If you were the Texans How would you prioritize this off-season ???

[real]

Just for fun:


How you would handle this off-season if you were a member of the Texans F.O ?

From Free agents, to cuts, to the draft ?

I'll start...


Free Agents: I'm not going to name specific players, but If I were the Texans I would try to get a Good Veteran DB...whether it be Safety or Corner....We don't have a veteran leader in the secondary, and that is hurting us....Next I'd have to go LB....I think this is another area where we are missing a strong veteran presence....IMO, one of our OLB's has to go....collectively they aren't doing enough....

The draft: TRADE BACK....The first position I'd be looking to fill would be DB...Depending on whether I had gotten a Safety or Corner in free agency.... I would trade back and take the best CB or FS that falls to me...following rds. RB,OL,OL,DB,DL,K or P....


Cuts: Without any cap info, and strictly going off of "dead weight"....I would start by cutting both Kris Brown, and Chad Stanley....Next I would want to cut one or two of the Older OL guys....Bruener....and maybe an OLB....



Really the point of this isn't to name specific players but rather to prioritize what "must" be done this off-season in order for us to be competitive in '07....

 

[yourfavoritetexan42]

Free Agency
In free agency I would love the texans to pickup a veteran defensive tackle to play alongside with Travis Johnson. I think that is a pretty glaring problem with our defense right now, is our interior line. I would love to see us get Terdell Sands, he is a backup on oakland, playing behind two veteran greats, but he has big size (6'7 340) and in college I remember him being a force out of chatanooga. That would apply more pressure on the inside that way teams can't afford doubling mario. If you watch the games Mario is getting doubled 60% of the time, and when he isn't doubled, they run away from him. Opposing NFL offenses treat Mario as an already dominant end, they gameplan for him, already, and that why he doens't seem to be as effective as people hoped.

Also in free agencty I would love to see the texans pickup Asante Samuel out of New England or Michael Lewis out of philadephia to play alongside Glenn Earl. We have a missing piece back there... and I think a quickfix out of free agency is the answer.

Another guy I'd love to see the Texans pursue to provide veteran leadership, and it would be highly likely considering his old head coach is on our staff, is running back Ahman Green. Texans kind of need a Running back by commitee deal because each of our running backs have weaknesses. Davis falls to injuries, Dayne doesn't have great speed, Lundy is young an inexperienced, and Ahman Green cannot carry the load. If we used Dayne in short yardage situations, and then rotated Davis/Green, I think that would really boost our running game, plus Green is a great receiving threat out of the backfield. Lundy in my opinion, still needs some time to grow.

Matt Starks out of Pitt and Leonard Davis out of Arizona, if they become available, do everything in your power to pick them up kubes... but that is a major if...i see both resigning with their respective teams.

Cato June, Lance Briggs, Diggs, Thomas, or Fletcher, to help out our trio along with demeco. Texans... you can land one of them...and any of the 5 would be awesome. Love to see Lance Briggs out of all of them...knows how to play the 4-3 well and he has been part of a very dominant defense.


The Draft
1st Round: Joe Thomas (if he is available). If not Levi Jones Penn State.
2nd Round: Offensive Guard. Do not reach for talent however, only if the talent is there, which usually it is, Guards dont usually go until late 1st round early 2nd. Adding one more player to the fight for a spot at guard would surely help.
3rd Round: Corner. Have someone challenge Faggins for that 2nd corner spot...competition brings the best out of any player. Plus at worse we have a solid nickel back.
4th Round: Tom Zbikowski out of Notre Dame. Could be a real threat at punt returner and could come in if needed to play safety, and boy does he lay the wood in that defensive backfield. Also finds the ball well and he would become a leader and give our defense some attitude.
5th Round: An Outside Linebacker. Add some depth and competition to the outside spot.
6th Round: Punter. lol....I dont think i need to explain...
7th Round: Center, another practice squad player... let him develop and maybe he can fight for a position in the future.




Cuts
Kicker Kris Brown
Punter Chad Stanley
Tackle Ephraim Salaam
Linebacker Wali Rainer
Fullback Jameel Cook

 

[slamdunc]

1. Send a blank check to Lance Briggs
2. Michael Lewis in FA

Too early for me to spec on draft or cuts - Will Spencer make it back? If so, would love to see a LT picked up somehow and move Spencer to right tackle

 

[real]

Free Agency
...

I pretty much agree with your free agency take....I never even really thought about Ahman Green....That would be a pretty good pick-up depending on his asking price....

And your draft.....If we pick two lineman in the first two rds I think I'd be sick....I wouldn't mind Joe Thomas in the 1st, but If we follwed your offseason plan up to that point I think I'd be hard pressed not to take an OLB there...

Free agency......dito....Is Wali Rainer still on this team ?

 

[HeartofHouston]

First Off..

Free Agency
I'm Looking for a CB and LB.. Briggs and Clements would be amazing additions.. Briggs is a smart heavy hitter and Clements is a big storng corner that can hit you like a LB as well.

Then I'd also be looking to add some depth to the O-Line. Maybe some competetive Guards.

DRAFT
I would love to see us go after Troy Smith or Adrian Peterson. I'm leaning a lot toward The Heisman the guy has what it takes. In MY personal opinion Troy Smith is a betetr QB than Vince Young (that's a whole different issue).

1 - QB Troy Smith (OSU)
2 - S Brandon Merriweather (The U)
3 - OT Joe Staley

Day 2
Depth At O-Line and D-Line

 

[hollywood_texan]

Very simple:

If you keep Carr, put all attention towards a big free agent lineman and draft early and strong for the same. If they are going to keep talking about that the talent on the line is the problem, then fix it. For the past 3 or 4 years we have consistently heard that there isn't enough talent on the line for Carr to succeed, fix it or move on with Carr now.

If they get rid of Carr, get a cheap vet to manage the game at QB, focus on the interior lines and defensive secondary.

 

[dbspi]

Good CB is the hardest position to find and normally speaking rookies get abused allot the first few years so I suggest to send blank check to Nate Clements and sign him.

Free Agency - Nate Clements, Sands, Briggs or A.Thomas

Draft -

Round 1 - AD
Round 2 - FS - Hughes
Round 3 - Ben Grubbs (RG)
Round 4 - OC (Young - he has struggled this year so he might be available on 2nd day.

 

[Bubbajwp]

Free Agency
In free agency I would love the texans to pickup a veteran defensive tackle to play alongside with Travis Johnson. I think that is a pretty glaring problem with our defense right now, is our interior line. I would love to see us get Terdell Sands, he is a backup on oakland, playing behind two veteran greats, but he has big size (6'7 340) and in college I remember him being a force out of chatanooga. That would apply more pressure on the inside that way teams can't afford doubling mario. If you watch the games Mario is getting doubled 60% of the time, and when he isn't doubled, they run away from him. Opposing NFL offenses treat Mario as an already dominant end, they gameplan for him, already, and that why he doens't seem to be as effective as people hoped.

Also in free agencty I would love to see the texans pickup Asante Samuel out of New England or Michael Lewis out of philadephia to play alongside Glenn Earl. We have a missing piece back there... and I think a quickfix out of free agency is the answer.

Another guy I'd love to see the Texans pursue to provide veteran leadership, and it would be highly likely considering his old head coach is on our staff, is running back Ahman Green. Texans kind of need a Running back by commitee deal because each of our running backs have weaknesses. Davis falls to injuries, Dayne doesn't have great speed, Lundy is young an inexperienced, and Ahman Green cannot carry the load. If we used Dayne in short yardage situations, and then rotated Davis/Green, I think that would really boost our running game, plus Green is a great receiving threat out of the backfield. Lundy in my opinion, still needs some time to grow.

Matt Starks out of Pitt and Leonard Davis out of Arizona, if they become available, do everything in your power to pick them up kubes... but that is a major if...i see both resigning with their respective teams.

Cato June, Lance Briggs, Diggs, Thomas, or Fletcher, to help out our trio along with demeco. Texans... you can land one of them...and any of the 5 would be awesome. Love to see Lance Briggs out of all of them...knows how to play the 4-3 well and he has been part of a very dominant defense.


The Draft
1st Round: Joe Thomas (if he is available). If not Levi Jones Penn State.
2nd Round: Offensive Guard. Do not reach for talent however, only if the talent is there, which usually it is, Guards dont usually go until late 1st round early 2nd. Adding one more player to the fight for a spot at guard would surely help.
3rd Round: Corner. Have someone challenge Faggins for that 2nd corner spot...competition brings the best out of any player. Plus at worse we have a solid nickel back.
4th Round: Tom Zbikowski out of Notre Dame. Could be a real threat at punt returner and could come in if needed to play safety, and boy does he lay the wood in that defensive backfield. Also finds the ball well and he would become a leader and give our defense some attitude.
5th Round: An Outside Linebacker. Add some depth and competition to the outside spot.
6th Round: Punter. lol....I dont think i need to explain...
7th Round: Center, another practice squad player... let him develop and maybe he can fight for a position in the future.




Cuts
Kicker Kris Brown
Punter Chad Stanley
Tackle Ephraim Salaam
Linebacker Wali Rainer
Fullback Jameel Cook

His name is Levi Brown!

 

[prostock101]

Trade Carr for whatever you can get. A draft pick, an Off. Lineman, a DB, or even something shiny, I don't care. Sign Plummer to a one year deal. Draft Adrian Peterson first round and Kolb or Brohm second round. After that, the best available.

Cut Stanley, Cook, keep Kris Brown but bring in a bunch of kickers to camp.

 

[Goldeagle]

Free Agents:

(I dont see us signing all of these guys, but eh)

Steinbach (guard): from Cinncy (solid and durable)
Clements (CB): He made AJ look like Bradford, I was IMPRESSED
Dockery: (guard) From Washington (and from Texas)
L. Briggs: (OLB) from Da Bears (gives us a legit OLB to help Demeco)
Pashos: (OT) from Baltimore (big guy, adds depth)
Brown: (RB) from Tennesse (fast runner fit in well with Zone Blocking)
Grant: (S) From Jacksonville (not a bad player a bonus for us)

DRAFT:


1st round: If Joe Thomas, AP, or Calvin Johnson are not on the board trade down (I'll say we get a 3rd round this year)
OT: sam baker if he comes out early from USC

2nd round:
S: eric Weddle from Utah

3rd round:
DT: Justin Harrell from Tennesse
QB: Kevin Kolb from UH

4th Round to 7th Round
Best player available (fullback, Kicker, Punter, DT, O-line, and so on)


Cuts:

Chad Stanley
Kris Brown
Steve McKinney
Efraam Salaam
Jameel Cook
Mark Bruener
Kevin Walter

 

[kcwilson]

This off season ought to be our highest Priority. Previous off-seasons should not be on the priority list, and all future offseason should be of lesser priority than this season sequentially year after year.

 

[humbleone]

Just for fun:


How you would handle this off-season if you were a member of the Texans F.O ?

From Free agents, to cuts, to the draft ?

I'll start...


Free Agents: I'm not going to name specific players, but If I were the Texans I would try to get a Good Veteran DB...whether it be Safety or Corner....We don't have a veteran leader in the secondary, and that is hurting us....Next I'd have to go LB....I think this is another area where we are missing a strong veteran presence....IMO, one of our OLB's has to go....collectively they aren't doing enough....

The draft: TRADE BACK....The first position I'd be looking to fill would be DB...Depending on whether I had gotten a Safety or Corner in free agency.... I would trade back and take the best CB or FS that falls to me...following rds. RB,OL,OL,DB,DL,K or P....


Cuts: Without any cap info, and strictly going off of "dead weight"....I would start by cutting both Kris Brown, and Chad Stanley....Next I would want to cut one or two of the Older OL guys....Bruener....and maybe an OLB....



Really the point of this isn't to name specific players but rather to prioritize what "must" be done this off-season in order for us to be competitive in '07....

I like your FA ideas (CB and LB) and suggested the same thing (including some names btw) in a post yesterday. I also agree with your cut ideas.

I don't like the draft moves however. I hope we stay where we will be and take either the #1 rated OT or if he is not there then the #1RB. If both are gone or the RB I am referring to does not grade out that high during combine, workouts etc... then we take the #1 rated FS in the draft. Once again, happy to spit out the names that go with this but I am trying to stay within the context of the "position" discussion vs the "players" themselves that you suggested.

Go Texans!

 

[DatTexBoy]

I will go with secondary and interior line on both sides and then running back

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

Free Agents:

(I dont see us signing all of these guys, but eh)

Steinbach (guard): from Cinncy (solid and durable)
Clements (CB): He made AJ look like Bradford, I was IMPRESSED
Dockery: (guard) From Washington (and from Texas)
L. Briggs: (OLB) from Da Bears (gives us a legit OLB to help Demeco)
Pashos: (OT) from Baltimore (big guy, adds depth)
Brown: (RB) from Tennesse (fast runner fit in well with Zone Blocking)
Grant: (S) From Jacksonville (not a bad player a bonus for us)

DRAFT:


1st round: If Joe Thomas, AP, or Calvin Johnson are not on the board trade down (I'll say we get a 3rd round this year)
OT: sam baker if he comes out early from USC

2nd round:
S: eric Weddle from Utah

3rd round:
DT: Justin Harrell from Tennesse
QB: Kevin Kolb from UH

4th Round to 7th Round
Best player available (fullback, Kicker, Punter, DT, O-line, and so on)


Cuts:

Chad Stanley
Kris Brown
Steve McKinney
Efraam Salaam
Jameel Cook
Mark Bruener
Kevin Walter

And why in the world do you cut Kevin Walter???

That is just plain DUMB. If he sucked this year and dropped everything, didn't run routes correctly, etc then I would agree (MAYBE), but he has been solid whenever called upon. He was brought here to be a WR and when in the game he moved the chains, but moreso he is a TEAMPLAYER and also was great on Special Teams as well. Many WRs would have been complaining about not getting the ball or complaining I am a WR not a Special Teams player. But you hear nothing of this from Kevin Walter, only consistent hard work and hard play and tyring to do anything necessary to win when "ON THE FIELD"

You cannot blame the guy if the offense was turned around and not use 3 WR sets and having to keep extra players in there to protect Carr.

Oh ya, he won't be cut.

 

[Wharton]

Since we wasted a year evaluating Carr, which should have been done before we signed him to a massive extension, we are still 3-4 years away from competing with the best in the AFC.

Free Agents: Don't waste your money or your cap. Build through the draft.

Trades: Trade anyone you can to get picks. AJ is the most likely candidate with only one year left on his contract.

Draft: Trade down for more picks. Defensive back or o-line first, a QB in the second or third.

 

[Big J]

Free Agents:

(I dont see us signing all of these guys, but eh)

Steinbach (guard): from Cinncy (solid and durable)
Clements (CB): He made AJ look like Bradford, I was IMPRESSED
Dockery: (guard) From Washington (and from Texas)
L. Briggs: (OLB) from Da Bears (gives us a legit OLB to help Demeco)
Pashos: (OT) from Baltimore (big guy, adds depth)
Brown: (RB) from Tennesse (fast runner fit in well with Zone Blocking)
Grant: (S) From Jacksonville (not a bad player a bonus for us)

DRAFT:


1st round: If Joe Thomas, AP, or Calvin Johnson are not on the board trade down (I'll say we get a 3rd round this year)
OT: sam baker if he comes out early from USC

2nd round:
S: eric Weddle from Utah

3rd round:
DT: Justin Harrell from Tennesse
QB: Kevin Kolb from UH

4th Round to 7th Round
Best player available (fullback, Kicker, Punter, DT, O-line, and so on)


Cuts:

Chad Stanley
Kris Brown
Steve McKinney
Efraam Salaam
Jameel Cook
Mark Bruener
Kevin Walter

Sam Baker already said he is staying at college as is the quarterback. The more and more I look at our season the more I want Joe Thomas. If he isnt available I would draft the best safety. Both Glaring needs.

 

[Goldeagle]

Sam Baker already said he is staying at college as is the quarterback. The more and more I look at our season the more I want Joe Thomas. If he isnt available I would draft the best safety. Both Glaring needs.

I was not sure on Baker, if not him then Levi would be decent.


And for the guy who did not like me cutting Kevin Walter, I just do not think he has perfomed well as a 3rd WR and cost to much for a 3rd WR (though I admit I have no clue what he costs compared to Mathis and the other white guy who caught the ball and ran like a madman in the N.E. game).

 

[Texan_Bill]

DEFENSE!

We have a couple of guys that can anchor this defense, they just need some serious help in the secondary, an OLB and some more depth at D-line. They are further along than the O is and with another strong draft and a FA or two, they could be a pretty good unit - fast.

 

[Insideop]

Sam Baker already said he is staying at college as is the quarterback. The more and more I look at our season the more I want Joe Thomas. If he isnt available I would draft the best safety. Both Glaring needs.

Unfortunately, I heard the same thing (sorry, don't know the source) about Baker. That could be a problem because the more I look at it the more I think Joe Thomas will be long gone by the time the Texans pick, and I don't think the rest of the LT's coming out would be worth the pick, whatever position we pick in the 1st round. So, I have to agree with you, if we can't get Thomas maybe we need to pick a DB in the 1st and get the line help in the 2nd. JMHO!

 

[hot pickle]

1. Send a blank check to Lance Briggs
2. Michael Lewis in FA

Too early for me to spec on draft or cuts - Will Spencer make it back? If so, would love to see a LT picked up somehow and move Spencer to right tackle

haha i like that idea

 

[Goldeagle]

Unfortunately, I heard the same thing (sorry, don't know the source) about Baker. That could be a problem because the more I look at it the more I think Joe Thomas will be long gone by the time the Texans pick, and I don't think the rest of the LT's coming out would be worth the pick, whatever position we pick in the 1st round. So, I have to agree with you, if we can't get Thomas maybe we need to pick a DB in the 1st and get the line help in the 2nd. JMHO!

Then we need to sign a guy like Starks, Dockery and Steinbach and make it a priority in the off season.

I dont know how strong this draft is, meaning in what position, but either sing Lance Briggs or Clements and draft what is strongest in this draft (I would imagine OLB would be easier to pick than a CB like Clements).

 

[utahmark]

our defense is coming along good. if we could somehow get clements that would be great. if not i would still look for a corner in free agency. and maybe an olineman.

in the draft we need oline and a linebacker, safety. also a backup qb.

if carr is gone we need a qb in free agency as well.

we need a new offensive quardinator.

im worried people are not want to come here. if we dont start winning soon we are gonna lose the players we got and have to pay free agents outrageous saleries to come here. we could fall into a rut that would be even harder to get out of. if we are not already there.

 

[big sarge]

FIRST OFF. I WOULD SEND MANY MANY APOLOGETIC EMAILS TO VY. I MEAN THE GUY IS ALREADY AN ICON BECAUSE OF HIS CHARISMA. AS FOR THE REST OF IT I WOULD LOOK FOR THE HUNGRIEST VET OUT THERE ON THE O-LINE AND ASK HIM IF HE WANTED TO BS OR PLAY ( IGUESS THAT IS WHY I AM NOT IN THE NFL...LOL) THEN I WOULD TRADE FIRST ROUND PICK OR QUANTITY BECAUSE AS WE KNOW QUALITY IN COLLEGE ISN'T THE SAME AS THE NFL. I WOULD LIGHT A CHEMICAL FIRE UNDERNEATH MY D-LINE AND DO SOME GOOD OLD FASHION DONKEY KICKIN HARD NOSED CONDIDTIONING ON THE SECONDARY. ONCE AGAIN THIS IS WHY I AM NOT IN THE NFL...LOL

 

[threetoedpete]

Free Agents:

(I dont see us signing all of these guys, but eh)

Steinbach (guard): from Cinncy (solid and durable)
Clements (CB): He made AJ look like Bradford, I was IMPRESSED
Dockery: (guard) From Washington (and from Texas)
L. Briggs: (OLB) from Da Bears (gives us a legit OLB to help Demeco)
Pashos: (OT) from Baltimore (big guy, adds depth)
Brown: (RB) from Tennesse (fast runner fit in well with Zone Blocking)
Grant: (S) From Jacksonville (not a bad player a bonus for us)

DRAFT:


1st round: If Joe Thomas, AP, or Calvin Johnson are not on the board trade down (I'll say we get a 3rd round this year)
OT: sam baker if he comes out early from USC

2nd round:
S: eric Weddle from Utah

3rd round:
DT: Justin Harrell from Tennesse
QB: Kevin Kolb from UH

4th Round to 7th Round
Best player available (fullback, Kicker, Punter, DT, O-line, and so on)


Cuts:

Chad Stanley
Kris Brown
Steve McKinney
Efraam Salaam
Jameel Cook
Mark Bruener
Kevin Walter

Disagree with a couple of your cuts. Salaam is getting paid to be the back up swing tackle. He's done his job in spades. I don't know what Kubiak is going to do but for my money Salaam can have the job as long as he wants it. The sacks have actually gone down a bit even with the grey beard.


Free Agents: Samuels or Clememts.


Draft:

1. Alan Branch - one big body away from a great D-line. Thomas is off the board. Trade down would be nice if we could get a partner.

2. LB David Harris, Sr. Michigan 6'2" 242 /LB - H.B. Blades, Sr. Pitt 6'0 240
Both Sam's...with high end tallent.


3. Gosh Gettis FS Wake Forest/Tra Battle Georgia DB/ Terrel Brown CB Texas


4. Jake Kuresa, 6-4, 340, BYU Tackle/RT, Stephon Heyer, 6-6, 320, Maryland
He's not Gaither, but he's a OLT prospect. OT Tony Ugoh, Sr. Arkansas RT

5. Chris White, 6-3, 315, South Carolina/
Casey Studard 6'3", 305 Texas/
Lyle Sendlein, 6-5, 315, Texas Centers . Pick'em. One of 'em is bound to fall.

6. Curtus Brown RB BYU,


7. P Daniel Sepulveda Baylor, PK Mason Crosby, Colorado




Info gathered from:
http://www.draftinsiders.com/node/36
http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=451&p=2&c=557955

 

[Bearfan Blue and Orange]

I was not sure on Baker, if not him then Levi would be decent.


And for the guy who did not like me cutting Kevin Walter, I just do not think he has perfomed well as a 3rd WR and cost to much for a 3rd WR (though I admit I have no clue what he costs compared to Mathis and the other white guy who caught the ball and ran like a madman in the N.E. game).

Hmmm and would you have rather has a 3WR that does not move the ball consistently, or pay even more for a #3 WR that sits on the side just as Kevin did because Texans signed Moulds as the #2? It would have made no difference in the #3 WR BECAUSE... THEY COULD NOT USE HIM as often as they would like to have. Why? watch the games again... Double TEs, 2 RBs and a TE, need I go further? If Carr had more time they could have used 3WR sets more often and if there was a running game that produced defenses would have to bring the LBs and Safties out of the shor zone to create an extra threat in the secondary.

 

[Hervoyel]

In free agency I try and find the best CB available. I know I'm going to have to pay for him but our secondary is in dire need of at least one veteran who can play at a high level. We have youth, speed, and athleticism back there but we lack leadership. Getting someone to take the role that Aaron Glenn once had here is my first priority in free agency.

Then I try to sign at least one guard or center. I probably can't get both but I want to find the best value of whichever one of those two positions I can get.

Additional free agent pickups would be at any position I think I need and can get help. None of them would be big name aquisitions so there's no point in going through all of that.

In the draft I'd try and land Joe Thomas in the first round. I'd trade up to do it actually. I'd try to do it to end forever the notion that the Texans aren't doing what's necessary to build a solid line. I think with Spencers injury it would be a great idea and that if Spencer did come back we'd just be that much deeper. Spencer could go to the right side or he could go to the LG spot and try to beat Chester Pitts out of a job. Regardless I think picking a monster LT is something that we're long overdue on. Whether he becomes a future Pro Bowler or busts I think he's as good as any prospect we've seen come down the pipe since we entered the league and sooner or later you have to take a shot at getting a franchise LT. It's time.

Then, assuming I have another first day pick left I try and get myself another LB to pair with DeMeco Ryans or maybe a safety to try and improve that part of the team. On the second day I look for "hidden gems" wherever they can be found. By the time the 4th round gets here it's BPA and fortunately for us we can use most of them.

 

[real]

In the draft I'd try and land Joe Thomas in the first round. I'd trade up to do it actually. I'd try to do it to end forever the notion that the Texans aren't doing what's necessary to build a solid line.

I'm in this camp....

If we can get Joe Thomas we should...


But at the same time I wouldn't be upset with the best safety at that eight spot..

 

[eriadoc]

In free agency I try and find the best CB available. I know I'm going to have to pay for him but our secondary is in dire need of at least one veteran who can play at a high level. We have youth, speed, and athleticism back there but we lack leadership. Getting someone to take the role that Aaron Glenn once had here is my first priority in free agency.

Then I try to sign at least one guard or center. I probably can't get both but I want to find the best value of whichever one of those two positions I can get.

Additional free agent pickups would be at any position I think I need and can get help. None of them would be big name aquisitions so there's no point in going through all of that.

In the draft I'd try and land Joe Thomas in the first round. I'd trade up to do it actually. I'd try to do it to end forever the notion that the Texans aren't doing what's necessary to build a solid line. I think with Spencers injury it would be a great idea and that if Spencer did come back we'd just be that much deeper. Spencer could go to the right side or he could go to the LG spot and try to beat Chester Pitts out of a job. Regardless I think picking a monster LT is something that we're long overdue on. Whether he becomes a future Pro Bowler or busts I think he's as good as any prospect we've seen come down the pipe since we entered the league and sooner or later you have to take a shot at getting a franchise LT. It's time.

Then, assuming I have another first day pick left I try and get myself another LB to pair with DeMeco Ryans or maybe a safety to try and improve that part of the team. On the second day I look for "hidden gems" wherever they can be found. By the time the 4th round gets here it's BPA and fortunately for us we can use most of them.

I totally agree with everything you said. I am so far beyond tired of this team not acquiring premium talent on the O-line. Secondary is a very close second (O-line has a six year jump start is all). If Sam Baker comes out, I think we definitely should go after him or Joe Thomas, whatever it takes. If not, I think you can reasonably acquire Levi Brown or Jake Long, perhaps with a trade-down. A lot depends on the combine, of course. If the pick is used on secondary, Leon Hall is an interesting player. i think he can play corner or safety, so he gives a bit of flexibility.

I am really afraid they are going to bypass tackle for the 6th straight year (well, I guess you have to consider Boselli, right?) and we'll see another season of patchwork and scrambling to make up for injuries. I do think we should try and draft a QB in the second or third round, but it depends on how those guys all end up grading out. I'd be excited about Russell or Kolb, from what I've seen so far.

 

[hot pickle]

can someone tell me when free agency starts?

 

[SESupergenius]

I'd like to see how last years Free Agents panned out. I don't have the time right now but I'd like to see someone list the top 20 free agents last year (money wise) and grade their performance this season. Spending in FA may not be the best thing.

 

[Lucky]

...Spending in FA may not be the best thing.

Like the draft, it's hit or miss. Teams like the Saints, Seahawks, and Colts have to be happy with guys like Drew Brees, Julian Peterson, & Adam Vinatieri. Teams like the Cards, Skins, and Pokes didn't get the bang for the buck in guys like Edgerrin James, Adam Archuleta, & Mike Vanderjagt.

I think if you trust your pro scouting department, and feel that the right FA will help your team - go for it. That doesn't mean you throw crazy money after every warm body available (yes Dan Synder, I'm talking about you), but you can't play scared, either.

 

[OzzO]

I'd like to see how last years Free Agents panned out. I don't have the time right now but I'd like to see someone list the top 20 free agents last year (money wise) and grade their performance this season. Spending in FA may not be the best thing.

Per NFL.com, there were 407 free agents in 2006. I'll check to see if I can locate the top 20 or so. Interesting side note - Clements was given the franchise tag before this season.

 

[SESupergenius]

Like the draft, it's hit or miss. Teams like the Saints, Seahawks, and Colts have to be happy with guys like Drew Brees, Julian Peterson, & Adam Vinatieri. Teams like the Cards, Skins, and Pokes didn't get the bang for the buck in guys like Edgerrin James, Adam Archuleta, & Mike Vanderjagt.

I think if you trust your pro scouting department, and feel that the right FA will help your team - go for it. That doesn't mean you throw crazy money after every warm body available (yes Dan Synder, I'm talking about you), but you can't play scared, either.

True, but our track record hasn't been that great with FA.

 

[Tx'nFanLostInSkinCountry]

True, but our track record hasn't been that great with FA.

New FO now. Can't wait to see what Smith and Coach K can do in FA. Its not capers and casterley anymore.

 

[Tx'nFanLostInSkinCountry]

Throw a ton of cash at Adalius Thomas and Clements.

Draft a stud FS who can actually defend a pass.

More O-Line

RB in the third or fourth.

Throw a ton of cash at N. Clements
" " " " " " A. Samuels
" " " " " " L. Briggs
And hope and pray one of them bites.

Throw a little cash at Sands in Oakland and hope he would like to play with Mario and DeMeco and D-rob.

Everything else you said I agree with.

 

[bckey]

1st round: If Joe Thomas, AP, or Calvin Johnson are not on the board trade down (I'll say we get a 3rd round this year)
OT: sam baker if he comes out early from USC

2nd round:
S: eric Weddle from Utah

3rd round:
DT: Justin Harrell from Tennesse
QB: Kevin Kolb from UH

4th Round to 7th Round
Best player available (fullback, Kicker, Punter, DT, O-line, and so on)


Cuts:

Chad Stanley
Kris Brown
Steve McKinney
Efraam Salaam
Jameel Cook
Mark Bruener
Kevin Walter

Sam Baker is the OT that I have been wanting us to draft but I think he already announced he was staying at USC for his senior year. I agree with you on Kevin Kolb but he may not make it to the 3rd round.

Why in the world would you want to cut Kevin Walter?

 

[TheOgre]

I'd like to see how last years Free Agents panned out. I don't have the time right now but I'd like to see someone list the top 20 free agents last year (money wise) and grade their performance this season. Spending in FA may not be the best thing.

I agree. I think rather than signing one of the high-priced OLB's, CB's or whatever, we go with economy instead. Smith has shown a nose for low-priced talent during the season. I can only imagine what he could do with mid-priced guys to fill multiple needs. The problem with the previous regime was greatly overpaying for FA's. Lets not duplicate that feat.

 

[SLO Texan]

If I were the Texans I would.....

Free Agency :Here I would first go hard after a proven CB to put opposite D-Rob. As Xtrue.. stated in the original post, we really need a veteran leader in our backfield.

Next I would go get an OG so we could move Weary to C as I think Flanagan was a 1yr pickup and Hodgdon is'nt the answer.

And finally I would try and upgrade our DT position here.

*I feel veterans are most needed in these areas.

Draft :In the '07 draft I would trade down and try to get an extra 2nd or 3rd. Then I would continue to build our D with the first two picks going 1)FS...2)OLB.....With the final two picks on the first day I would look for the best CB and OL availiable.

As for the 2nd day of the draft I would go OL/RB/DT/K/P in no particular order but looking for the BPA in each round.

Cuts :I would cut C.Stanley, and J.Cook. Otherwise I don't really know how much everyone is getting paid and whether or not they are FA next year anyway. But those two need to GO!!!

Go Texans in '07!!!!

 

[Battle Red Flash]

Really the point of this isn't to name specific players but rather to prioritize what "must" be done this off-season in order for us to be competitive in '07....

Free agents: Go after anyone who can get to the quarterback on defense. I never knew what a skill that was til I saw the Texans flailing away at the other team's O-linemen. (LB, or DL)

Draft: Trade Back to late 1st and pick up a 2nd or 3rd. Draft; OL, FS, CB, DL, P, WR, RB. Anything except TE or FB.

Cut: Not sure.