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Ideal Offseason Scenario

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I think the most significant conversation that probably happened this offseason was betweel Cal and Brian Gaine, probably over a River Oaks fire pit with some stogeys, where Cal looked Brian dead in the eyes and said "Let's go win one for Dad". We're spending some money next week boys, and I'm looking forward to one hell of a draft.
In the name of the sweet Baby Jesus I hope you're correct.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
There is the from Texas went to UofTexas must wanna come home thing we like to do...
Most people fly out of Bush that are from the Golden Triangle unless they are taking a local flight to say Oklahoma. Thomas was most likely visiting relatives in Orange and came to Houston a day early because he was flying out a day early.
 

AcresHomesTexan

No Longer Arlington: Escaped From Jerry's World
Staff member
There is the from Texas went to UofTexas must wanna come home thing we like to do...
Mostly because I want to get ahead of being wrong...from Peter King, fwiw

• Earl Thomas is a hot name. He’ll be 30 in May, and he’s missed 23 of 51 Seattle games in the last three years. But Thomas is a highly respected player with motivation to stick it to Seattle, with the ability to be a playmaking centerfielder and a good hitter too. Houston, San Francisco, Dallas and Kansas City all could be players for Thomas, though I doubt the Chiefs would be a player in the $12-million-a-year range. They just don’t have that money.
and later

5. I think Tyrann Mathieu or Earl Thomas signs in Houston.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/03/10/antonio-brown-trade-raiders-steelers-nfl-free-agency-fmia-peter-king/
 

zshawn10

All Pro
Lance Z saying Texans looking to trade back not up
https://mobile.twitter.com/lancezierlein/status/1104460358473969667?s=21


If the #Texans want him, sounds like they're going to need to impress him FAST. Based on this tweet, I'm guessing there's a big time offer for Brown already on the table. https://t.co/v0PDhpMjQW

— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) March 11, 2019


[Driscoll] I’ve heard the Broncos interest in Ja’Wuan James is so strong that if Miami doesn’t extend him before free agency he is gone.
 

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
The #Broncos are poised to offer OT Ja'wan James in the neighborhood of $11m annually; For Dolphins to retain James would have to take less and WANT to be in Miami

— Neal Driscoll (@NealDriscoll) March 11, 2019
If Miami or Texans offer $10m, that would be a significant upgrade over Denver's $11m. It will come down to where he WANTS to be
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
If Miami or Texans offer $10m, that would be a significant upgrade over Denver's $11m. It will come down to where he WANTS to be
You ever think the Texans org puts out offers (not the best offers) just to say we tried to sign xyz player but we finished 2nd on getting xyz so they can tell their fanase we tried. wash/rinse/repeat/head to the bank
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
You ever think the Texans org puts out offers (not the best offers) just to say we tried to sign xyz player but we finished 2nd on getting xyz so they can tell their fanase we tried. wash/rinse/repeat/head to the bank

That's the thing we do not know what's going on behind the scenes. Lol we want so badly to be able to clearly see their plans. Unfortunately it doesn't work out that way.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
That's the thing we do not know what's going on behind the scenes. Lol we want so badly to be able to clearly see their plans. Unfortunately it doesn't work out that way.
We do know the consequences of their inactions.

Bradley f'n Roby. LMAO

1 yr cheap contract, same sh!t they did with HB.
 

Corrosion

Idealist
Staff member
Exactly

Gotta find a way to add 4-5 players that can make a difference.

I'm beginning too wonder if the team see's things significantly different than we do , particularly when it comes to the OL thinking the status quo is good enough. If that's the case , I can see them going DB early and often.

They have to know they need more than one corner ….

I'm really disappointed that they let both KJax & Honey Badger walk because they could play anywhere in the back end. Especially KJax and the dude doesn't miss games.

Then you have KJ gone & Colvin was terribad last season …. & JJo is 50 years old.

They might need to dig up 3 corners ….


I don't know what the hell they are thinking …. or if they are thinking at all.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I'm beginning too wonder if the team see's things significantly different than we do , particularly when it comes to the OL thinking the status quo is good enough. If that's the case , I can see them going DB early and often.

They have to know they need more than one corner ….

I'm really disappointed that they let both KJax & Honey Badger walk because they could play anywhere in the back end. Especially KJax and the dude doesn't miss games.

Then you have KJ gone & Colvin was terribad last season …. & JJo is 50 years old.

They might need to dig up 3 corners ….


I don't know what the hell they are thinking …. or if they are thinking at all.
^^^^
This

I think they're hoping Colvin will be healthy and play the nickle like he did with the Jags. I could see Gaine taking a CB early and another one in the 5th rd or so. They definitely need some new blood back there.

My question is if a DT like Lawrence is there at 23 do you think they would pick him (I mention that because they worked him out) and pick an OT/CB at 54/55? If they go with BPA Lawrence would be my pick.
 

otisbean

Veteran
Contributor's Club
As much of a crapshoot that the draft is, not saying free agency isn't, that's asking a lot. Dumb for them to put all of their eggs in the draft basket.


The depth of this draft gives me some hope. Looking at NFL.com, the top 11 OTs range from 6.3-5.8 on their grades. The top 11 CBS have a similar spread of 6.2-5.7. I think we should be able to find 4 contributing players with our first 4 picks. If we could add Drew Sample in the 5th or 6th (he’s pff highest rated run blocking TE) we could be in good shape
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I think the Texans should have had a real honest discussion as to what they thought the team is truly capable of going into 2019, 2020 and 2021 based on the current roster and how it may look in 2020 and 2021.

Then take into account that the FO has a desire to build through the draft versus taking any financial risk(s) on FA veterans or their own players for that matter. That usually results in low financial risk players who are essentially at the bottom of the barrel or need a prove it type of season to possibly get a big payday If the Texans are going to venture down this path......then be prepared that the closeout bin is where they like to shop. In my world.....I call these athletes "bridge players" who may or may not be good enough to even be a bridge for a younger player.

What the current events are screaming, the draft is where the Texans want to build but haven't even made a true commitment to this endeavor b/c they're currently under the illusion that they can go deep into the playoffs......seriously, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. If Cal McNair, Gaine and OB want to try and emulate what Crane and the Astros did, then all three are going to need to grow a pair and make some really tough decisions.

I think the Texans want to go all in on a rebuild but just don't have the coconuts to do it. Personally, the way the Texans are currently constructed, I'd view them as a money pit b/c the money they'd have to keep throwing at this roster to remain somewhat relevant will never equate to an AFCCG visit much less the ultimate pipe dream of playing in a SB. They'll remain near the point of no return in regards to being in cap hell for the next 3 seasons if they attempt to keep up this mirage. Worse yet, they'll win just enough to really screw any good plans of rebuilding through the draft.

I feel like Gaine could be a really good GM in regards to the draft. Some may say I'm crazy b/c Reid was the only real big return from the 2018 draft class but I'm thinking the Jordan's could be a massive payoff if OB figures out how to sit Griffin and let these guys bring their particular games to the team. I think Rankin can be the OL they drafted him to be......he had zero off-season and wound up gaining his experience through OJT. OB and Devlin need to quickly figure out where they see Rankin playing and let him spend the entire off-season learning this position, then honing that knowledge in pre-season games. Bottom line, if Gaine can nail this draft with the same potential as last season, then the team could go full rebuild knowing it could be year three before the results begin to surface.

On a side note, I was 100% behind the Astros complete rebuild b/c the plan made too much sense. The Texans can do this as well but they really need to commit to the plan and freeze their prices for the 3 year process.

I would start by identifying the assets that currently represent the face of the organization and bring them in on the project. If they feel they can provide leadership during the process, then keep them in place, if they feel they would like to move on for an opportunity before their quality playing time runs out, then let them leave and shop for the best returns.

Personally, I see the following players as the integral parts of the current club:

QB- Watson (22)
WR- Hopkins (23)
DE- Watt (22)
S- Reid (22 + 3)
K- Fairbairn (20 / He's a K, he'll be here as long as the Texans want to pay him)

Players on the fringe:

WR- Coutee (22 + 3)
TE- Thomas (22 +3)
TE- Aikens (22 + 3)
OL- Rankin (22 + 3)

To me, anyone not on this list would be available for the right price in picks. As you could imagine, the cap space would be plentiful simply b/c there's no one who should be counting big against it as the rebuild begins.

If Gaine could go into the draft with 8-9 picks this season, then he'd come away with some pieces for the OL and definitely have his picks at restocking the defense. 2019 could be tough but as long as they're competitive and showing improvement.....I'd be happy with the results. Going into the 2020 off-season, the Texans could get plenty of cap relief with some good trades and add maybe 2-4 picks and possibly find themselves drafting from inside the top 10 picks.

Building through the draft while cutting overhead......isn't that the ultimate goal? Neither the Oilers or the Texans have ever got this sequence right. They're always missing something when they need it the most. I think it's time to clear the chess board and start a new game.
 
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badboy

Hall of Fame
Unsure what some of you are thinking ? We're not in cap hell brought $18 into this off season. We have $43 ish now not including draft pool. Probably need some of that during season replace injuries as we have last two years. We had good draft 2018 with Reid looking excellent as a 3rd. I thought TE rookies looked good when targeted. If not part of game plan, why get another? CB Roby hopefully another Jackson with good season then on for more $ elsewhere. Adding CBs that can mirror, playing off or man press improves safeties and line. If Gypson can handle TEs he will earn his $. Early but looks like solid reasonable plug for Badger. Greedy, Mullens and Love could replace Joseph, Roby and Colvin 2020 and quite possibly move all 3 to backups 2019. Solid backfield for years + lower age avg. Like it or not logic says Oline should be and get better as is if all can play most games. #4 will be better and lift all even more. I don't see any improvement avail #23 and would go corner.
 
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powda

The bridge between stupid and useless is short.
2 problems:

Because we're dormant in free agency, our intent in the draft is fairly obvious to all. Expect teams with needs at db and ol to leap frog us for those positions. No mole necessary - we're that transparent.


Our free agent acquisitions so far are for par. Not to improve our standing. Our eggs are all in the draft basket. Nail those picks and we may get better. An average draft yields .500. No margin for error because we're ignoring free agency.

Just a bit pompous to think we can do so.
 

xtruroyaltyx

Hall of Fame
2 problems:

Because we're dormant in free agency, our intent in the draft is fairly obvious to all. Expect teams with needs at db and ol to leap frog us for those positions. No mole necessary - we're that transparent.


Our free agent acquisitions so far are for par. Not to improve our standing. Our eggs are all in the draft basket. Nail those picks and we may get better. An average draft yields .500. No margin for error because we're ignoring free agency.

Just a bit pompous to think we can do so.
Good points.

Unless the team sees/knows something we simply don’t OL and CB remain the biggest priorities and the whole world knows it.

Going to make it tough to draft when everyone knows what you need.
 

281Texan

Waterboy
I think the Texans should have had a real honest discussion as to what they thought the team is truly capable of going into 2019, 2020 and 2021 based on the current roster and how it may look in 2020 and 2021.

Then take into account that the FO has a desire to build through the draft versus taking any financial risk(s) on FA veterans or their own players for that matter. That usually results in low financial risk players who are essentially at the bottom of the barrel or need a prove it type of season to possibly get a big payday If the Texans are going to venture down this path......then be prepared that the closeout bin is where they like to shop. In my world.....I call these athletes "bridge players" who may or may not be good enough to even be a bridge for a younger player.

What the current events are screaming, the draft is where the Texans want to build but haven't even made a true commitment to this endeavor b/c they're currently under the illusion that they can go deep into the playoffs......seriously, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. If Cal McNair, Gaine and OB want to try and emulate what Crane and the Astros did, then all three are going to need to grow a pair and make some really tough decisions.

I think the Texans want to go all in on a rebuild but just don't have the coconuts to do it. Personally, the way the Texans are currently constructed, I'd view them as a money pit b/c the money they'd have to keep throwing at this roster to remain somewhat relevant will never equate to an AFCCG visit much less the ultimate pipe dream of playing in a SB. They'll remain near the point of no return in regards to being in cap hell for the next 3 seasons if they attempt to keep up this mirage. Worse yet, they'll win just enough to really screw any good plans of rebuilding through the draft.

I feel like Gaine could be a really good GM in regards to the draft. Some may say I'm crazy b/c Reid was the only real big return from the 2018 draft class but I'm thinking the Jordan's could be a massive payoff if OB figures out how to sit Griffin and let these guys bring their particular games to the team. I think Rankin can be the OL they drafted him to be......he had zero off-season and wound up gaining his experience through OJT. OB and Devlin need to quickly figure out where they see Rankin playing and let him spend the entire off-season learning this position, then honing that knowledge in pre-season games. Bottom line, if Gaine can nail this draft with the same potential as last season, then the team could go full rebuild knowing it could be year three before the results begin to surface.

On a side note, I was 100% behind the Astros complete rebuild b/c the plan made too much sense. The Texans can do this as well but they really need to commit to the plan and freeze their prices for the 3 year process.

I would start by identifying the assets that currently represent the face of the organization and bring them in on the project. If they feel they can provide leadership during the process, then keep them in place, if they feel they would like to move on for an opportunity before their quality playing time runs out, then let them leave and shop for the best returns.

Personally, I see the following players as the integral parts of the current club:

QB- Watson (22)
WR- Hopkins (23)
DE- Watt (22)
S- Reid (22 + 3)
K- Fairbairn (20 / He's a K, he'll be here as long as the Texans want to pay him)

Players on the fringe:

WR- Coutee (22 + 3)
TE- Thomas (22 +3)
TE- Aikens (22 + 3)
OL- Rankin (22 + 3)

To me, anyone not on this list would be available for the right price in picks. As you could imagine, the cap space would be plentiful simply b/c there's no one who should be counting big against it as the rebuild begins.

If Gaine could go into the draft with 8-9 picks this season, then he'd come away with some pieces for the OL and definitely have his picks at restocking the defense. 2019 could be tough but as long as they're competitive and showing improvement.....I'd be happy with the results. Going into the 2020 off-season, the Texans could get plenty of cap relief with some good trades and add maybe 2-4 picks and possibly find themselves drafting from inside the top 10 picks.

Building through the draft while cutting overhead......isn't that the ultimate goal? Neither the Oilers or the Texans have ever got this sequence right. They're always missing something when they need it the most. I think it's time to clear the chess board and start a new game.
I have no clue why the Texans would want to go through a full blown rebuild when they are, or were a serviceable OL and secondary away from making a serious run this year. Add in an upgrade at RB and they’re a top 2 long term team with the chiefs having the edge due to coaching. I honestly don’t know what we’re trying to do but if they did do a full blown rebuild, JJ Watt, JJo, Mercilus, and Lamar Miller should’ve all been traded. None of those guys left so I’m just of the belief that they didn’t like this FA class as much as everyone else. A lot of guys were overpaid and I think that they had a very stubborn like on what they were willing to pay for each guy. Regardless, I still am of the belief that we have a big move left. We have a lot of cap space and we have to spend a good portion of it
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I have no clue why the Texans would want to go through a full blown rebuild when they are, or were a serviceable OL and secondary away from making a serious run this year. Add in an upgrade at RB and they’re a top 2 long term team with the chiefs having the edge due to coaching. I honestly don’t know what we’re trying to do but if they did do a full blown rebuild, JJ Watt, JJo, Mercilus, and Lamar Miller should’ve all been traded. None of those guys left so I’m just of the belief that they didn’t like this FA class as much as everyone else. A lot of guys were overpaid and I think that they had a very stubborn like on what they were willing to pay for each guy. Regardless, I still am of the belief that we have a big move left. We have a lot of cap space and we have to spend a good portion of it
Andy Reid is far from a great HC.

I would like to see what Gaine/BOB could do with the lesser constraints that Reid doesn't have on him when it comes to acquiring personnel.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Good points.

Unless the team sees/knows something we simply don’t OL and CB remain the biggest priorities and the whole world knows it.

Going to make it tough to draft when everyone knows what you need.
This is why they are needing to trade up to protect Watson. The best they can hope for at 23 is Little/Risner or a CB like Baker/Ya Sin
 

xtruroyaltyx

Hall of Fame
Yes, but the other 31 teams have improving their team as a first priority also.
Don’t know what other teams’ situations look like tbh but I’m pretty sure the top teams that believe they can get to a Super Bowl don’t have huge holes at maybe the two most important positions outside of QB.

I have no idea what obvious position the chiefs, Pats, colts, rams, saints, etc. will be targeting.
 
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Earl34

Hall of Fame
Andy Reid is far from a great HC.

I would like to see what Gaine/BOB could do with the lesser constraints that Reid doesn't have on him when it comes to acquiring personnel.
After reflecting on his years with the Eagles, Reid felt he spent too much time on personnel decisions and it impacted his coaching.

Besides Reid’s scheme and game planning, that’s another important lesson I hope O’Brien gets from Reid
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I have no clue why the Texans would want to go through a full blown rebuild when they are, or were a serviceable OL and secondary away from making a serious run this year. Add in an upgrade at RB and they’re a top 2 long term team with the chiefs having the edge due to coaching. I honestly don’t know what we’re trying to do but if they did do a full blown rebuild, JJ Watt, JJo, Mercilus, and Lamar Miller should’ve all been traded. None of those guys left so I’m just of the belief that they didn’t like this FA class as much as everyone else. A lot of guys were overpaid and I think that they had a very stubborn like on what they were willing to pay for each guy. Regardless, I still am of the belief that we have a big move left. We have a lot of cap space and we have to spend a good portion of it
The Texans are just constructed wrong. The biggest mistake they made was drafting Watson and thinking they had an OL already in place to protect him. They've not properly addressed this issue in 2 drafts. Now they have 3rd draft coming up and all indications are saying the team feels good about their current OL personnel. After watching Watson get clobbered while playing on 2 knees that have been surgically repaired you'd want to think that the FO would put some kind of priority on protecting him much better.

They've got too many FA's that came up this season and again in 2020 which means that can't go out and compete for over-priced FA OL and still have some cap room to fall back on when their own FA's hit the market. They've shot themselves in the foot by adhering to their team policy of not re-negotiating contracts with their players before they can become FA or the team having to use the tag on them. Long term assessments should've been done and a plan put in place to sign these players or trade them while it would be cheaper to re-sign them or trade them while theirs still some meat on the bones in regards to the market. The approach makes the Texans re-active versus pro-active......not a good formula in creating a winning organization for the long term.
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
Don’t know what other teams’ situations look like tbh but I’m pretty sure the top teams that believe they can get to a Super Bowl don’t have huge holes at maybe the two most important positions outside of QB.

I have no idea what obvious position the chiefs, Pats, colts, rams, saints, etc. will be targeting.
Mock drafters routinely rank needs for every team. I would bet the teams have their staffs do so as well. Don't think the Texans are in a particularly unique position.
 

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
Mock drafters routinely rank needs for every team. I would bet the teams have their staffs do so as well. Don't think the Texans are in a particularly unique position.
Yeah, it's no secret to any team
 

Texansphan

Football connoisseur
I think you can make one formula to help improve a team personnel wise by breaking down the O and the D into basic units.
On the D you have your trench and the secondary.
The O is more complicated but looks like this - Passer, Trench, receivers, runners.
That makes six units.
My idea would be to make improvements in areas where it is needed. Texans are set in one unit, the QB.
So now they need one major improvement in only 5 units to become upgraded:- O needs one trench, one receiver, and one runner.
D needs one trench, and one secondary.
This formula of course can upgrade coaching and also must maintain status quo with numbers from each unit. For example if two units from secondary are released, those two units must be replaced with equal or preferrably upgraded personnel.
"Upgraded" should mean a higher rated player which can really only be measured by tape on the actual battlefield - i.e., the NFL, so free agents are the best units to upgrade with.
Of course draftees can be good, but they can also be unsuitable.
There are other factors that can upgrade a team, like experience and better cohesion.
To break it down for the Texans, 5 upgrades from FA are needed, as well as more experience and better cohesion. I would also add better coaching.
 

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
I think you can make one formula to help improve a team personnel wise by breaking down the O and the D into basic units.
On the D you have your trench and the secondary.
The O is more complicated but looks like this - Passer, Trench, receivers, runners.
That makes six units.
My idea would be to make improvements in areas where it is needed. Texans are set in one unit, the QB.
So now they need one major improvement in only 5 units to become upgraded:- O needs one trench, one receiver, and one runner.
D needs one trench, and one secondary.
This formula of course can upgrade coaching and also must maintain status quo with numbers from each unit. For example if two units from secondary are released, those two units must be replaced with equal or preferrably upgraded personnel.
"Upgraded" should mean a higher rated player which can really only be measured by tape on the actual battlefield - i.e., the NFL, so free agents are the best units to upgrade with.
Of course draftees can be good, but they can also be unsuitable.
There are other factors that can upgrade a team, like experience and better cohesion.
To break it down for the Texans, 5 upgrades from FA are needed, as well as more experience and better cohesion. I would also add better coaching.
Bored?
 

AcresHomesTexan

No Longer Arlington: Escaped From Jerry's World
Staff member
The Texans are just constructed wrong. The biggest mistake they made was drafting Watson and thinking they had an OL already in place to protect him. They've not properly addressed this issue in 2 drafts. Now they have 3rd draft coming up and all indications are saying the team feels good about their current OL personnel. After watching Watson get clobbered while playing on 2 knees that have been surgically repaired you'd want to think that the FO would put some kind of priority on protecting him much better.

They've got too many FA's that came up this season and again in 2020 which means that can't go out and compete for over-priced FA OL and still have some cap room to fall back on when their own FA's hit the market. They've shot themselves in the foot by adhering to their team policy of not re-negotiating contracts with their players before they can become FA or the team having to use the tag on them. Long term assessments should've been done and a plan put in place to sign these players or trade them while it would be cheaper to re-sign them or trade them while theirs still some meat on the bones in regards to the market. The approach makes the Texans re-active versus pro-active......not a good formula in creating a winning organization for the long term.
The Texans didn't think they had an OL in place to protect Watson. They prioritized getting the single hardest piece in the NFL and that's the QB.
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
The Texans didn't think they had an OL in place to protect Watson. They prioritized getting the single hardest piece in the NFL and that's the QB.
With no OL to protect the investment. Made no moves in his 2nd year to improve an OL that was going in reverse for its 5th straight season. This year, it'll come down to the draft....that'll be about it.
 

Texansphan

Football connoisseur
With no OL to protect the investment. Made no moves in his 2nd year to improve an OL that was going in reverse for its 5th straight season. This year, it'll come down to the draft....that'll be about it.
There could be some surprise releases by clubs yet.
Raiders just let Donald Penn go.
Other ones might happen post draft.
Someone (Lucky I think) suggested we trade for Jason Spriggs.
Lots of options yet.
 

281Texan

Waterboy
Andy Reid is far from a great HC.

I would like to see what Gaine/BOB could do with the lesser constraints that Reid doesn't have on him when it comes to acquiring personnel.
He’s not a great HC but he’s one of the greatest offensive masterminds out there. Hell, he had Alex smith at 36 looking like an MVP candidate. BOB is not an offensive mastermind. And I’d take Andy Reid 100 times over OB
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
There could be some surprise releases by clubs yet.
Raiders just let Donald Penn go.
Other ones might happen post draft.
Someone (Lucky I think) suggested we trade for Jason Spriggs.
Lots of options yet.
The team must acknowledge that their OL is in dire need of new bodies.....based on the FO comments, they may not think the OL is in dire need of help. This is my biggest concern.
 
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