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State of the O-line

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Not directed at me - but :) I'm good with any strategy that addresses their top 5 to 6 needs. I don't think you can get locked into one particular mindset e.g. offense in the draft defense in FA since both are highly dependant on what other teams do.

They need;

at least two corners (one at least a serviceable CB1 - I don't care about a lockdown CB, it can't get much worse than last year - just two guys that fit the scheme, are willing tacklers and can give the pass rush another half a second and you would see the sacks increase)

Pass rush - yeah great to have Watt back but he isn't the old Watt, dude needs help - would be great to add at least one potential 10+ sack guy and another young guy with upside (preferably two) and Merci needs 7 or 8 sacks a year to justify that contract

Right Guard - really need to strengthen that side of the line and make it a run defenses nightmare - just a guy looking to crush someone

After that it's depth;

Think they have a few backup LB's that have been in the OK/MEH range and have had a few years to prove themselves (and haven't) maybe keep Cole and find another guy or two (I personally like the idea of finding a really good coverage LB - or just draft a big safety with coverage skills and tell him "hey kid, you're an LB now"

OL depth - would be nice to grab a young center with upside and move on from Martin next year if he doesn't play better this year (I think THEY like his smarts or what he brings to the locker room - I don't like the pretty continual 5 or 6 yards he gives up straight back on most pass plays) R Johnson might continue to improve and be a quality / decent swing tackle who can spot start - but would still like to see them add some competition

DL depth - if they don't sign Reader, add another big fella with a focus on pass rushing and rotate them with Dunn, Blackson, Charles O, etc.

So realistically they need to;

hit on 1 (preferably two) high priority FA's, 1 CB and 1 Pass rusher would be fan-frickin-tastic
add two mid-tier FA's (right guard here would be nice)
two draft picks - 1 that can be a solid starter (RG or CB potentially) and one that is a borderline starter and/or plays significant snaps per game
use the remaining picks on depth (OL, DL, ST, LB)
and scour the rest of the FA's, cap casualties, waiver wire for people that didn't fit their old team's system/style buy you think fits yours
I like this plan, I think they add Harris and re-sign Roby, plus add a CB in say the 4th rd.

Reader will be gone and using the $$$$ from Reader allows you to sign Harris. Roby's FA $$$$ comes from JJo leaving and you would have $$$$ left over from the existing cap to sign a DT. Suh or Linval Joseph who got cut yesterday would be a good replacement. Then adding a guy like Elliott or James Lynch in Rd. 2 and you would have a much improved CB/DL room. That would leave you needing a big nickle and this is where I would use my 3rd and the Texans 4th to try to trade up to the bottom of the 2nd/top of the 3rd if Dugger/Chinn fell.

The rest of the draft would be spent on WFV insurance/RG/RB.

I'm not saying my way is the only way to do things, but these moves would really help the defense.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I guarantee that won't happen.

You're right, there's no reason it shouldn't. But it's never happened under BO'b. I'd be surprised if it starts now.
I bet it does, since they all had their positions set on the OL last yr. Tunsil if recovered from surgery should benefit greatly as well as the entire OL from having a TC to gain continuity together.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I'm fine with Fulton at RG. Yes we can improve the position and I'd be happy if we did. I'm just saying that I'd rather improve our secondary and pass rush first and I'd even prioritize slot receiver above RG. If there's a way to get it all done, then fantastic. But I think it's more realistic that we aren't going to be able to address all of these positions and we're going to have to make due with what we have at some positions. The talent on the OLine should be good enough to have a more than adequate OLine even with Fulton imo.
Agreed about slot WR being the biggest hole, next to the WFV insurance. Duvernay at the top of the 4th helps solve the slot WR/KR/PR positions. I also like Bowden from Kentucky to fill this role. He's a very dynamic guy. Just get him the ball and good things will follow.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Not quite sure what you're getting at? I don't think I said anything negative about Mercilus, said he needs 7-8 sacks a year to justify the contract like you said he had 7.5 - good job, keep it up but Watt and Mercilus aren't enough. Maybe we have something in Martin, maybe we don't - but regardless I think they still need to add more pass rushers. You're free to disagree, and I'm entitled to my opinion.
Agreed, but getting a better pass rush from the interior DL is high on what would be my list of priorities. It doesn't really matter where it comes from but Watt needs some help along the DL.

Watt/Sign Suh and draft Hamilton/Elliot or James Lynch and you would see much improvement on the defense.
 

Number19

Hall of Fame
I guarantee that won't happen.

You're right, there's no reason it shouldn't. But it's never happened under BO'b. I'd be surprised if it starts now.
There are calls on this forum for Martin and Fulton to be replaced. Would it be a negative if OB was considering this, also? But, how can you have continuity when there is also comments that Center and Right Guard need to be upgraded? You can't have both.
 

Number19

Hall of Fame
Agreed, but getting a better pass rush from the interior DL is high on what would be my list of priorities. It doesn't really matter where it comes from but Watt needs some help along the DL.

Watt/Sign Suh and draft Hamilton/Elliot or James Lynch and you would see much improvement on the defense.
Do you think Reader, and the interior linemen in general, possibly could have been under utilized by the defensive scheme and could Weaver get more out of Reader with different scheming?
 

Texansphan

Football connoisseur
I remember the one game where he saw several snaps at the FB position, he was trucking fools.
I note at least one other team uses a FB quite effectively. Was it 49ers? Dude I am thinking of had a Polish/Slavic sounding last name.
I think Pats also used one on occasion.
Nothing wrong with trying a bulldozer near the goal line.
Oh for another Vonta Leach - man was a Kenworth in human disguise.
 
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austins23

Hall of Fame
Oh for another Vonta Leach - man was a Kenworth in human disguise.
Loved me some Vonta! Dude was just plain nasty. Like having an extra guard on the field, that could run!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Willis didn't want anymore of that!
 

Texansphan

Football connoisseur
Loved me some Vonta! Dude was just plain nasty. Like having an extra guard on the field, that could run!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Willis didn't want anymore of that!
Great example. Had the respect of all defenders - and when you can pancake a guy like Patrick Willis, it's no small wonder.
 

Earl34

Hall of Fame
He (the FB) got in on the tackle though!
What's funny about that play, that was the only play they used a FB. After the game, the Panthers' DB mentioned they saw that formation and play on tape. You would think before calling that play they would have run a couple of plays out of that formation to at least show something different or just don't call it against a heavy zone coverage team.
 
There are calls on this forum for Martin and Fulton to be replaced. Would it be a negative if OB was considering this, also? But, how can you have continuity when there is also comments that Center and Right Guard need to be upgraded? You can't have both.
I am a proponent of this and preferred the center to be the higher priority for replacement. Martin was extended but he can be cut after this season with a small cap hit compared to his full salary. For some reason Martin always seemed to be getting help. I wonder if that was based on scheme or due to limitations. Being able to step up into or maneuver in the pocket greatly depends on the interior OL and indirectly reduces the effectiveness of the pass rush coming off the edge.
 

justmy2cents

All Pro
Contributor's Club
Not directed at me - but :) I'm good with any strategy that addresses their top 5 to 6 needs. I don't think you can get locked into one particular mindset e.g. offense in the draft defense in FA since both are highly dependant on what other teams do.

They need;

at least two corners (one at least a serviceable CB1 - I don't care about a lockdown CB, it can't get much worse than last year - just two guys that fit the scheme, are willing tacklers and can give the pass rush another half a second and you would see the sacks increase)

Pass rush - yeah great to have Watt back but he isn't the old Watt, dude needs help - would be great to add at least one potential 10+ sack guy and another young guy with upside (preferably two) and Merci needs 7 or 8 sacks a year to justify that contract

Right Guard - really need to strengthen that side of the line and make it a run defenses nightmare - just a guy looking to crush someone

After that it's depth;

Think they have a few backup LB's that have been in the OK/MEH range and have had a few years to prove themselves (and haven't) maybe keep Cole and find another guy or two (I personally like the idea of finding a really good coverage LB - or just draft a big safety with coverage skills and tell him "hey kid, you're an LB now"

OL depth - would be nice to grab a young center with upside and move on from Martin next year if he doesn't play better this year (I think THEY like his smarts or what he brings to the locker room - I don't like the pretty continual 5 or 6 yards he gives up straight back on most pass plays) R Johnson might continue to improve and be a quality / decent swing tackle who can spot start - but would still like to see them add some competition

DL depth - if they don't sign Reader, add another big fella with a focus on pass rushing and rotate them with Dunn, Blackson, Charles O, etc.

So realistically they need to;

hit on 1 (preferably two) high priority FA's, 1 CB and 1 Pass rusher would be fan-frickin-tastic
add two mid-tier FA's (right guard here would be nice)
two draft picks - 1 that can be a solid starter (RG or CB potentially) and one that is a borderline starter and/or plays significant snaps per game
use the remaining picks on depth (OL, DL, ST, LB)
and scour the rest of the FA's, cap casualties, waiver wire for people that didn't fit their old team's system/style buy you think fits yours



Deshaun Watson nails down Bears NFL Draft remorseby Felix Davila
MAC has potential 2021 NFL Draft first round OT in Tommy Doyleby Cory Kinnan
3 best landing places for Larry Warford after release from Saints

by Timothy Rodriguez 1 week ago Follow @Timo35Rodriguez

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 27: Larry Warford #67 of the New Orleans Saints reacts during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 27, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
After drafting Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints cut Pro Bowl guard Larry Warford. Here his best landing spots
After the moves that the New Orleans Saints made this off-season, it became apparent that Larry Warford, the multiple time Pro Bowl guard, may be a cap casualty. New Orleans extended their other guard, Andrus Peat, earlier this off-season. In the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, the Saints took Cesar Ruiz, a talented interior offensive lineman with guard and center versatility, out of Michigan.

Any team that feels they have a guard spot that can be upgraded should be calling Warford immediately. A three time Pro Bowler, Warford can be that piece that pushes a team over the hump, making them a legitimate Super Bowl contender. For teams with lesser aspirations, having a team with a more solidified offensive line can really help a young quarterback grow.
It is not every day that a multiple time pro bowler on the offensive line becomes available in mid May. Warford should not remain unemployed long. He is only 28 years old and may already be in discussions with multiple teams. High quality starting guards are hard to come by, especially in a league where the passing game has become so important.
Warford is a massive player on the interior and is best fit for a scheme that wants to initiate power run schematics. He moves people off the ball in the run game. In the passing game, Warford is excellent from the interior and has been instrumental in the Saints’ offensive success in recent years.
 
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JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
Deshaun Watson nails down Bears NFL Draft remorseby Felix Davila
MAC has potential 2021 NFL Draft first round OT in Tommy Doyleby Cory Kinnan
3 best landing places for Larry Warford after release from Saints

by Timothy Rodriguez 1 week ago Follow @Timo35Rodriguez

Next1 of 4Prev post
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 27: Larry Warford #67 of the New Orleans Saints reacts during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 27, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
After drafting Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints cut Pro Bowl guard Larry Warford. Here his best landing spots
After the moves that the New Orleans Saints made this off-season, it became apparent that Larry Warford, the multiple time Pro Bowl guard, may be a cap casualty. New Orleans extended their other guard, Andrus Peat, earlier this off-season. In the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, the Saints took Cesar Ruiz, a talented interior offensive lineman with guard and center versatility, out of Michigan.

Any team that feels they have a guard spot that can be upgraded should be calling Warford immediately. A three time Pro Bowler, Warford can be that piece that pushes a team over the hump, making them a legitimate Super Bowl contender. For teams with lesser aspirations, having a team with a more solidified offensive line can really help a young quarterback grow.
It is not every day that a multiple time pro bowler on the offensive line becomes available in mid May. Warford should not remain unemployed long. He is only 28 years old and may already be in discussions with multiple teams. High quality starting guards are hard to come by, especially in a league where the passing game has become so important.
Warford is a massive player on the interior and is best fit for a scheme that wants to initiate power run schematics. He moves people off the ball in the run game. In the passing game, Warford is excellent from the interior and has been instrumental in the Saints’ offensive success in recent years.
ummm... quoting the entire internet? tldr
 
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justmy2cents

All Pro
Contributor's Club
I spent at least 30 minutes, if not an hour, trying to delete all that crap .... I was unsuccessful ! I've always maintained that intellect is not all that ! But ..... did anyone get the point of my post ? I can't believe that it's not being discussed !
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
I spent at least 30 minutes, if not an hour, trying to delete all that crap .... I was unsuccessful ! I've always maintained that intellect is not all that ! But ..... did anyone get the point of my post ? I can't believe that it's not being discussed !

Best thing to do is delete the entire post. I’ve accidentally done this before.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Thanks Doc .... I will do that again. Meanwhile, do you think he is an injury risk ?
My answer from another thread:

Warford has been extremely durable with his only one recurrent injury problem being his left knee, going back to 2014 and recurring most every season. His specific injury has never been formally reported. This injury though has only had him miss a handful of games since 2014. Having seen the games in which he was injured in 2014 and 2016 and now this past Dec., it is pretty evident to me that the knee injuries with their quick recoveries have all been grade I MCL tears. It should be mentioned that he was on the Injury Reports most of 2018 for his knee. But it did not seem to hinder his performance much if any. Low grade MCL injuries should not leave him with significant long-term disabilities. Late late in 2018, he also sustained a back muscle strain that he played with through the playoffs. He was held out of OTA’s last year while resting and fully rehabbing his injuries...........mostly as a vet precaution. He obviously performed well thereafter, well enough to secure his 3rd ProBowl status in 3 years.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Thanks Doc .... I read that somewhere .... it's not really very conclusive though .... JJ hasn't played injury free in forever. Maybe they see a much more effective player in Fulton than I do !
Big difference............JJ has suffered very major injuries and has missed a load of games..........his injuries have caught up with him, bringing him closer to ending his career. Warford has played through the type of injuries that many NFL players have played through, and has missed just a few games along the way..............none of his injuries the type that would come close to bringing his career to an end.
 
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justmy2cents

All Pro
Contributor's Club
Big difference............JJ has suffered very major injuries and has missed a load of games..........his injuries have caught up with him, bringing him closer to ending his career. Warford has played through the type of injuries that many NFL players have played through, and has missed just a few games the way..............none of his injuries the type that would come close to bringing his career to an end.


There .... that makes a great deal of difference to me. I didn't play for all that long, and yet, the list of guys who played with little nagging injuries grew a little each year. For that reason, I think it would be of great benefit to us, (especially Johnson and Johnson), to plug Warford in at right guard. After all, how many 3-time pro-bowlers do we have on the offense .... or the team? Thanks Doc !
 

zshawn10

All Pro
Zach Fulton will be back. Looks like the band (OL) is getting back together for another tour!

The Texans & starting RG Zach Fulton have agreed to a reworked contract, per source. Fulton was due $14M over the next two years with no guarantees, but is now due $5M (guaranteed) this season & $3M (non-guaranteed) in 2021. Fulton gets nice security, Houston gets cap relief.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 29, 2020
 

Earl34

Hall of Fame
Zach Fulton will be back. Looks like the band (OL) is getting back together for another tour!

The article was about Fulton. But the video in the article discusses the offense and passing game. Guess what? It echoed some of the same things we have said about the passing game. Go figure.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
The article was about Fulton. But the video in the article discusses the offense and passing game. Guess what? It echoed some of the same things we have said about the passing game. Go figure.

Most definitely, I wish they would expound more on why he's having to hold the ball long.

I wish they would bring up other recievers across the league that's being targeted like Hopkins was.

And they didn't go into great detail on injuries sustained by both Fuller and Still. In that Atlanta game Fuller was the main target. After his injury it was very clear that he wasn't 100%. If he was Hopkins doesn't get all those targets and Fuller's target number increases.
 

dream_team

Hall of Fame

badboy

Hall of Fame
If Fulton comes back healthy and we see a continuation for 16 with Howard at right tackle and Martin takes another step we could have a very good Oline. Fuller ability to play center is a positive; more cap space...

Edit to correct Fuller
 
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dream_team

Hall of Fame
If Fulton comes back healthy and we see a continuation for 16 with Howard at right tackle and Martin takes another step we could have a very good Oline. Fuller ability to play center is a positive; more cap space...

Edit to correct Fuller
I think our OL can be really good, but its floor is average. Which is saying alot considering what we've been through.

For me, the jury is still out on Sharping. He was making rookie mistakes last season, so of course, he can easily improve w/ experience. I hope Devlin is the right teacher.

Nick Martin is an overpaid, average center.

Fulton is the weak link of the crew, but at least he's not overpaid now.

I like our tackles. I think the penalties for Tunsil was a fluke. I also think Tytus is a future pro-bowler. My one concern for Tytus is him becoming "injury prone". No evidence, just a hunch.

I'm even ok with our backups in Mancz, Johnson and Kelemete. (not factoring in Heck for now).

To me, the biggest weak spot is Devlin. When I watch this OL, I see a confused group when it comes to blitzes. Hopefully the problem all this time was simply continuity.
 
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