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State of the O-line

You mean, the rumor that was started by a bunch of people with absolutely ZERO inside info since Gaine’s arrival, and has proven to be nothing more than just that?

Gaine's own words and people who's job it is to know.
 
I'm really looking forward to the draft and post-draft free agent signings because I think the team will really try to address the OL. Gaine has shown that he's not going to reach and overpay for talent. If for nothing more than entertainment value, I want to see who they draft and bring in. I wish I had more confidence in Devlin being able to coach up guys, but he'll have to totally fail before he's replaced. There's something to be said for loyalty, but come on, right?

I don't know anything about the OL assistant coaches. Are these guys any good? Are they allowed to have much input? Also, the new QB coach may...hopefully...have enough push to ask for OL scheme & personnel tweaks.

Final thought, more of a question: Are there any offensive linemen in the AAF or CFL that would be worth kicking the tires on? I don't know, just asking.
 
Davenport was a disappointment last season, but I have to remember it was only his second year after coming out of small college Bucknell. I consider this his third year, to be his make or break season.

My question to those of you who study the players, did D show improvement as last season progressed? How was his performance over, let's say, the last four games?

Should he be considered a total bust, after only two seasons?
 
Davenport was a disappointment last season, but I have to remember it was only his second year after coming out of small college Bucknell. I consider this his third year, to be his make or break season.

My question to those of you who study the players, did D show improvement as last season progressed? How was his performance over, let's say, the last four games?

Should he be considered a total bust, after only two seasons?

Is he a total bust? Not yet. He was a late 4th round pick from a small school that has elite measurable's. He was yanked around year 1 playing mostly super TE and yanked around year 2 playing with all new guys. Jury is still out imo, but I do question his talent, and his coaching more
 
Is he a total bust? Not yet. He was a late 4th round pick from a small school that has elite measurable's. He was yanked around year 1 playing mostly super TE and yanked around year 2 playing with all new guys. Jury is still out imo, but I do question his talent, and his coaching more


Well said, agreed 100
 
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Is he a total bust? Not yet. He was a late 4th round pick from a small school that has elite measurable's. He was yanked around year 1 playing mostly super TE and yanked around year 2 playing with all new guys. Jury is still out imo, but I do question his talent, and his coaching more
I have Rankin penciled in at LT. This is the position the organization says they drafted him for. If this is the case, then I have RT being more of a priority in this years draft.

Considering your evaluation of Davenport, then his position seems to be the swing tackle, unless he just bursts out during camp.

So at 23, I' looking at Greg Little or Dalton Risner. Little can project to LT as well as RT, as well as move inside to OG. Risner can project to OG and OC.

But then at 54, I'm looking at Connor McGovern, who may be there, and projects to OC but is more suited to either OG positions.

So, drafting two OLmen, I see us carrying 9 (last year we carried 8). Rankin, Henderson, Davenport and draft pick. And inside, Kelemete, Martin, Fuller, Mancz and draft pick.

If we only go with eight, then Mancz and Kelemete might be the two on the bubble, with Mancz having the advantage.
 
I have Rankin penciled in at LT. This is the position the organization says they drafted him for. If this is the case, then I have RT being more of a priority in this years draft.

Considering your evaluation of Davenport, then his position seems to be the swing tackle, unless he just bursts out during camp.

So at 23, I' looking at Greg Little or Dalton Risner. Little can project to LT as well as RT, as well as move inside to OG. Risner can project to OG and OC.

But then at 54, I'm looking at Connor McGovern, who may be there, and projects to OC but is more suited to either OG positions.

So, drafting two OLmen, I see us carrying 9 (last year we carried 8). Rankin, Henderson, Davenport and draft pick. And inside, Kelemete, Martin, Fuller, Mancz and draft pick.

If we only go with eight, then Mancz and Kelemete might be the two on the bubble, with Mancz having the advantage.

This is the way I also see it.

But I could see them picking 2 OT's s one at 23 and one (Little) and say Cajuste in the 3rd because Cajuste and also play OG. Guys I really like in the 3rd that fit this bill are Scharping and Edoga.
 
This is the way I also see it.

But I could see them picking 2 OT's s one at 23 and one (Little) and say Cajuste in the 3rd because Cajuste and also play OG. Guys I really like in the 3rd that fit this bill are Scharping and Edoga.
I've noticed quite a bit of interest in Cajuste, but I just can't get past his medical history. He's already had knee problems as a freshman and sophmore; and had a torn ACL in 2016. Although he doesn't project inside, the third round prospect I like is Tytus Howard. Scharping and Edoga are also good prospects. There seems to be a lot of available value at OT for the third round.
 
I've noticed quite a bit of interest in Cajuste, but I just can't get past his medical history. He's already had knee problems as a freshman and sophmore; and had a torn ACL in 2016. Although he doesn't project inside, the third round prospect I like is Tytus Howard. Scharping and Edoga are also good prospects. There seems to be a lot of available value at OT for the third round.

Cajuste is wrth a 3rd rd gamble. IMHO Very talented and would be a 1st rd pick without his injury history.

Howard will be gone by 86. IMHO He may be gone before 54.

Agreed about Scharping/Edoga.
 
Is he a total bust? Not yet. He was a late 4th round pick from a small school that has elite measurable's. He was yanked around year 1 playing mostly super TE and yanked around year 2 playing with all new guys. Jury is still out imo, but I do question his talent, and his coaching more

Mostly agree, but I'm a little more pessimistic. I know he doesn't have the coaching to develope what talent he may or may not have. Looks like a LT to me, physically. But that's all I can say about him.

I have Rankin penciled in at LT. This is the position the organization says they drafted him for. If this is the case, then I have RT being more of a priority in this years draft.

They, both O'Brien & Gaine, have already stated he's a Guard. LT, Rankin, C, Fullton, Henderson is pretty much what we're looking at. Hopefully they draft a guy they belive can be a starter, long term. If Kalil earns the starting job we'll be set.

But I have no confidence in Kalil earning the starting LT job, nor in our coaching staff to determine who earns the starting LT job.
 
...They, both O'Brien & Gaine, have already stated he's a Guard. LT, Rankin, C, Fullton, Henderson is pretty much what we're looking at. Hopefully they draft a guy they belive can be a starter, long term. If Kalil earns the starting job we'll be set.
Is there a mistyped here? You say the organization says Rankin is a Guard, Then you list him as the LT.

(Edit) OK I get it, now.
 
They, both O'Brien & Gaine, have already stated he's a Guard. LT, Rankin, C, Fullton, Henderson is pretty much what we're looking at. Hopefully they draft a guy they belive can be a starter, long term. If Kalil earns the starting job we'll be set.
OK, if Rankin is being moved to LG, that clarifies and changes my thinking and wish list. With this scenario, I agree with those who would draft two OT's. But there are no OT's I particularly like with second round grades. In the third round I like Tylus Howard and Matt Scharping.
 
OK, if Rankin is being moved to LG, that clarifies and changes my thinking and wish list. With this scenario, I agree with those who would draft two OT's. But there are no OT's I particularly like with second round grades. In the third round I like Tylus Howard and Matt Scharping.

Doesn't matter. Trade up, grab them in the first & bust your salary cap on them. That's the only way to protect Watson.
 
They need to do more than that to protect Watson.

1st. Tell Watson it's ok to dink and donk. NE, KC and several other teams does that all the time.

2nd. Stop having all your receivers run deep routes. And please stop it with these 2 receivers sets. So freaking predictable.

3rd. Stop changing up your offensive linemen like you change out your underwear.

4. Hurry up and establish a freaking identity and stick with it.
 
OK, if Rankin is being moved to LG, that clarifies and changes my thinking and wish list. With this scenario, I agree with those who would draft two OT's. But there are no OT's I particularly like with second round grades. In the third round I like Tylus Howard and Matt Scharping.

We are at the tail end of the 2nd where there will be a lot of mixing of 2nd & 3rd round draftnik grades.
 
I like this draft for OL'men and it sets up beautifully for the Texans to have a major overhaul and upgrade. I'd let the draft come to us, but there are 5 solid OT's in this draft with first round grades. I'd like to have Jawaan Taylor, but Greg Little and Dalton Risner are right there, for LT.

In the second, I'd be looking at Connor McGovern as an upgrade to anchor the OC position, or Chris Lindstrom, to replace Nick Martin.

And in the third I'd be looking at Max Scharping or Tytus Howard for RT.

Rankin, I'm told, is being moved inside to LG

Henderson would be a veteran starter at RT if he can win the position. Or backup.

Davenport would be a swing tackle, or backup at LT.

Kelemete, Martin, Mancz and Fuller would compete for the RG starting role and two backup spots for OC and swing guard.

That makes nine on the roster this next season and represents a significant upgrade in overall talent, with three high round rookies making for a rebuilt offensive line.

Your choices might be different but this draft and the prospect talent is set up beautifully for an upgrade along these lines. We can let the draft fall to us. Maybe a trade or two to help.
 
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https://247sports.com/ContentGallery/2019-NFL-Mock-Draft-129780592/#129780592_23


23. HOUSTON TEXANS: GARRETT BRADBURY, OL (Photo: Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports) The Texans' biggest priority of the offseason is to make sure quarterback Deshaun Watson is better protected in 2019.

54. HOUSTON TEXANS (VIA SEATTLE SEAHAWKS): JOHNATHAN ABRAM, DB

55. HOUSTON TEXANS: IRV SMITH JR., TE

86. HOUSTON TEXANS: DAMIEN HARRIS, RB
 
http://walterfootball.com/draft2019_1.php

image: http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/texansb_logo.gif Houston Texans: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State image: http://walterfootball.com/college/WashingtonState_logo.gif The Texans planned on pursuing Trent Brown in free agency, but missed out on him. They'll have to look toward the 2019 NFL Draft to obtain a much-needed solid presence on the blind side to provide protection for Deshaun Watson. Andre Dillard is a love-hate prospect. Some teams think he's a Round 3-4 prospect, but others believe he could go late in the first frame. Perhaps there are more people will the latter belief after his stellar combine .

Houston Texans: Benny Snell Jr., RB, Kentucky The Texans don't have a dependable starting running back. D'Onta Foreman is unproven, while Lamar Miller is too brittle to handle a full-season workload. Benny Snell Jr. is a tough runner who could sneak into the first round, but will probably be chosen in the 35-50 range. Houston Texans: Michael Deiter, G/C, Wisconsin image: http://walterfootball.com/college/Wisconsin_logo.gif The Texans shouldn't be done upgrading their offensive line, as they'll have to bolster their interior as well. Michael Deiter has started at center and guard for Wisconsin, so teams will like his versatility. Read more at http://walterfootball.com/draft2019_2.php#TMhT22py0XR5QuUK.99
 
Saw this on chron.com today: https://www.chron.com/sports/texans...-Kaleb-McGary-visiting-Texans-on-13765508.php

McGary is projected to go late in the 1st or early in the 2nd round so he's probably there at #23 but won't be there at #54. I can see the Texans maybe trying to trade back a few spots or early in the 2nd to get McGary and pick up an extra pick. But, since there's not that many really good OT's in this draft, they may have to take him at #23. He's rated the 4th best OT just behind Dillard (If you go by Draft Scout's ranking) and judging by the article, there's a lot of teams looking at him. He's no Joe Thomas but he looks like he could be a good solid RT if Dillard, Taylor, and Williams are gone by #23 as expected. It could come down to Risner and McGary at #23.
 
Saw this on chron.com today: https://www.chron.com/sports/texans...-Kaleb-McGary-visiting-Texans-on-13765508.php

McGary is projected to go late in the 1st or early in the 2nd round so he's probably there at #23 but won't be there at #54. I can see the Texans maybe trying to trade back a few spots or early in the 2nd to get McGary and pick up an extra pick. But, since there's not that many really good OT's in this draft, they may have to take him at #23. He's rated the 4th best OT just behind Dillard (If you go by Draft Scout's ranking) and judging by the article, there's a lot of teams looking at him. He's no Joe Thomas but he looks like he could be a good solid RT if Dillard, Taylor, and Williams are gone by #23 as expected. It could come down to Risner and McGary at #23.

So... If you had to choose between a talented right tackle that is expected to go late first, early 2nd, or an equally talented, but recently injured left tackle late 2nd or 3rd round, which would you prefer?
 
So... If you had to choose between a talented right tackle that is expected to go late first, early 2nd, or an equally talented, but recently injured left tackle late 2nd or 3rd round, which would you prefer?
In recent years we have seen teams more prepared to "reach".
My question is who will care if that player turns into a decent starter?
The egg will be on the faces of the assessors but how often do we see that?
 
Duane Brown was considered a "reach". He turned out ok.

By some drafniks. Then it turned out San Diego would have taken him with the next pick. Also turned out he, Clady & Long were the only successful OTs much less LTs out of 7 taken in the 1st & he is the only one still in the league. So I'm going with the draftniks were wrong and Gibbs/Texans right.
 
If that's the best available at 23 I hope the Texans trade up to get a LT prospect, & not drafting this guy & trying to make him a LT


I agree .... I think we should, if we can, find a way to trade up for Dillard or Williams. However, if we do get McGary, whom I like, for right tackle, despite the fact that he really is built like a T-Rex, I seriously doubt that our current decision makers would ever have the courage to move him to guard. BTW, McGary has 32 1/2 inch arms, but Eric Winston had 32 1/4 arms, so ....
 
I agree .... I think we should, if we can, find a way to trade up for Dillard or Williams. However, if we do get McGary, whom I like, for right tackle, despite the fact that he really is built like a T-Rex, I seriously doubt that our current decision makers would ever have the courage to move him to guard. BTW, McGary has 32 1/2 inch arms, but Eric Winston had 32 1/4 arms, so ....

Overall I agree. But I am not & never have been a fan of Eric Winston. Maybe the best pure run blocker we've had... maybe. But worthless, imo, as a pass protector. I felt Newton was an upgrade.
 
By some drafniks. Then it turned out San Diego would have taken him with the next pick. Also turned out he, Clady & Long were the only successful OTs much less LTs out of 7 taken in the 1st & he is the only one still in the league. So I'm going with the draftniks were wrong and Gibbs/Texans right.

Gotta trust HOF'er Alex Gibbs. Much more tan I ever will Devlin.

Give me Clady out of this yrs draft and I'm happy.
 
Overall I agree. But I am not & never have been a fan of Eric Winston. Maybe the best pure run blocker we've had... maybe. But worthless, imo, as a pass protector. I felt Newton was an upgrade.

When perfectly healthy which was almost never, maybe. He played in 1 game last year. Winston played for 6 more seasons, 2 as starter (40 total starts) after the Texans.
 
I am not & never have been a fan of Eric Winston

I think I remember you saying this before. As much as I enjoyed watching that line rumble to the right, opening creases for a galloping Foster, I can't envision a single pass blocking play on the right side .... maybe not memorable ? I absolutely do remember Newton however sprinting into the secondary and delivering an absolute pancake .... what a talent .... what a shame !
 
If that's the best available at 23 I hope the Texans trade up to get a LT prospect, & not drafting this guy & trying to make him a LT
I read somewhere yesterday where one assessor watched tape on all the top OL and he said McGary was the best run blocker in this class. Said he is an absolute bull.
Only thing that takes his stock down a bit is his pass pro but these guys can learn to improve that part of their game.
So for me, it's all about performance on the field. I'm sure if his heart murmur was a problem, his doctors would advise him to give up football.
 
I agree .... I think we should, if we can, find a way to trade up for Dillard or Williams. However, if we do get McGary, whom I like, for right tackle, despite the fact that he really is built like a T-Rex, I seriously doubt that our current decision makers would ever have the courage to move him to guard. BTW, McGary has 32 1/2 inch arms, but Eric Winston had 32 1/4 arms, so ....
Those 32" arms are a total no go.
 
LZ thinks he may have to move to G because of lateral quickness issues. Link. Had a heart arrhythmia.
From Jan 24, 2019 post in the College Draft section ("Olinemen in the 2019 Draft")
:

From the all the sources I've been able to put together, his underlying presentation was atrial fibrillation............with an atrial response of 300/minute (this is much higher response than his actual heart beat which is normally 60-100. The atrial response normally acts as a trigger for a ventricular contraction (the actual heart beat). With atrial fibrillation, there is a disconnect between the atrial firings and the ventricular contractions............so the heart beat becomes very erratic.............and therefore is not able to pump blood and oxygen to the brain. When the brain does not have continuous oxygen supply, passing out occurs. Such an episode occurred during a basketball game in which he passed out...............that is what alerted his physician to begin a cardiac workup.

The first cardiologist stated that a faulty mitral heart valve was causing his atrial fibrillation and that he needed a mitral heart valve replacement...............and would never again play football.........the family bucked the recommendation. The next cardiologist found that there were multiple areas in the atrium of the heart...........multiple abnormal trigger points for the atrial response...................there is usually only one trigger point, i.e., the sinus-atrial node, that sends a message to the atrial-ventricular node, that triggers the ventricular heart beat. Therefore, an ablation (destruction) of these trigger points was performed. It is not unusual that all of the trigger points are not identified and destroyed. Such was his case, where it required 3 such ablations to successfully treat him. As there has been no further episodes since 2016, it is unlikely that another underlying cardiac abnormality is present. There are no guarantees in life, but it is unlikely that he will ever be faced with this problem again.


afib_heart.jpg
 
From Jan 24, 2019 post in the College Draft section ("Olinemen in the 2019 Draft")
:

My brother was diagnosed when I was a kid (back in the 60's) with atrial fibralation by his football physical. He later died at the age of 20 while serving in the Air Force due to a drunk driver
 
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