DT. (I think he fits quite well as a 34 DE tho , probably his more natural position. but thats not the point)

Thing is , Im not sure those players , along with 11 and 73 are enough to move up to #3. Players just dont have the same value as draft picks in NFL trades. Even great players have been moved for little compensation in the form of draft picks.


That said , if I can move up and take what I believe to be a perenial Pro Bowl talent - getting arguably one of the two most talented players in this draft - for the above deal , I do it in a heartbeat. All of the above is replacable in FA.

This team has always gone the safe route and doesnt have much in the way of game changing players. That needs to change , its time to take some shots. Add those game changers both in the draft and FA to the core and see how far it'll take ya.

I agree with your points and worked within the boundries of the post. I'm not at all sure that woud do it either, but I would do what it takes to make it happen barring trading MW. I think he is going to excel in this system because he won't be the main pass riush threat. ESPECIALLY if we get Miller.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'm not sure that starting a rookie CB next to Kareem Jackson and in front of a young CB learning the transition to FS, getting rid of an all-pro TE, a playmaking WR/punt returner, and a mid round draft pick is the recipe to win now.

Depends on if you think Peterson's a future all-pro.

All pro TE coming off multiple ACL surgeries.

Jackson should transition into a good #2 CB. If not Jackson, Allen can handle the #2 CB and Jackson can play nickle. I personally want the Texans to trade up for Peterson and sign Taylor in FA. This will fix the secondary fpr yrs to come. It all comes down to BoB spending the draft capital/$$$$ and the $$$$ signing a vet like Taylor.

JJ How many big plays did he make last yr? I would cut him because this team isn't going to get over the hump until the party atmosphere on the Texans changes. JJ spends more time in the clubs than watching film/perfecting route running.

If Wade thinks Quin will transition very well to FS that's good enough for me. Most scouts thought S was the best position for Quin coming out of college. Quins ability to drop down and cover the slot in the base defense will be invaluable. IMHO

 

[badboy]

Actually, teams can trade 2012 picks. At their own risk, of course

That is not my understanding and I think a link was posted on another thread. I'll try to research.

 

[VTexan]

Depends on if you think Peterson's a future all-pro.

All pro TE coming off multiple ACL surgeries.

Jackson should transition into a good #2 CB. If not Jackson, Allen can handle the #2 CB and Jackson can play nickle. I personally want the Texans to trade up for Peterson and sign Taylor in FA. This will fix the secondary fpr yrs to come. It all comes down to BoB spending the draft capital/$$$$ and the $$$$ signing a vet like Taylor.

JJ How many big plays did he make last yr? I would cut him because this team isn't going to get over the hump until the party atmosphere on the Texans changes. JJ spends more time in the clubs than watching film/perfecting route running.

If Wade thinks Quin will transition very well to FS that's good enough for me. Most scouts thought S was the best position for Quin coming out of college. Quins ability to drop down and cover the slot in the base defense will be invaluable. IMHO

Point is moot because you are not allowed to trade players for picks in this draft.

 

[steelbtexan]

How much did the Texans 2nd rd pick contribute last yr?

Did the team really miss him?

Make the trade if you can get that lucky.

 

[steelbtexan]

Point is moot because you are not allowed to trade players for picks in this draft.

True

But this is just a hypothetical.

Since the lockout was lifted I was under the impression players could be traded. But the owners have agreed among themselves not to do it until the appeal has been heard.

 

[DocBar]

Depends on if you think Peterson's a future all-pro.

All pro TE coming off multiple ACL surgeries.

Jackson should transition into a good #2 CB. If not Jackson, Allen can handle the #2 CB and Jackson can play nickle. I personally want the Texans to trade up for Peterson and sign Taylor in FA. This will fix the secondary fpr yrs to come. It all comes down to BoB spending the draft capital/$$$$ and the $$$$ signing a vet like Taylor.

JJ How many big plays did he make last yr? I would cut him because this team isn't going to get over the hump until the party atmosphere on the Texans changes. JJ spends more time in the clubs than watching film/perfecting route running.
If Wade thinks Quin will transition very well to FS that's good enough for me. Most scouts thought S was the best position for Quin coming out of college. Quins ability to drop down and cover the slot in the base defense will be invaluable. IMHO

There's a "party atmosphere" on the straight laced Texans? I think it's more like one backup WR thinks his natural talent will win him a spot on this club. If we stop being a team that has inferior talent playing a significant role on game days, we will stop having inferior receivers running inferior routes and dropping TD's. JMHO.

 

[steelbtexan]

There's a "party atmosphere" on the straight laced Texans? I think it's more like one backup WR thinks his natural talent will win him a spot on this club. If we stop being a team that has inferior talent playing a significant role on game days, we will stop having inferior receivers running inferior routes and dropping TD's. JMHO.

True, LOL

 

[VTexan]

How much did the Texans 2nd rd pick contribute last yr?

Did the team really miss him?

Make the trade if you can get that lucky.

Just because the Texans don't usually make the most useful 2nd round picks, doesn't mean they aren't extremely valuable.

How much did Demeco Ryans contribute to our team in his career? (ironically enough one of our only 2nd round picks)

In recent history, Desean Jackson, Ray Rice, Brandon Flowers, Matt Forte, Lesean Mccoy, Sidney Rice, Lamar Woodley, Zach Miller, Ryan Kalil, Roman Harper, Marcus McNeil, Greg Jennings, Devin Hester, MJD all come from the 2nd round. And this is just dating back to 2006..

All but Brandon Flowers, Matt Forte and Lesean Mccoy made the pro-bowl.


That is why pro-bowl players like Brandon Marshall only gets traded for 2nd's.

Peterson may look like a sure fire hall of famer but nothing is ever certain in the draft.

 

[Corrosion]

I'm not too sure about all the Aldon hate. He looks exactly like a Demarcus Ware clone (not to mention Ware was drafted at 11).

All the cons are that he is more of a pass rusher than anything else.... But what else do you want out of your rushing olb?

Ive watched quite a bit of tape on Smith and I just dont see the comparisons to Ware. He's considerably slower - He lacks technique , totally unpolished . He's going to be a work in progress. Top it off with a shattered leg ..... Im not willing to take that risk at the 11th pick of the first round.

 

[DocBar]

Ive watched quite a bit of tape on Smith and I just dont see the comparisons to Ware. He's considerably slower - He lacks technique , totally unpolished . He's going to be a work in progress. Top it off with a shattered leg ..... Im not willing to take that risk at the 11th pick of the first round.

Me either.

 

[dalemurphy]

Point is moot because you are not allowed to trade players for picks in this draft.

That is true right this minute. But, depending on how the judge rules on the appeal, trading could be open tomorrow.

 

[Rey]

How do ya'll know JJ runs inferior routes? From everything I heard he had recommitted himself to becoming a good football player...

Just because he drops passes doesn't mean he doesn't work hard. It could just mean that he drops passes sometimes because he hasn't learned how to be consistent....

 

[Dutchrudder]

Mike Mayock doesn't even have Aldon Smith listed in his top 5 OLBs... He's usually pretty good at ranking these players.

 

[VTexan]

Ive watched quite a bit of tape on Smith and I just dont see the comparisons to Ware. He's considerably slower - He lacks technique , totally unpolished . He's going to be a work in progress. Top it off with a shattered leg ..... Im not willing to take that risk at the 11th pick of the first round.

How do you feel about Quinn compared to Smith?

 

[steelbtexan]

Just because the Texans don't usually make the most useful 2nd round picks, doesn't mean they aren't extremely valuable.

How much did Demeco Ryans contribute to our team in his career? (ironically enough one of our only 2nd round picks)

In recent history, Desean Jackson, Ray Rice, Brandon Flowers, Matt Forte, Lesean Mccoy, Sidney Rice, Lamar Woodley, Zach Miller, Ryan Kalil, Roman Harper, Marcus McNeil, Greg Jennings, Devin Hester, MJD all come from the 2nd round. And this is just dating back to 2006..

All but Brandon Flowers, Matt Forte and Lesean Mccoy made the pro-bowl.


That is why pro-bowl players like Brandon Marshall only gets traded for 2nd's.

Peterson may look like a sure fire hall of famer but nothing is ever certain in the draft.

Agreed

However I would take Petersons potential over Rick and Garys ability to pick above average players in rds 1-2.

You actually made my case for me. A drunken Thorn could do a better job in the warroom than Rick and Gary. So you have to try to lower your bust rate. You do this by trading up for Peterson. It would be different if Belicheck/Polian/Colbert or Thompson were making the picks. I mean he** Gary didn't even think it was important enough to show up at last yrs combine. That should tell you how comitted he is to the draft process.

And you wonder why the Texans are talent deficient at so many spots on their roster.

 

[Rey]

In recent history, Desean Jackson, Ray Rice, Brandon Flowers, Matt Forte, Lesean Mccoy, Sidney Rice, Lamar Woodley, Zach Miller, Ryan Kalil, Roman Harper, Marcus McNeil, Greg Jennings, Devin Hester, MJD all come from the 2nd round. And this is just dating back to 2006..

I'm sure there are a lot more 2nd round studs, but dating back to 2006 there have been about 128 picks (someone check my math)....out of those 128, how many would you say made significant impacts in their first year?

But beyond that, we are talking about more than just 2nd round picks...We are talking about 3rd and 4th rounders as well...And more specifically we are talking about the Texans making those picks...

I'd say that a NE patriots mid round pick would probably have more chance of success than a Houston Texan's mid round pick. I think history tells us that...

So really, it doesn't matter what other teams have been able to do with their mid round picks...What have we been able to dowith this regime? Fact is we are stuck with them for at least one more year...I won't be upset if they stand pat or trade down because those would potentially be good moves for the future.

But this regime needs immediate impact. I think that this regime has a better shot at getting a player that would have significant impact from day one if they trade up and pick up one of the top players in the draft vs having basically the same old people calling shots in the war room..

 

[steelbtexan]

How do ya'll know JJ runs inferior routes? From everything I heard he had recommitted himself to becoming a good football player...

Just because he drops passes doesn't mean he doesn't work hard. It could just mean that he drops passes sometimes because he hasn't learned how to be consistent....

Recomitted? Dont you have to be comitted 1st?

JJ seems to be very comitted to the Houston nightlife. He's very consistent in this regard.

 

[steelbtexan]

Mike Mayock doesn't even have Aldon Smith listed in his top 5 OLBs... He's usually pretty good at ranking these players.

This means Smith picks Smith.

LOL

 

[Rey]

Recomitted? Dont you have to be comitted 1st?

JJ seems to be very comitted to the Houston nightlife. He's very consistent in this regard.

So are you saying that at no point in his life he was committed to working hard and doing his best come game time?
And so what he goes out...So does Andre and a bunch of other young single football players...

I'm not saying JJ never goes out, but I've only seen him out once and that was at a highschool football game...and I've seen Andre dozens of times....

Of course JJ has had his maturity issues, but he hasn't been a big time trouble player...I personally don't think that JJ's commitment is the reason that he drops passes...And you didn't even address the bad routes part...Not sure how you guys came to that conclusion...

 

[VTexan]

I'm sure there are a lot more 2nd round studs, but dating back to 2006 there have been about 128 picks (someone check my math)....out of those 128, how many would you say made significant impacts in their first year?

I understand what you are saying and it makes sense. Have the Texans pony up because they are inept at drafting! It just pains me to see our second round pick pissed away continually instead of building depth and drafting potential studs.


I'm sure out of 128 1st round picks there quite a few busts as well :P.

 

[Corrosion]

How do you feel about Quinn compared to Smith?

From a thread in the College Football section - Posted yesterday.

Quinn - Brain tumor


Smith - Shattered leg


Miller -Healthy.



I would not be upset to see them trade up to take either Peterson or Miller. Top two on my overall board.

Both guy's have injury concerns , one more a physical issue - the other more dangerous to the player. I do believe Quinn is the better player.

Just dont think my conscience would allow me to put a helmet on the guy and tell him to go bash it in with the risks to him being so life altering.

 

[dalemurphy]

I'm sure there are a lot more 2nd round studs, but dating back to 2006 there have been about 128 picks (someone check my math)....out of those 128, how many would you say made significant impacts in their first year?

But beyond that, we are talking about more than just 2nd round picks...We are talking about 3rd and 4th rounders as well...And more specifically we are talking about the Texans making those picks...

I'd say that a NE patriots mid round pick would probably have more chance of success than a Houston Texan's mid round pick. I think history tells us that...

So really, it doesn't matter what other teams have been able to do with their mid round picks...What have we been able to dowith this regime? Fact is we are stuck with them for at least one more year...I won't be upset if they stand pat or trade down because those would potentially be good moves for the future.

But this regime needs immediate impact. I think that this regime has a better shot at getting a player that would have significant impact from day one if they trade up and pick up one of the top players in the draft vs having basically the same old people calling shots in the war room..

Here is an article I wrote last month after spending a great deal of time researching the value of 1st round vs. 2nd round picks. I tried to simply post it but the formatting changes created problems... so, here's the link for those interested: 2nd Round vs. 1st Round value in the modern NFL draft

 

[Tx Longhorn]

]

I'm not sure that starting a rookie CB next to Kareem Jackson and in front of a young CB learning the transition to FS, getting rid of an all-pro TE, a playmaking WR/punt returner, and a mid round draft pick is the recipe to win now.

Ok, second synopsis.

You named several possible CB options. By all accounts, Cincinnati has full intentions of keeping Jonathan Joseph. I also see the chances of Grimes leaving Atlanta as being slim. Richard Marshall is better against run support than he is at pass protection, and Carr's a solid #2.

My answer still remains. Patrick Peterson is considered about as safe of a pick as you possibly can make in this year's draft. Sure, there's always the variables you can't count on, like him suffering some kind of freak injury that derails his career, but in terms of the ball of work surrounding his talent, he he's as safe as you can get, in a position of weakness.

I'd not be nuts about trading Owen Daniels either, but I don't feel the Texans would be crippled without him. Not when Joel Dressen had similar (in some cases better) numbers than Daniels this year.

I guess it all boils down to how I value TE versus how I value shutdown cornerbacks.

 

[badboy]

Ive watched quite a bit of tape on Smith and I just dont see the comparisons to Ware. He's considerably slower - He lacks technique , totally unpolished . He's going to be a work in progress. Top it off with a shattered leg ..... Im not willing to take that risk at the 11th pick of the first round.

It was a broken fibula and I think a non-weight bearing bone & should be all right. Smith returned after missing only 3 games Oct 23rd i believe & had apprx 29 tackles and 3 QB sacks after his return. He obviously was hampered but did ok. It will all boil down to team seeing his med report & thinking he will be ok by game one. If Texans select him it will be basically to rush the QB and cause disruption. His strength will improve with NFL coach and he is only 21 & was a red shirt soph. He should have plenty of upside. I too do not compare him to Ware but neither do I compare any of the other DEs to Ware. I am more worried that SMith will select Amukamara.

 

[Tx Longhorn]

Here's scouting reports from one of the more noteworthy and better draft sites. Two players, same position. One's being considered a top 15 picks, the other a third rounder. See if you notice the striking similarities.

Player A

Strengths:
• Rangy with extremely long arms and room to grow
• Smooth athlete with excellent agility and balance
• Explosive with great speed, quickness and a burst
• Excels at bending off the edge and running the arc
• Changes directions well and is comfortable in space
• Outstanding range in pursuit and closes in a hurry
• Very active and aggressive with a non-stop motor
• A powerful tackler who will deliver a knockout hit
• Plays strong and has some violence in his game
• Tough and willing to play through pain / injuries
• Will offer some positional and schematic versatility
• Still developing and has enormous amount of upside

Weaknesses:
• Extremely unrefined, both physically and mentally
• Overall instincts and awareness are questionable
• Can do a better job of defending against the run
• Tendency to get tall and lose leverage at times
• Battled injury and durability might be a concern
• Doesn't have as much experience as you'd prefer

Player B

Strengths:
• Explosive athlete with truly rare speed for position
• Excels at bending off the edge and running the arc
• Does a fantastic job in pursuit with a burst to close
• Smooth with fluid hips and nice change of direction
• Reliable tackler and also capable of delivering big hit
• Feisty, competitive and hard working with good motor
• Productive and consistently wreaked havoc in backfield

Weaknesses:
• Is undersized and lacks ideal height that you look for
• Overall instincts and awareness are highly questionable
• Lacking a wide array of pass rush moves and counters
• Doesn't use hands well and struggles to get off blocks
• Not very strong or powerful and will get pushed around
• Will be forced to make a position change at next level

See any major differences? Really?

For the record, pick A is Aldon Smith, pick B is Dontay Moch of Nevada.

 

[badboy]

Here's scouting reports from one of the more noteworthy and better draft sites. Two players, same position. One's being considered a top 15 picks, the other a third rounder. See if you notice the striking similarities.

Player A

Strengths:
• Rangy with extremely long arms and room to grow
• Smooth athlete with excellent agility and balance
• Explosive with great speed, quickness and a burst
• Excels at bending off the edge and running the arc
• Changes directions well and is comfortable in space
• Outstanding range in pursuit and closes in a hurry
• Very active and aggressive with a non-stop motor
• A powerful tackler who will deliver a knockout hit
• Plays strong and has some violence in his game
• Tough and willing to play through pain / injuries
• Will offer some positional and schematic versatility
• Still developing and has enormous amount of upside

Weaknesses:
• Extremely unrefined, both physically and mentally
• Overall instincts and awareness are questionable
• Can do a better job of defending against the run
• Tendency to get tall and lose leverage at times
• Battled injury and durability might be a concern
• Doesn't have as much experience as you'd prefer

Player B

Strengths:
• Explosive athlete with truly rare speed for position
• Excels at bending off the edge and running the arc
• Does a fantastic job in pursuit with a burst to close
• Smooth with fluid hips and nice change of direction
• Reliable tackler and also capable of delivering big hit
• Feisty, competitive and hard working with good motor
• Productive and consistently wreaked havoc in backfield

Weaknesses:
• Is undersized and lacks ideal height that you look for
• Overall instincts and awareness are highly questionable
• Lacking a wide array of pass rush moves and counters
• Doesn't use hands well and struggles to get off blocks
• Not very strong or powerful and will get pushed around
• Will be forced to make a position change at next level

See any major differences? Really?

For the record, pick A is Aldon Smith, pick B is Dontay Moch of Nevada.

Biggest difference is Moch will be there in 3rd and maybe 4th. I don't know anyone rating Moch anywhere near Smith. If you knew you could get Moch, you could bypass Smith. Why not split the difference and go with Acho in 2nd? I think he has good chance of being there in 3rd.

 

[Thorn]

Well, at least Thursday has finally arrived and we'll find out tonight what's what.

 

[gafftop]

"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." --- John Wayne

Like this quote, this is the Texans FO and coaches. We the fans suffer. All this "moving up" discussion would be much more plausible or not even necessary if the Texans had lost the last game last year. Why was it so damn important to win that game. I know it is done, GET OVER IT, but its tough when these guys are the braintrust. I would do something if Peterson was involved but I am not sold on Miller. Aldon doesn't sound like a sure thing. One of reports said "could be a bust". Only the Texans would pick him this high.

 

[Maddict5]

Mike Mayock doesn't even have Aldon Smith listed in his top 5 OLBs... He's usually pretty good at ranking these players.

hes listed as the #4 DE. olb's are generally 4-3 possibility guys

 

[steelbtexan]

"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." --- John Wayne

Like this quote, this is the Texans FO and coaches. We the fans suffer. All this "moving up" discussion would be much more plausible or not even necessary if the Texans had lost the last game last year. Why was it so damn important to win that game. I know it is done, GET OVER IT, but its tough when these guys are the braintrust. I would do something if Peterson was involved but I am not sold on Miller. Aldon doesn't sound like a sure thing. One of reports said "could be a bust". Only the Texans would pick him this high.

Atleast by winnig that last game they will be picking at 11 instead of 6. Thereby keeping the payroll down.

Uncle BoB repaid Rick and Gary saving him this $$$$ by not firing them.

I fully expect Rick and Gary to draft another OyOye/Babin type guy. The beat goes on and on and on. This is what happens when you have upper management that are in way over their heads.

It's up to Rick and Gary to prove me wrong. I really dont see them getting better after 5 yrs of failure.

 

[dalemurphy]

Atleast by winnig that last game they will be picking at 11 instead of 6. Thereby keeping the payroll down.

Uncle BoB repaid Rick and Gary saving him this $$$$ by not firing them.

I fully expect Rick and Gary to draft another OyOye/Babin type guy. The beat goes on and on and on. This is what happens when you have upper management that are in way over their heads.

It's up to Rick and Gary to prove me wrong. I really dont see them getting better after 5 yrs of failure.

First of all, they had nothing to do with the Babin selection.

Second, I really don't think their draft process is flawed. I actually think they have drafted well. Their real problem is their inability to assess and coach the players on the team. I have come to that conclusion after looking back at their previous drafts and noting how often rookies tend to decline and some promising rookies simply lost out on playing time or were released in favor of lesser players. It's hard to say whether Kareem Jackson was a good pick or not since that defense and coaching staff was in such shambles. I doubt any rookie would've looked good in the midst of that mess.

I say this not to excuse Smithiak. They are responsible for everything that has gone wrong... for all the mistakes they made cutting down the roster to 53 (cough-Tramon Williams) to the decision to hire Frank Bush and David Gibbs without even a moderate search. However, my point is that I have more confidence in what they will be doing this weekend and much more concern with the decision-making and evaluation process that will begin in August.

It isn't the drafting that separates the Texans from New England in regards to personnel, it's the decision-making afterwards. The Tom Brady draft is the perfect example. The entire draft was an entire waste until the Brady selection in round 6... I mean, it was utter garbage. The Patriots saw something they liked in Tom Brady but knew he was nowhere near ready to play in the NFL. Instead of cutting him, they kept 4 QBs on the roster that year... Unprecedented! This Texan organization may draft a Tom Brady, may even recognize some of his ability, but they would never even entertain a decision that was out of the box like the Patriots did. No, Brady would've been cut by the Texans and the Patriots still would've ended up with him.

 

[steelbtexan]

2007-OkOye/JJ/Bennett
2008- D.Brown/Molden/Slaton
2009- Cushing/Barwin/Caldwell
2010- Jackson/Tate/Mitchell

I would say the Rick and Gary's draft track record leaves alot to be desired. When you combine this with terrible coaching it's a wonder the Texans won as many game as they have.

 

[dalemurphy]

2007-OkOye/JJ/Bennett
2008- D.Brown/Molden/Slaton
2009- Cushing/Barwin/Caldwell
2010- Jackson/Tate/Mitchell

I would say the Rick and Gary's draft track record leaves alot to be desired. When you combine this with terrible coaching it's a wonder the Texans won as many game as they have.

Jacoby was a good pick. Okoye/Bennett - looked good as rookies
DBrown was a good pick. Slaton/Molden looked very good as rookies
Cushing/Barwin/Caldwell are all good picks
2010 was a nightmare. Too early to judge those picks

 

[steelbtexan]

Jacoby was a good pick. Okoye/Bennett - looked good as rookies
DBrown was a good pick. Slaton/Molden looked very good as rookies
Cushing/Barwin/Caldwell are all good picks
2010 was a nightmare. Too early to judge those picks

JJ=Still not a starter, below avg returner last yr. When does failing to reach your potential = Bust? OkOye #10 pick = bust, He should be traded or cut, Bennett = out of league

Brown was a good pick, Slaton/Molden probably wont make the team next yr

Cushing = PED's who knows how he will do? Barwin =injured, How will he come back from injury next yr? Caldwell = cant beat out Briesel, LOL

2010, agreed, to early to judge, but things dont look promising

 

[dalemurphy]

JJ=Still not a starter, below avg returner last yr. When does failing to reach your potential = Bust? OkOye #10 pick = bust, He should be traded or cut, Bennett = out of league

Brown was a good pick, Slaton/Molden probably wont make the team next yr

Cushing = PED's who knows how he will do? Barwin =injured, How will he come back from injury next yr? Caldwell = cant beat out Briesel, LOL

2010, agreed, to early to judge, but things dont look promising

Believe me, Steel, I'm not suggesting the team's future is secure because of Bennett, Slaton, and Molden.

I am suggesting that it is likely many of these picks would have been more successful with better coaching.

Jacoby Jones may not have improved as much as we'd like, but I would challenge you to find more than 7 or 8 more productive 3rd round picks from 2007. I'd challenge you to do the same with the 2009 3rd round pick regarding Caldwell.

 

[HoustonFrog]

They really haven't drafted well when you look how poorly they have done in the 2nd and 3rd rounds...where you need to hit.

On a side note the new rumor from EVERY fraft person is Miller to Denver at #2. That makes him unavailable. I also think that while that might push Dareus down, it might bring Peterson more into play in the Top 5. I don't think the Texans will move up. Too rich. If anything with the craziness that is out there I think they stay put or even move down a few for QB desperate teams.

 

[The1ApplePie]

Todd "I Ruined Jevon Snead's Career" McShay basically said it was a lock that the Texans were trading with the Cardinals to get Patrick Peterson.

The way he stated it made it sound like a done deal.

Kind of like Jevon Snead as a first round pick

 

[DonnyMost]

Just go ahead and sell the farm to Denver to get Von Miller.