Clowney, then what?

[The Pencil Neck]

One word. Elephant.

Exactly what I'm talking about.

An elephant in RAC's defense, which was the position Willie McGinest played, was asked to drop into coverage almost as much as rush the QB. McGinest never got more than 10 sacks in a season but he covered and got interceptions and passes defensed. That's not a position I see Clowney playing.

 

[ObsiWan]

Problem is this is an equally valid statement:

"I'm hoping for a QB myself, don't think it matters who is OL without a passer."

OL can be biggest need and still not need filling with 1.1, as a matter of fact it generally is not 1st round at all. The same, with a couple of exceptions notable for proving the rule, cannot be said for QB.

I suppose this is a chicken and egg discussion.
Do you really think there's a QB in this draft that can overcome the short comings we have on the right side of the line? I don't. I'd rather not miss out on a solid OT with Jonathan Ogden-type potential or Jake Long type potential to take a QB with Matt Stafford or Matt Ryan potential.

Again, that's just me.

 

[leebigeztx]

I suppose this is a chicken and egg discussion.
Do you really think there's a QB in this draft that can overcome the short comings we have on the right side of the line? I don't. I'd rather not miss out on a solid OT with Jonathan Ogden-type potential or Jake Long type potential to take a QB with Matt Stafford or Matt Ryan potential.

Again, that's just me.

When was the last time a team won a sb with a top flight ol? Probably Big Ben 1st sb. Since then, no team has had an all pro lt or even a pro bowl caliber lt. Eli,rodgers,ben,and flacco have won with average ol. Hell,wilson was the 2nd or 3rd most presured qb in nfl this season. They had a patchwork line due to injuries.

Just like other positions,you're not gonna have all pros at every spot. You want as many good players as possible. I see u snuck jake longin your post. If parcells know what he know now,do you think he takes jake long over ryan again? Say what u will,but with an average defense and drew brees in the same division,the matt ryan led falcons have won that division as many times as drew brees and the saints. How many times did jake long make the playoffs with a top 10 defense in that divsion? Yep,that's what I thought.

 

[infantrycak]

I suppose this is a chicken and egg discussion.
Do you really think there's a QB in this draft that can overcome the short comings we have on the right side of the line? I don't. I'd rather not miss out on a solid OT with Jonathan Ogden-type potential or Jake Long type potential to take a QB with Matt Stafford or Matt Ryan potential.

Again, that's just me.

I REALLY think there is not a single nfl worthy QB at all who must have a 1st round much less 1.1 RT. I think this is seeing a legitimate need and completely overreacting. I value the OL but that doesn't mean be stupid with picks and RT can be hugely upgraded with a 2nd or even 3rd round pick just like the great majority of the league. Eric Winston in his rookie year would have been a gigantic upgrade from Newton last season. Of the handful of 1st round RT's you do see, most of them are failed LTs such as Michael Oher and temporary residents moving one way or another such as Robert Gallery, early Jordan Gross, etc.

That does not mean I want them drafting any old QB. If they do not feel someone is worth a 1st round grade then don't draft a QB in the 1st 4 rounds. No QB flyers with picks with a significant chance to be starter. I probably wouldn't draft a QB period. I don't see any reason to dump Keenum for another Keenum. The only QB move I want to see is for someone they believe will be a starter.

 

[Number19]

And don't forget, we still have Mercilus to play the Elephant. I went back and revisited Whitney's combine results and he matched up pretty favorably, as he should, projected as a first round pick and taken by the Texans in the first.

Mercilus was a bit stronger with 27 reps and a bit more quicker in the 3-cone with a time of 7.17 vs 7.27. I can't find where Clowney did the shuttle, but Clowney is faster and more explosive whereas Whitney may be stronger and more agile.

 

[thunderkyss]

I suppose this is a chicken and egg discussion.
Do you really think there's a QB in this draft that can overcome the short comings we have on the right side of the line? I don't. I'd rather not miss out on a solid OT with Jonathan Ogden-type potential or Jake Long type potential to take a QB with Matt Stafford or Matt Ryan potential.

Again, that's just me.

Why do people keep talking about the Right side, as if that was our only issue?

The left side didn't look that great last season either. LG especially, & Wade Smith is an UFA.

 

[thunderkyss]

When was the last time a team won a sb with a top flight ol? Probably Big Ben 1st sb. Since then, no team has had an all pro lt or even a pro bowl caliber lt. Eli,rodgers,ben,and flacco have won with average ol. Hell,wilson was the 2nd or 3rd most presured qb in nfl this season. They had a patchwork line due to injuries.

Just like other positions,you're not gonna have all pros at every spot. You want as many good players as possible. I see u snuck jake longin your post. If parcells know what he know now,do you think he takes jake long over ryan again? Say what u will,but with an average defense and drew brees in the same division,the matt ryan led falcons have won that division as many times as drew brees and the saints. How many times did jake long make the playoffs with a top 10 defense in that divsion? Yep,that's what I thought.

Maybe so, but Jim Harbaugh went to three straight NFC Championship games as a new head coach. Once with Alex Smith, he was on his way to taking them there again the second year when he got hurt.

& nobody I heard thinks any of these guys will be franchise types that can take us to & win a Super Bowl. None of them are Eli, Ben, Rodgews, maybe Ryan... maybe.

 

[ObsiWan]

When was the last time a team won a sb with a top flight ol? Probably Big Ben 1st sb. Since then, no team has had an all pro lt or even a pro bowl caliber lt. Eli,rodgers,ben,and flacco have won with average ol. Hell,wilson was the 2nd or 3rd most presured qb in nfl this season. They had a patchwork line due to injuries.

Well, perhaps you're right; let's just see.....

2013 Seattle Seahawks
LT - Russell Okung - 1st rd 2010, 6th overall pick
LG - James Carpenter - 1st rd 2011, 25th overall pick
OC - Max Unger - 2nd rd 2009, 49th overall pick; Pro Bowl 2013
RG - J.R. Sweezy - 7th rd 2012
RT - Michael Bowie - 7th rd 2013
these guys on the right side must be the guys you're talking about that were responsible for Wilson being under pressure. I admit this is pure speculation on my part but I'd bet good money that Crazy Pete C. will set about fixing that issue in this draft or free agency before the 2014 season begins.

2013 Denver Bronco
LT - Ryan Clady - 1st rd 2008, 12th overall pick
LG - Zane Beadles - 2nd rd 2010, 45th overall pick
OC - Manuel Ramirez - 4th rd 2007, 117th pick
RG - Louis Vasquez - 3rd rd 2009, 78th pick; Pro Bowl, 1st team All Pro 2013
RT - Orlando Franklin - 2nd rd 2011l 46th pick

2012 Baltimore Ravens
LT - Michael Oher - 1st rd 2009, 23rd pick
LG - I can't find this guy in pro-football reference; someone help
OC - Matt Birk, 6th rd 1998
RG - Marshal Yanda - 3rd rd 2007, 86th pick; 2012 Pro Bowler
RT - Kelechi Osemele - 2nd rd 2012, 60th pick; started as a rookie

2012 SF 49ers
LT - Joe Staley - 1st rd 2007, 28th pick; 2012 Pro Bowler
LG - Mike Iupati - 1st rd 2010, 17th pick; 2012 Pro bowler and 1st team All-Pro
OC - Jonathan Goodwin - 5th rd 2002
RG - Alex Boone - UDFA 2009. Elevated from practice squad to starter in 2010. Made 2nd team All-NFL by Pro Football Focus
RT - Anthony Davis - 1st rd 2010, 11th pick overall

No pro bowlers or all pro's huh...?
Recent history does not support this at all
Please take note of all the first day picks (I still think of "1st day" as rounds 1-3 before the NFL network decided to use the draft to sell more commercials by stretching it over three damned days... but I digress)

Point is all of these lines are anchored by first, second, and third rounders, experienced guys who know the ropes, or late round/UDFA guys who have stepped up their games.

fix the O-line.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I REALLY think there is not a single nfl worthy QB at all who must have a 1st round much less 1.1 RT. I think this is seeing a legitimate need and completely overreacting. I value the OL but that doesn't mean be stupid with picks and RT can be hugely upgraded with a 2nd or even 3rd round pick just like the great majority of the league. Eric Winston in his rookie year would have been a gigantic upgrade from Newton last season. Of the handful of 1st round RT's you do see, most of them are failed LTs such as Michael Oher and temporary residents moving one way or another such as Robert Gallery, early Jordan Gross, etc.

That does not mean I want them drafting any old QB. If they do not feel someone is worth a 1st round grade then don't draft a QB in the 1st 4 rounds. No QB flyers with picks with a significant chance to be starter. I probably wouldn't draft a QB period. I don't see any reason to dump Keenum for another Keenum. The only QB move I want to see is for someone they believe will be a starter.

To me , drafting Greg Robinson is taking a guy with huge upside and is only a RS sophomore . In two years I'm betting he seamlessly takes over LT ( a must have ) and the Texans are set for 10 years .

I'd rather take a QB at 2.1 than 1.1 unless TB just lights it up .

What's the difference between Clowney and Mingo out of LSU besides 20 lbs ? The both ran 4.53 with a 37 inch vertical . They both had minimal sacks their last year in college and Mingo responded with 5 last year . You could throw Dion Jordan in that mix also . Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane . Sacks are like rebounding in basketball . You have to fight , scratch , and claw to get them or as Charles Barkley said " the meek will inherit the earth but the won't get the ball .

 

[beerlover]

Problem is this is an equally valid statement:

"I'm hoping for a QB myself, don't think it matters who is OL without a passer."

OL can be biggest need and still not need filling with 1.1, as a matter of fact it generally is not 1st round at all. The same, with a couple of exceptions notable for proving the rule, cannot be said for QB.

Each helps the other, it's a team game & to reach high levels, not just function you need players that elevate under pressure & develop each unique talents.

Clowney could be a 'monster" if he develops his potential no different than Bortles, but I feel more confident in O'Brian/Blake combo than Crennel Jadeveon pairing, because of work ethic/determination as discussed earlier w/TK.

That being said, both face challenges here. Texan OL is in transition, some parts aging others never developed, bad situation to stick a high draft pick into, makes one prefer Manziel, for his escapability if nothing else, screw the pocket, what pocket mentality. Clowney best fit is as a RDE in a 4-3. Do you take the #1 overall pick & project him to a new position? I don't think that is a good idea or you can adjust scheme....

Great LT prospects go early every year, that's not conjecture its fact. People are all hung up on right side, because that was Texans biggest need going in & coming out of 2013. But your Eric Winston argument is a weak one because he was limited to RT only, not good enough to be resigned, then a new contract, he was merely a stop gap, journeyman OT (love the guy, just not the player). Robinson is a great fit for Texans because he can start & develop day one as starter. He will immediately improve the running game & form a devastating tandem with Brooks on the right side. When he's ready & upgrade to Duane Brown you move him to starting LT while locking him up to his second contract that includes a hometown discount.

Clowney/Bortles are high risk, high reward picks. Robinson is high reward low risk

 

[ObsiWan]

Since Eli was also mentioned I thought I'd take a look...

2011 NY Giants
LT - Will Beatty - 2nd rd 2009, 60th pick
LG - David Diehl - 5th rd 2003, 160th pick; pro bowl 2008, All-Pro 2009
OC - David Baas - 2nd rd 2005 (by SF), 33rd pick. No All-Pro or pro bowl selections but was an Outland Trophy finalist and co-winner of the Rimington Trophy in college. I wouldn't call that "average".
RG - Chris Snee - 2nd rd 2004, 34th pick. made Pro Bowl four times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012) voted All-Pro three times (2008, 2009, 2010)
RT - Kareem McKenzie - 3rd rd 2001, 79th pick

2011 NE Patriots
LT - Matt Light - 2nd rd 2001, 48th pick; 3 time pro bowler, vote All-Pro in 2007
LG - Logan Mankins - 1st rd 2005, 32nd pick; Six time Pro Bowler, five times an All-Pro
OC - Daniel Connolly - UDFA 2005 (Picked up by Pats in 2007 and put on P/S, made final 53 in 2008.
RG - Brian Waters - UDFA in 1999 (Cowboys). Voted a Pro Bowl starter in 2011. Has made eight pro bowls and voted All-Pro twice over his career
RT - Nate Solder - 1st rd 2011, 17th pick

I'm not seeing "average".

 

[Number19]

Why do people keep talking about the Right side, as if that was our only issue?

The left side didn't look that great last season either. LG especially, & Wade Smith is an UFA.

That's easy. We have Quessenberry who can be projected to LG. It's like a free draft pick.

But's that the problem going forward. We have a new HC and new offense and defense. We have no real idea how our current players are going to fit into our new schemes. We'll begin to get an inkling during training camp, but we won't know for sure until we get well into the season. All we can do now is see who we have now and project how well they may fit in.

So we have Williams and Quess as first year players coming in off IR. We have Ben Jones and Myers at OC. We have Brown set at LT. We have Brooks at RG.

For a new coach coming on board, this is a pretty good core group to go into training camp with, along with all the others who'll be competing as backup/role players.

The single weakest spot on our OL last year was at RT, so you want to bring in at least one player to compete for this spot. With so many other question marks that need addressing, particularly on defense, this pick should most likely be addressed in the third or fourth rounds.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

That's easy. We have Quessenberry who can be projected to LG. It's like a free draft pick.

But's that the problem going forward. We have a new HC and new offense and defense. We have no real idea how our current players are going to fit into our new schemes. We'll begin to get an inkling during training camp, but we won't know for sure until we get well into the season. All we can do now is see who we have now and project how well they may fit in.

So we have Williams and Quess as first year players coming in off IR. We have Ben Jones and Myers at OC. We have Brown set at LT. We have Brooks at RG.

For a new coach coming on board, this is a pretty good core group to go into training camp with, along with all the others who'll be competing as backup/role players.

The single weakest spot on our OL last year was at RT, so you want to bring in at least one player to compete for this spot. With so many other question marks that need addressing, particularly on defense, this pick should most likely be addressed in the third or fourth rounds.

This was brought up awhile back and I still don't get why Quessenberry a 6th round pick is the answer . He might be for a ZBS but is that what they want to run now ?

Ben Jones may be a decent center but he's a below average guard . Williams can be a swing tackle maybe but his knock is , does he really like to play football .

The Texans have 3 OL and and 4 question marks based on carrying 7 OL on game day .

 

[ObsiWan]

I REALLY think there is not a single nfl worthy QB at all who must have a 1st round much less 1.1 RT. I think this is seeing a legitimate need and completely overreacting. I value the OL but that doesn't mean be stupid with picks and RT can be hugely upgraded with a 2nd or even 3rd round pick just like the great majority of the league. Eric Winston in his rookie year would have been a gigantic upgrade from Newton last season. Of the handful of 1st round RT's you do see, most of them are failed LTs such as Michael Oher and temporary residents moving one way or another such as Robert Gallery, early Jordan Gross, etc.

That does not mean I want them drafting any old QB. If they do not feel someone is worth a 1st round grade then don't draft a QB in the 1st 4 rounds. No QB flyers with picks with a significant chance to be starter. I probably wouldn't draft a QB period. I don't see any reason to dump Keenum for another Keenum. The only QB move I want to see is for someone they believe will be a starter.

Beerlover and Honoring Earl have already answered this post more eloquently than I could have and have made points that factored into my thinking but have failed to post. When Duane Brown loses a step, Robinson has the potential to step into that LT spot in a couple of years. He's not only the answer to a current need but possibly insurance for the future. That is why I think he's worth the 1-1 pick.

Edit: While I still like Matthews, I'm not sure he has the upside that Robinson does.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Beerlover and Honoring Earl have already answered this post more eloquently than I could have and have made points that factored into my thinking but have failed to post. When Duane Brown loses a step, Robinson has the potential to step into that LT spot in a couple of years. He's not only the answer to a current need but possibly insurance for the future. That is why I think he's worth the 1-1 pick.

Edit: While I still like Matthews, I'm not sure he has the upside that Robinson does.

If I could figure out what to do with Aaron Donald I would consider him vs some of the guys who you hope will turn it on .

ps ... Greg Robinson has a nasty streak to him .

 

[Number19]

This was brought up awhile back and I still don't get why Quessenberry a 6th round pick is the answer . He might be for a ZBS but is that what they want to run now ?

Ben Jones may be a decent center but he's a below average guard . Williams can be a swing tackle maybe but his knock is , does he really like to play football .

The Texans have 3 OL and and 4 question marks based on carrying 7 OL on game day .

It a question of evaluating the talent you already have under contract and making a decision of how well they will fit into your offensive and defensive schemes. You make a decision on where your biggest needs are.

We have one premium draft pick and three others one might project as starting talents. You might find a gem at five through seven, but it usually doesn't happen. It usually takes a year or two of seasoning.

There is a pretty solid consensus that the defensive front seven is more in need of fresh talent than is the offensive OL. But if you feel that the OL is the biggest blackhole on our team, then you draft for the OL.

 

[steelbtexan]

When was the last time a team won a sb with a top flight ol? Probably Big Ben 1st sb. Since then, no team has had an all pro lt or even a pro bowl caliber lt. Eli,rodgers,ben,and flacco have won with average ol. Hell,wilson was the 2nd or 3rd most presured qb in nfl this season. They had a patchwork line due to injuries.

Just like other positions,you're not gonna have all pros at every spot. You want as many good players as possible. I see u snuck jake longin your post. If parcells know what he know now,do you think he takes jake long over ryan again? Say what u will,but with an average defense and drew brees in the same division,the matt ryan led falcons have won that division as many times as drew brees and the saints. How many times did jake long make the playoffs with a top 10 defense in that divsion? Yep,that's what I thought.

Agreed,

I want them to pick a QB. But I want them to hedge their bets. Take Robinson/Clowney at 1-1 and Garappolo at 2-1. If it doesn't work out then draft another QB in 2015. If only there was a QB in this draft as talented as Ryan. IMHO There's not so doing the next best thing is the way to go. Building the trenches in a particularly strong OL/DL draft.

The reason the Texans have always been behind the 8 ball is they have failed to build the trenches 1st and have always spent their 1st rd pick on need rather than best player available. This leads to OkOye/KJ and Tate in the 2nd rd type picks. It's time to change the culture in the Texans draft room. Unfortunately I don't see this happening with the Texans anytime soon.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

It a question of evaluating the talent you already have under contract and making a decision of how well they will fit into your offensive and defensive schemes. You make a decision on where your biggest needs are.

We have one premium draft pick and three others one might project as starting talents. You might find a gem at five through seven, but it usually doesn't happen. It usually takes a year or two of seasoning.

There is a pretty solid consensus that the defensive front seven is more in need of fresh talent than is the offensive OL. But if you feel that the OL is the biggest blackhole on our team, then you draft for the OL.

The Texans need to upgrade the depth of the Team . The 49ers had 31 guys who made a million or more while the Texans had 16 . The Texans can't afford to take a guy #1 overall that has no plan B because there's not a no doubt prospect . To me if Robinson can't play LT , he'll be a really good RT . Clowney has nowhere to go if he can't play , as with Bortles , or Mack .

 

[TexansSeminole]

The Texans need to upgrade the depth of the Team . The 49ers had 31 guys who made a million or more while the Texans had 16 . The Texans can't afford to take a guy #1 overall that has no plan B because there's not a no doubt prospect . To me if Robinson can't play LT , he'll be a really good RT . Clowney has nowhere to go if he can't play , as with Bortles , or Mack .

The thing about some of these teams that are able to pay their role players is that their QB's salary is really low. We can't really afford to do all that with Schaub eating so much off of our cap.

 

[steelbtexan]

The thing about some of these teams that are able to pay their role players is that their QB's salary is really low. We can't really afford to do all that with Schaub eating so much off of our cap.

Who is at fault for Schaub's contract?

 

[Texian]

Who is at fault for Schaub's contract?

Rick Smith. Don't believe me? Ask Dunta.

 

[steelbtexan]

Rick Smith. Don't believe me? Ask Dunta.

Yep,

That's the point and nothing will truly change until Slick Rick is gone.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

The thing about some of these teams that are able to pay their role players is that their QB's salary is really low. We can't really afford to do all that with Schaub eating so much off of our cap.

Yep ... Schaub is a cap killer .

I think the Texans need to decide what is the quickest , most reliable way to build a strength for the team . I don't trust Clowney or the QBs so what to do .

 

[beerlover]

If I could figure out what to do with Aaron Donald I would consider him vs some of the guys who you hope will turn it on .

ps ... Greg Robinson has a nasty streak to him .

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...ng-the-combine-pile-the-jadeveon-clowney-show

The Safest Pick?

Clowney wasn't the only defensive player to blow up at the combine. Aaron Donald of Pitt, who is considered dimunitive for the defensive tackle position, justified his stock and drew plenty of comparisons to Hall of Famer John Randle in the process.

Donald, at 6'1" and 285 pounds, has been knocked for his size and upside despite an incredibly productive career at Pittsburgh. But he ran a 4.68 second 40, put up 35 bench press reps and did the 3-cone drill in 7.11 seconds. All of those merited "star" performances at the combine.

Three of our current 2014 NFL Mock Drafts have Donald going to the Cowboys at No. 16. I bet he ends up going higher than that eventually; and in looking at defensive tackles taken in the first round over the past five years, I couldn't help but notice a startling "safe" factor in the guys who were taken.

 

[IDEXAN]

Yep ... Schaub is a cap killer .

I think the Texans need to decide what is the quickest , most reliable way to build a strength for the team . I don't trust Clowney or the QBs so what to do .

Do you think Clowney is more risky than Mario was ?

 

[Texian]

Rotoworld NFL Draft ‏@Rotoworld_Draft 2m

Scout on Clowney: Physical talent overblown http://dlvr.it/52w1pw

 

[Number19]

The Texans need to upgrade the depth of the Team . The 49ers had 31 guys who made a million or more while the Texans had 16 . The Texans can't afford to take a guy #1 overall that has no plan B because there's not a no doubt prospect . To me if Robinson can't play LT , he'll be a really good RT . Clowney has nowhere to go if he can't play , as with Bortles , or Mack .

Mack projects to ILB as well as OLB, in Crennel's defense. In fact, I've read that Crennel likes to move big OLB's inside because of their pass rush ability and then using those skills to apply pressure/rush up the middle.

In college he also played with his hand down, on occasion. He was moved all around to take advantage of match ups, much as the Texans did with JJ. Listening to an interview with his Buffalo coach, on occasion, they even had him dropping into deep coverage.

 

[Hemlock]

Rotoworld NFL Draft ‏@Rotoworld_Draft 2m

Scout on Clowney: Physical talent overblown http://dlvr.it/52w1pw

Sincerely,

A scout for a team likely picking later than 5.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Do you think Clowney is more risky than Mario was ?

Yep because Mario got better every year in college and ended up with 25.5 sacks in three years . He also had a bunch of tackles for a loss and beats Clowney in the vertical and BP easily . If you use the rule of thumb for an explosive athlete between the two , Mario beats him 85 to 68 .

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=11478&draftyear=2006&genpos=DE

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=119316&draftyear=2014&genpos=DE

 

[beerlover]

Mack projects to ILB as well as OLB, in Crennel's defense. In fact, I've read that Crennel likes to move big OLB's inside because of their pass rush ability and then using those skills to apply pressure/rush up the middle.

In college he also played with his hand down, on occasion. He was moved all around to take advantage of match ups, much as the Texans did with JJ. Listening to an interview with his Buffalo coach, on occasion, they even had him dropping into deep coverage.

I have not even touched this prospect but maybe it's time? Max Bullough would be an excellent fit inside LB in Crennel defense, he is 6027 265. Good in coverage, instinctual, quick to diagnose & possess natural leadership, leave Mack outside in space as edge rusher.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I have not even touched this prospect but maybe it's time? Max Bullough would be an excellent fit inside LB in Crennel defense, he is 6027 265. Good in coverage, instinctual, quick to diagnose & possess natural leadership, leave Mack outside in space as edge rusher.

What about our collection of olbs ?

Mercilus and Reed for Dion Jordan .

 

[steelbtexan]

Yep because Mario got better every year in college and ended up with 25.5 sacks in three years . He also had a bunch of tackles for a loss and beats Clowney in the vertical and BP easily .

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=11478&draftyear=2006&genpos=DE

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=119316&draftyear=2014&genpos=DE

I'm with you, if I were making the pick it would be Robinson. He hasn't even begun to tap his potential. All of those 3rd and short problems are solved with this pick.

Clowney is a better version of Robert Quinn. IMHO

 

[Number19]

I have not even touched this prospect but maybe it's time? Max Bullough would be an excellent fit inside LB in Crennel defense, he is 6027 265. Good in coverage, instinctual, quick to diagnose & possess natural leadership, leave Mack outside in space as edge rusher.

I'll go out on a limb and say all boards have him top ten; and many, if not most, updated boards have him top 5. A few now have him top 3. He really helped himself at the Senior Bowl, and then followed that with a fine combine. He's jumped ahead of Barr and is now rated the #1 OLB prospect.

 

[Playoffs]

Scout on Clowney: Physical talent overblown http://dlvr.it/52w1pw

Captured a photo of that "scout" giving an interview on Sirius...

[IMGwidthsize=400]http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2012-02/68360011.jpg[/IMG]

couldn't get his face, though.

 

[Number19]

What about our collection of olbs ?

Mercilus and Reed...

Mercilus plays the Elephant. Reed moves to ILB. Actually, he has the experience to play inside or outside, but in Crennel's scheme, fits better inside. He would compete to be the starter. But I'd draft either Smallwood or Skov in the third to upgrade the position.

 

[Lord Bills]

its gonna be a sad and hilarious moment when the texans pass up on both clowney and manziel.

= forever.

 

[Number19]

its gonna be a sad and hilarious moment when the texans pass up on both clowney and manziel.

= forever.

I just don't see the logic in hiring a well respected defensive coordinator and then not installing his defense. There's comments that he'll find ways to utilize the talent by installing a hybrid defense. But why not just hire a different, well respected coach known for his 43, or whatever. If you hire a coach known for his 2-gap 34, you'd expect to move the team to a 2-gap 34 defense. Clowney, as good as he may be, is not a good fit for "our" defense.

 

[Ryan]

The more we go in circles about red flags with Clowney and the 3 QBs, the more i lean on Greg Robinson as the guy. And i am not an avid believer in taking a guy who'd likely play RT for us at 1-1, usually.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I just don't see the logic in hiring a well respected defensive coordinator and then not installing his defense. There's comments that he'll find ways to utilize the talent by installing a hybrid defense. But why not just hire a different, well respected coach known for his 43, or whatever. If you hire a coach known for his 2-gap 34, you'd expect to move the team to a 2-gap 34 defense. Clowney, as good as he may be, is not a good fit for "our" defense.

Beware ... that dudes trolling .

 

[ObsiWan]

its gonna be a sad and hilarious moment when the texans pass up on both clowney and manziel.

= forever.

Bet you said the same thing when we passed on Reggie Bush and Vince Young.

 

[Number19]

Beware ... that dudes trolling .

Exactly what does that mean?

I don't have the posts you have, but I've been a regular poster for ten years. I analyze and comment on prospects based on what I think best fit our team's offensive and defensive schemes.

I responded to this post as I did because I don't understand the support for a player who doesn't fit our system, with no explanation, by the poster, how that player would be used in our system.

I frequently have my understanding, and my positions, changed because many on this forum are considerably more knowledgeable than I, and they make convincing arguments. If that is trolling, I see nothing wrong with trolling.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Exactly what does that mean?

It didn't mean YOU were trolling; it meant that Lord Bills is trolling.

 

[thunderkyss]

I just don't see the logic in hiring a well respected defensive coordinator and then not installing his defense. There's comments that he'll find ways to utilize the talent by installing a hybrid defense. But why not just hire a different, well respected coach known for his 43, or whatever. If you hire a coach known for his 2-gap 34, you'd expect to move the team to a 2-gap 34 defense. Clowney, as good as he may be, is not a good fit for "our" defense.

Maybe so, but offenses are changing. Being a QB driven league, does anyone run a true 2 gap any more?

 

[thunderkyss]

The more we go in circles about red flags with Clowney and the 3 QBs, the more i lean on Greg Robinson as the guy. And i am not an avid believer in taking a guy who'd likely play RT for us at 1-1, usually.

Maybe that would be one of many similarities between us & the Chiefs who just went 11-5.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Maybe that would be one of many similarities between us & the Chiefs who just went 11-5.

My latest on the simulator and the theme ... big and fast .

1. ot greg robinson auburn

33. dt ra’shede hageman minnesota

65 de jackson jeffcoat texas

97 qb zach mettenberger

129 ilb max bullough michigan state

cb phillip gaines rice

193 rb dri archer kent state
__________________

 

[infantrycak]

Maybe that would be one of many similarities between us & the Chiefs who just went 11-5.

Duane Brown is not a semi-bust LT playing on a franchise tag who the team is going to allow to walk as a FA instead of re-signing. Not much of a similarity there.

 

[JB]

My latest on the simulator and the theme ... big and fast .

65 de jackson jeffcoat texas

97 qb zach mettenberger
1. ot greg robinson auburn

33. dt ra’shede hageman minnesota
129 ilb max bullough michigan state

cb phillip gaines rice

193 rb dri archer kent state
__________________

Speed is a MAJOR need on the Texans

 

[TexansFTW]

& nobody I heard thinks any of these guys will be franchise types that can take us to & win a Super Bowl. None of them are Eli, Ben, Rodgews, maybe Ryan... maybe.

This is your opinion and I respect that, but we should not try to pass off opinion as fact.

On the contrary, I believe the exact opposite. I see 2 QBs in this draft that might be able to take us to a SB (1 I like much more than the other), and I have heard and read many say the same.

 

[JCTexan]

Maybe so, but Jim Harbaugh went to three straight NFC Championship games as a new head coach. Once with Alex Smith, he was on his way to taking them there again the second year when he got hurt.

& nobody I heard thinks any of these guys will be franchise types that can take us to & win a Super Bowl. None of them are Eli, Ben, Rodgews, maybe Ryan... maybe.

And I'm sure if people thought that way about Big Ben, Rodgers, Flacco & Ryan they wouldn't have lasted so long in their respective drafts either.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Duane Brown is not a semi-bust LT playing on a franchise tag who the team is going to allow to walk as a FA instead of re-signing. Not much of a similarity there.

KC has two 1st rounds picks on the OL along with a 2nd and a 3rd , I haven't checked their center . The 49ers have three 1st round picks on their OL . You overspend to rid a headache if you believe you'll be cured .