Who do the Texans take with the 26th pick in the 2012 Draft?

[Corrosion]

So you like Zeitler better than Decastro ? I think Brown , Myer , and Winston are really good . Briesel is not bad but the other two guys not so much . You get a top notch guard and it insures your running game . The Texans made to the 2nd round with a 3rd string QB because of the OL and Foster .

The Pats and Saints have proven your offensive weapons can come in the 6'6 variety . I would look to get more mismatches in the passing game .

No .... But I dont think DeCastro makes it past the 20th pick .... But if he was there at 26 I take him and dont look back - Zeitler is clearly the #2 behind him at OG in this draft.

Just saying that if the choice were between Zeitler and the second tier WR prospects I could take Zeitler over them and be happy with the pick.

 

[Doppelganger]

You heard it here first. Would mean Texans let Mario become a free agent, so they can re-sign Arian Foster to a multi-year million dollar contract.


Billy Winn

Sorry BL. http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87204

 

[Doppelganger]

1. If David DeCastro fell because he was a guard , I'd pick him .

2. Kendall Wright ... proven WR and an explosive weapon .

I guess Jones or Sanu if these guys aren't there .

Sorry, but not gonna happen. Castro is the second coming of Steve Hutchinson. I expect him to be taken around 12-15.

 

[beerlover]

Sorry, but not gonna happen. Castro is the second coming of Steve Hutchinson. I expect him to be taken around 12-15.

Maybe Top 10

 

[pirbroke]

why in the world or people even suggesting a guard. Remember we got Shelley Smith and Kasey on the IR this year. I thought everybody was excited about Shelley. And the line was outstanding this year. If a good WR is their for the taking then do it in the first. And I know I am probably going to get neg rep for saying this, but if some TE is sitting their like what the Pats have, I would take him also.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

why in the world or people even suggesting a guard. Remember we got Shelley Smith and Kasey on the IR this year. I thought everybody was excited about Shelley. And the line was outstanding this year. If a good WR is their for the taking then do it in the first. And I know I am probably going to get neg rep for saying this, but if some TE is sitting their like what the Pats have, I would take him also.

If a 9.25 guard is there would you take a 7 WR ?

 

[beerlover]

If a 9.25 guard is there would you take a 7 WR ?

I think you may need to explain the grading system

 

[pirbroke]

If a 9.25 guard is there would you take a 7 WR ?

I had to walk away, the freaking captain ran aground again. Back to sports. that's a good question but I doubt the numbers will be that separated in the same round, but if it is, errr I would say the guard if it's that much. I do believe in the best available player approach somewhat, but needs must be found somehow. This is the problem you have in the draft when your team becomes good, when your bad you need everything, but as you improve your needs go down and you start to only look at a few positions and let better players go undrafted. It's a tough balancing act but a nice problem to have.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I had to walk away, the freaking captain ran aground again. Back to sports. that's a good question but I doubt the numbers will be that separated in the same round, but if it is, errr I would say the guard if it's that much. I do believe in the best available player approach somewhat, but needs must be found somehow. This is the problem you have in the draft when your team becomes good, when your bad you need everything, but as you improve your needs go down and you start to only look at a few positions and let better players go undrafted. It's a tough balancing act but a nice problem to have.

I think the G position is in need of depth or an upgrade . The offense needs weapons bad and it could be a TE , slot , or whatever they need mismatches .

 

[thunderkyss]

why in the world or people even suggesting a guard. Remember we got Shelley Smith and Kasey on the IR this year. I thought everybody was excited about Shelley. And the line was outstanding this year. If a good WR is their for the taking then do it in the first. And I know I am probably going to get neg rep for saying this, but if some TE is sitting their like what the Pats have, I would take him also.

If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. The OL did wonderful this year, but we can & need to get better there. Wade Smith looked very good in 2010, not so much in 2011.

Mike Brisiel... warrior. But if other teams are going to play straight up on Chris Myers, we need someone to get to that second level & take out the MLB.... it's got to be one of the guards.

I'd like to upgrade the Center position, but it ain't going to happen.

I want more 1st & 2nd rounders on offense. WR, TE, OL

TE, I'm not so worried about. The two we got stretch the field & own the middle of the field. They're not the best blocking TEs, but since our WRs block better than most, it's a wash.

 

[pirbroke]

they need mismatches .

thats it, we have one great mismatch in the passing game.

 

[Lucky]

why in the world or people even suggesting a guard. Remember we got Shelley Smith and Kasey on the IR this year. I thought everybody was excited about Shelley.

Shelly has never played significant time in this league. Studdard is scrappy, but horrible. Caldwell hasn't developed. This team needs another interior lineman to groom. Whether it be in the 1st, or later rounds.

The 26th pick over the Texan years:

2011 - (KC) - Jonathan Baldwin -WR - Pitt
2010 - (ARZ) - Dan Williams - DT - Tennessee
2009 - (GB) - Clay Matthews - OLB - Southern Cal
2008 - (HOU) - Duane Brown - T - Virginia Tech
2007 - (DAL) - Anthony Spencer - OLB - Purdue
2006 - (BUF) - John McCargo - DT - NC State
2005 - (SEA) - Chris Spencer - C - Ole Miss
2004 - (CIN) - Chris Perry - RB - Michigan
2003 - (SF) - Kwame Harris - T - Stanford
2002 - (PHI) - Lito Seppard - CB - Florida

A mixed bag of outstanding, to good, to so-so, to busts. Typical of any draft spot. Other notable 26th selections:

1998 - (PIT) - Alan Faneca - G - LSU
1996 - (BAL) - Ray Lewis - MLB - Miami
1987 - (CHI) - Jim Harbaugh - QB - Michigan

Looking back, it's been a pick where you pickup a blocker or tackler.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

they need mismatches .

thats it, we have one great mismatch in the passing game.

How about Ladarius Green, TE in the 4th or 5th ? How about one of the Razorback blazers that are 5'10 but run a 4.3 ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIY2E556BdY

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Shelly has never played significant time in this league. Studdard is scrappy, but horrible. Caldwell hasn't developed. This team needs another interior lineman to groom. Whether it be in the 1st, or later rounds.

The 26th pick over the Texan years:

2011 - (KC) - Jonathan Baldwin -WR - Pitt
2010 - (ARZ) - Dan Williams - DT - Tennessee
2009 - (GB) - Clay Matthews - OLB - Southern Cal
2008 - (HOU) - Duane Brown - T - Virginia Tech
2007 - (DAL) - Anthony Spencer - OLB - Purdue
2006 - (BUF) - John McCargo - DT - NC State
2005 - (SEA) - Chris Spencer - C - Ole Miss
2004 - (CIN) - Chris Perry - RB - Michigan
2003 - (SF) - Kwame Harris - T - Stanford
2002 - (PHI) - Lito Seppard - CB - Florida

A mixed bag of outstanding, to good, to so-so, to busts. Typical of any draft spot. Other notable 26th selections:

1998 - (PIT) - Alan Faneca - G - LSU
1996 - (BAL) - Ray Lewis - MLB - Miami
1987 - (CHI) - Jim Harbaugh - QB - Michigan

Looking back, it's been a pick where you pickup a blocker or tackler.

yeah, most the better picks here look like a situation where a team took a higher graded player at interior line versus maybe a more needed or usual first round position.

 

[Texecutioner]

Hopefully we lean heavy on defense in the draft again and continue to get O lineman to protect Foster and the QB.

We can get upgrades at WR in free agency.

 

[steelbtexan]

Hopefully we lean heavy on defense in the draft again and continue to get O lineman to protect Foster and the QB.

We can get upgrades at WR in free agency.

This is the way I would go.

But there will be WR's that would also be massive upgrades that could be drafted in rds 4-6.

Adding a difference maker in FA and a fast slot WR later in the draft would be the way to go. IMHO

 

[Dutchrudder]

In 2009 Hakeem nicks and Kenny Britt at picks 29 and 30. Both solid WRs so we could get a guy like that at 26. Jeffery, Floyd, Sanu or Jones should be there.

 

[BigBull17]

Depends on what we do with our FA's before the draft. If we re-sign Mario, I would not use the 1st rounder on the front 7. If we re-sign Myers, we don't need to take a lineman in the 1st either. I would go WR if we re-sign both those guys.

If we don't re-sign Mario, I would take a rush LB early, but still not in the 1st. If we don't re-sign Myers I would take an interior lineman in the 1st or 2nd round. Peter Konz is an option here in the 1st. I still think we should go WR regardless, but we could take one in the 2nd.

Alshon Jeffrey - WR, South Carolina
Kendall Wright - WR, Baylor
Peter Konz - C, Wisconsin
Billy Winn - DE, Boise State
Jerel Worthy - DT/DE, Michigan State
Mohamed Sanu - WR, Rutgers

I think ive asked before, but what is the name of the girl on your avatar?

 

[MojoMan]

Hopefully we lean heavy on defense in the draft again and continue to get O lineman to protect Foster and the QB.

We can get upgrades at WR in free agency.

Right on.

The only truly critical need that the Texans have is a true go-to #2 WR. The Texans will be active in free agency again this year. Remember how the Texans addressed critical needs with the acquisition of Jonathan Joseph and Danieal Manning? This year I would expect the primary focus to be on getting a top flight WR to line up with Andre Johnson.

With the expansion of the salary cap and the Texans impressive showing in their first playoff run, it is likely that certain top free agents will want to come here now more than they have in prior years. The Texans front office will not be so stupid as to start breaking the bank by loading up indiscriminately with these sorts of players, but, considering the circumstances, one or two this off-season is a real possibility.

Then the Texans will go into the draft with no "critical" holes to fill. At the #26 pick, the team will want to draft someone who can start right away and really help the team, like JJ Watt. Everyone may recall that DE was not what most fans were hoping for in the first round of the draft last year, but that was clearly the right pick. So maybe this year it is a WR, but then again maybe it is a guard, or a NT or a safety, or even an OLB. It depends on who is available at that time.

A first round guard that turned out to be a pro bowler for the next 10 years or so would be a great pick at #26.

 

[The1ApplePie]

WR is the most glaring hole the Texans have but I wouldn't be mad at an OLB/DE or a CB if they fell.

If the Texans are forced to franchise and trade Mario, that would certainly open up the board.

The team is in a position to actually take some risks on project players in later rounds now, maybe we can land a raw Jimmy Graham like TE to groom for a year.

 

[steelbtexan]

This is the way the Pats, Steelers,Ravens etc... have stayed contenders throughout the yrs.

They just keep adding talent by going BPA. If they have a hole that needs to be filled and they see a great player drop into the mid teens/low 20's they will trade up and pick him. In addition to filling 1/2 holes in FA every yr.

It sure feels great that the Texans wont have to be reaching to fill needs like the KJ pick anymore.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

WR is the most glaring hole the Texans have but I wouldn't be mad at an OLB/DE or a CB if they fell.

If the Texans are forced to franchise and trade Mario, that would certainly open up the board.

The team is in a position to actually take some risks on project players in later rounds now, maybe we can land a raw Jimmy Graham like TE to groom for a year.

I think the Saints took Graham in the 3rd the year after they won the super bowl . I think they need to upgrade the athletism at the skill positions . The Saints and Pats proved a mismatch can come from anywhere .

 

[Rey]

Last year we had to take manning and joseph in free agency to make up for years of not drafting good secondary players. We also didn't have any big name free agents of our own to sign. I think we will re sign mario and arian and those will be our big free agent acquisitions. I'd rather build through the draft at this point. Its cheaper and it allows you to maintain some of your own guys. Therefore, I'd go wr in early in the draft.

 

[beerlover]

Last year we had to take manning and joseph in free agency to make up for years of not drafting good secondary players. We also didn't have any big name free agents of our own to sign. I think we will re sign mario and arian and those will be our big free agent acquisitions. I'd rather build through the draft at this point. Its cheaper and it allows you to maintain some of your own guys. Therefore, I'd go wr in early in the draft.

the big 3 will be long gone (Blackmon, Floyd & Jeffery) Wright is in the ballpark but think he too will be off the board already, leaving Dwight Jones (who I have mocked for this very same reason) & Mohamed Sanu (who I had mocked even earlier) but given the underclassman coming out adding a wealth of talent, in my mind it pushes these players back into the second round. So using a first round pick on second round graded player because of need is not such a no brainer. If I could add another stud pass rusher (can never have too many) then a comparable WR later in the 2nd that would seem to me like your at least keeping up with rest of the pack, in terms of talent. Texans are not the only team trying to improve every year, this past season it was a combination of talent, coaching & smart, aggressive free agency acquisition. Expect more of the same. They will target at least one top flight WR in free agency too! I don't see for instance, the Saints ability to keep both Colston & Meachem. Brees, Franklin, Nicks & Tracy Porter are all free agents.

 

[Rey]

I didn't specify first round. I just said early in the draft which to me is in the first three rounds. I don't see us drafting a wr and getting one in free agency. I think kubiak stashed lestar for a reason. I think its fun to say get rid of jacoby, but I think hell be back. Kubiak said as much although you just never know. If someone highly rated fell to us I'd take them. Unlless it was a qb then I'd trade back. Istuff is going to change as more info comes in and then there will be surprises on draft day.

 

[beerlover]

I didn't specify first round. I just said early in the draft which to me is in the first three rounds. I don't see us drafting a wr and getting one in free agency. I think kubiak stashed lestar for a reason. I think its fun to say get rid of jacoby, but I think hell be back. Kubiak said as much although you just never know. If someone highly rated fell to us I'd take them. Unlless it was a qb then I'd trade back. Istuff is going to change as more info comes in and then there will be surprises on draft day.

Then everybody is saying take a WR early heck if there is the right one (BPA) in each of the first three rounds take em all

 

[ATXtexanfan]

Hopefully we lean heavy on defense in the draft again and continue to get O lineman to protect Foster and the QB.

We can get upgrades at WR in free agency.

hopefully we will have money to spend on a wr after resigning our guys. our wr core needs to be rebuilt and using a first rounder on one would be nice. even if we sign free agent wrs drafting the second or third best wr would be good move. bpa is always a good move as well

 

[Blake]

Guys like Sigmund Bloom and LZ have been saying that some teams do/will have Wright ahead of Blackmon on their boards. Lots can change between now and then, but it's not looking likely that he will be available anywhere near where we pick.

Yeah its tough to predict where every team has a player rated. But we should have a shot at a good WR.

Am I the only one who likes Nick Toon in a trade down scenario? Or 2nd round trade up?

 

[thunderkyss]

hopefully we will have money to spend on a wr after resigning our guys. our wr core needs to be rebuilt and using a first rounder on one would be nice. even if we sign free agent wrs drafting the second or third best wr would be good move. bpa is always a good move as well

After watching Brady route the Broncos (not a terrible defense) with Gronk & Hernandez, I dont know that we should reach on a WR in the draft or overspend on one in FA.

We need to resign Dressen & hope Kubiak sharpens his pencil while designing plays.

 

[Goldensilence]

After watching Brady route the Broncos (not a terrible defense) with Gronk & Hernandez, I dont know that we should reach on a WR in the draft or overspend on one in FA.

We need to resign Dressen & hope Kubiak sharpens his pencil while designing plays.

I like Dressen and OD's abilities to find holes in the defense and catch just about damn near everything thrown their way. They're just never going to create the kind of mismatches that Gronk and Hernandez do naturally. I think hoping that they will is a exercise in futility. After having Drafted Graham, this is just the physical mold Kubiak is looking for at TE.

If we're not going to be able to create those kind of mismatches at TE we do need to look at options outside. Whether is a DeSean Jackson type like Wright or a bigger guy like Sanu it doesn't matter to me. IF this offense wants to go to the next level they need to take one guy in this draft that can do that.

 

[thunderkyss]

I like Dressen and OD's abilities to find holes in the defense and catch just about damn near everything thrown their way. They're just never going to create the kind of mismatches that Gronk and Hernandez do naturally. I think hoping that they will is a exercise in futility. After having Drafted Graham, this is just the physical mold Kubiak is looking for at TE.

If we're not going to be able to create those kind of mismatches at TE we do need to look at options outside. Whether is a DeSean Jackson type like Wright or a bigger guy like Sanu it doesn't matter to me. IF this offense wants to go to the next level they need to take one guy in this draft that can do that.

With the ability to line up Dressen, OD, & Casey on every down, it would be a nightmare trying to figure out who is releasing & who is blocking.

 

[dalemurphy]

the big 3 will be long gone (Blackmon, Floyd & Jeffery) Wright is in the ballpark but think he too will be off the board already, leaving Dwight Jones (who I have mocked for this very same reason) & Mohamed Sanu (who I had mocked even earlier) but given the underclassman coming out adding a wealth of talent, in my mind it pushes these players back into the second round. So using a first round pick on second round graded player because of need is not such a no brainer. If I could add another stud pass rusher (can never have too many) then a comparable WR later in the 2nd that would seem to me like your at least keeping up with rest of the pack, in terms of talent. Texans are not the only team trying to improve every year, this past season it was a combination of talent, coaching & smart, aggressive free agency acquisition. Expect more of the same. They will target at least one top flight WR in free agency too! I don't see for instance, the Saints ability to keep both Colston & Meachem. Brees, Franklin, Nicks & Tracy Porter are all free agents.

First of all, I think Robert Meachem is the perfect fit for this team and I hope they make a hard run at him.

Second, this is the year where I think it is likely the Texans attempt a significant trade up. Looking over the roster (accounting for the returning I.R. players and assuming some of the FAs like Dreessen and Myers return) there will be precious few roster spots up for grabs (2-4). The Texans will have very limited needs and will likely address one or two of them in FA. Furthermore, high 1st round picks are much better value under the new collective bargaining. Don't be surprised to see us jump up to 13 or 14 to grab a guy we have targeted.

Here's a rough look at our (likely) returning roster:

Qb: Schaub, Leinart, Yates
Rb: Foster, Tate, Vickers
Wr: AJ, JJ, KW, Ljean?
TE: OD, Casey, Dreessen?, Graham
OL: Myers?, DBrown, Winston, Brisiel?, WSmith, Caldwell, SSmith, Butler, Newton,

DL: Watt, ASmith, Jamison, Cody, Mitchell
LB: Sharpton, DRyans, Dobbins?, Cushing, Barwin, Reed, Braman
CB: Jackson, Joseph, McCain, McManis, Harris, Carmichael
S: Manning, Quin, Nolan, Demps?, Barber?

LS: Weeks
P: Hart
K: ??

Assuming a Free agent kicker, that's 49 roster spots, assuming we let guys like Mario, DWard, B.Johnson, Bulman, etc... all go. The days are over where 4th and 5th round picks are likely to make the active roster, or even the team, apart from the practice squad.

 

[thunderkyss]

Second, this is the year where I think it is likely the Texans attempt a significant trade up. Looking over the roster (accounting for the returning I.R. players and assuming some of the FAs like Dreessen and Myers return) there will be precious few roster spots up for grabs (2-4). The Texans will have very limited needs and will likely address one or two of them in FA. Furthermore, high 1st round picks are much better value under the new collective bargaining. Don't be surprised to see us jump up to 13 or 14 to grab a guy we have targeted.

If this is true, if the Texans feel the same way. I would think this year, because of the situation we are in, we would be more apt to trade away our picks for future picks.

We need to start stockpiling draft picks to provide the capital to move up in the draft & make some of those "daring" draft day moves.

 

[Dread-Head]

An under rated receiver. AJ needs some help. A receiving equivalent of Arian Foster whom we'll love for both his stellar play and his love for both the game and it's fans.

 

[beerlover]

An under rated receiver. AJ needs some help. A receiving equivalent of Arian Foster whom we'll love for both his stellar play and his love for both the game and it's fans.

Amen

 

[dalemurphy]

If this is true, if the Texans feel the same way. I would think this year, because of the situation we are in, we would be more apt to trade away our picks for future picks.

We need to start stockpiling draft picks to provide the capital to move up in the draft & make some of those "daring" draft day moves.

That is a possibility. However, I think it is unlikely a team without almost no playoff success in its history would spend those resources planning for the future. After an AFC Championship or a Superbowl I think those moves are more likely. Still, it could happen. And, I would love to see 2nd round picks traded for 1st round picks. LOVE THOSE DEALS!

 

[Corrosion]

If this is true, if the Texans feel the same way. I would think this year, because of the situation we are in, we would be more apt to trade away our picks for future picks.

We need to start stockpiling draft picks to provide the capital to move up in the draft & make some of those "daring" draft day moves.

To add to this line of thinking - This coming season they will have limited cap space even to resign their own FA's much less add a significant amount for an addition unless of course they can A) sign MW to a very cap friendly deal or B) he goes elsewhere.

MW counted $17m and change against the cap last season. They have to get that number down in the 8-10 range .... He'd likely sign the franchise tender of ~$23m in a heartbeat. That's a big chunk of cap space taken up by a guy who's been lost to season ending injuries in back to back years that would really hamper any attempts to upgrade the roster with other FA moves.

They could backload a contract for MW since the cap is expected to escalate significantly in 2013 and beyond. I really think this is the only way to keep MW and have space to maneuver in FA this offseason.

Demeco's cap hit will be near $7.9m with the prorated signing bonus and incentives. I think they have to restructure that deal and get it down in the neighborhood of ~$5m.


Leinart and Jacoby I think get cut shaving about $6m from the cap.

The above likely allows them to resign those FA's that are important parts of the team in Foster , Myers and Briesel and possibly upgrade WR in FA.

What you are looking at is ~47ish roster spots occupied not including Rackers (I think he needs to be replaced) before factoring in draft picks or free agents.

That probably gives them the freedom to move down or out of the first round in this coming draft to stockpile early picks in a future draft.

 

[WolverineFan]

Wouldn't mind seeing us trade back and get a 1st next year when one of these teams tries to draft a guy like Tannehill in the 1st round.

I'm really hoping Tannehill falls to us and we can trade back and get an extra pick for next year and still get a guy like Sanu or Dwight Jones.

Probably won't happen tho because some idiot GM will trade up and take him Top 15.

 

[beerlover]

Wouldn't mind seeing us trade back and get a 1st next year when one of these teams tries to draft a guy like Tannehill in the 1st round.

I'm really hoping Tannehill falls to us and we can trade back and get an extra pick for next year and still get a guy like Sanu or Dwight Jones.

Probably won't happen tho because some idiot GM will trade up and take him Top 15.

Texans already did something similar to that when they traded back with Baltimore who took Flaco & Texans later took Brown. Worked out well for both teams I would say.

 

[Rey]

The last mock I did I had us trading out of the first round and picking up Sanu or Wright at the top of the second (I don't think 5 WR's will go in the first round)...

 

[ObsiWan]

Wouldn't mind seeing us trade back and get a 1st next year when one of these teams tries to draft a guy like Tannehill in the 1st round.

I'm really hoping Tannehill falls to us and we can trade back and get an extra pick for next year and still get a guy like Sanu or Dwight Jones.

Probably won't happen tho because some idiot GM will trade up and take him Top 15.

We can dream can't we. That would be an ideal situation for us.

I'm really going over to the train of thought that says parley this year's 1st rd pick into extra picks (either this year or next). Makes little sense to me to grab a 1st rounder only to have him be a backup.

If there's a guy @ #26 that fits one of our needs and is the BPA, then, yeah, we pull the trigger. But if there are BPAs that better fit other teams' needs, then let's see how much we can extract from them for that pick.

 

[Brandon420tx]

Early 2nd to early 4th is stacked with good players who will fit our team. I would be ecstatic if the FO got as many picks in that range as they could

 

[rickyb]

Shelly has never played significant time in this league. Studdard is scrappy, but horrible. Caldwell hasn't developed. This team needs another interior lineman to groom. Whether it be in the 1st, or later rounds.

^^^^
This.

 

[rickyb]

I like to think that folks like Demeco would be willing to restructure in order to free up cap room. This team is on the cusp of greatness.

 

[Goldensilence]

Wouldn't mind seeing us trade back and get a 1st next year when one of these teams tries to draft a guy like Tannehill in the 1st round.

I'm really hoping Tannehill falls to us and we can trade back and get an extra pick for next year and still get a guy like Sanu or Dwight Jones.

Probably won't happen tho because some idiot GM will trade up and take him Top 15.

With his foot broken I think it's going to be hard for Tannehill to raise his stock predraft. As of right now looks like he'll be healthy in time for a pro day.

I have a feeling Tannehill is going to be this year's Ryan Mallet.

 

[Corrosion]

Hopefully we lean heavy on defense in the draft again and continue to get O lineman to protect Foster and the QB.

We can get upgrades at WR in free agency.

This is the way I would go.

But there will be WR's that would also be massive upgrades that could be drafted in rds 4-6.

Adding a difference maker in FA and a fast slot WR later in the draft would be the way to go. IMHO

This really depends upon what they do in FA , especially with MW.

I dont see his cap number being close to what it was this season under any circumstances - It was ~$17m this season. If they can get that number down around ~$8m this season they can take care of Foster , Briesel and Myers .... Im not so sure what they would have left after that to spend in FA. Rest assured it wouldnt be a hell of a lot .... and they would still have to fit draft picks under the cap.


If any of the trio of Foster , Myers or Briesel is not resigned those positions have to be addressed one way or another (I expect all three back)....


If they let MW walk .... they have significant cap space to operate with but it definately leaves a need for another guy to get after the QB. As well as Reed and Barwin played after MW went down , you have Braman and Nading as depth behind them in that scenario. I definately wouldnt be comfortable with that going into a season. Injuries are a part of football .... You have to be prepared for them.

Right now WR is probably the top position of need , but that could change and we could be looking for a multitude of postions.

 

[Corrosion]

I like to think that folks like Demeco would be willing to restructure in order to free up cap room. This team is on the cusp of greatness.

I think they almost have to restructure his deal .... He'll be eating up about $8m in cap space with the pro-rated signing bonus , salary and incentives. As much as I like Ryans ..... that number is just too big.


I expect to see Jacoby Jones and Leinart cut because of the cap ....


If you think this year is a difficult one in terms of the salary cap .... Just wait until next year when they have a multitude of players reaching the end of their deals.

 

[VTexan]

If Blackmon, Jeffery, Floyd aren't there. Wait and snag Broyles in the second. He fits our slot receiving need perfectly. (Think about a receiver that can run crisp routes under Andre Johnson and grabbing first down after first down). And he is a proven performed (all 4 years in OU)!

 

[Wolf6151]

If Blackmon, Jeffery, Floyd aren't there. Wait and snag Broyles in the second. He fits our slot receiving need perfectly. (Think about a receiver that can run crisp routes under Andre Johnson and grabbing first down after first down). And he is a proven performed (all 4 years in OU)!

Broyles tore his ACL during the season and most likely won't be available for any of the post season Bowls, Combine, or Pro Day events. I think his stock will fall because this is a very deep WR class full of guys that are healthy. Someone will probably get a bargain on Broyles in the later rounds.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

This week , I think that there will be no WR worth the 26th pick . So I'm thinking that Mario goes , leaving two good OLBs . What if one gets hurt ? Hmmm .... maybe you fortify the defense with a better choice at OLB than WR .

How about another strong suit the OL . They are set at 3 positions assuming they resign Myers but the guards are getting older and Caldwell is iffy .

I'd also try to look for speed and length . Why ... cause Matt wouldn't do Mike Wallace much good after 40 yards but he can put it in a place where a guy could use his size .