Who do we take....???

[Errant Hothy]

Let's play what if:

- What if when we get on the clock all the LT propects are still there and so is McFadden...who you taking?

- What if Jonathan Stwerart and all but the top LT prospect is there...who you taking?

- Same as above but you are offered a lower 1st and another 3rd...who you taking?

 

[kastofsna]

McFadden is the clear best player in this draft, you obviously take him without question.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Let's play what if:

- What if when we get on the clock all the LT propects are still there and so is McFadden...who you taking?

I take McFadden.

- What if Jonathan Stwerart and all but the top LT prospect is there...who you taking?

Tough one but I probably take the LT propect unless Stewart is graded our higher than he is.

- Same as above but you are offered a lower 1st and another 3rd...who you taking?

Depends how many spots we drop/how low the 1st round pick is. According to the Pick Value Chart..dropping from 9th to 13th would get you the corresponding 3rd round pick. It depends who is still available at our 9th pick besides Stewart and the LT. But I would probably make this trade down for sure (yikes like when we got TJ). Trading down we would still be looking at J. Stewart, S. Baker, M.Jenkins, D. Connor, R.Clady,R. Smith, etc. I think we would get a real solid player and have that 3rd for a Center or a Running back?

 

[badboy]

Let's play what if:

- What if when we get on the clock all the LT propects are still there and so is McFadden...who you taking?

I take McFadden.

- What if Jonathan Stwerart and all but the top LT prospect is there...who you taking?

Tough one but I probably take the LT propect unless Stewart is graded our higher than he is.

- Same as above but you are offered a lower 1st and another 3rd...who you taking?

Depends how many spots we drop/how low the 1st round pick is. According to the Pick Value Chart..dropping from 9th to 13th would get you the corresponding 3rd round pick. It depends who is still available at our 9th pick besides Stewart and the LT. But I would probably make this trade down for sure (yikes like when we got TJ). Trading down we would still be looking at J. Stewart, S. Baker, M.Jenkins, D. Connor, R.Clady,R. Smith, etc. I think we would get a real solid player and have that 3rd for a Center or a Running back?

I agree. I really want a solid LT but from what I read, McFadden is going to be good. Fantasies aside, Green is here next year with guaranteed money. I would be stunned if Smith took a RB in first. Look for a trade down like you mention. If we can solidify two spots, it is hard to argue against. I'm not sure which is rated a higher need by Kubes, center or FS. For the life of me I do not understand his satisfaction with our FS.

 

[painekiller]

I'd be thrilled with a trade down and get a great LT. However like you said not many of these guys are 1st round guys. i'm not familiar with some of them but would they even fit this team?

[/B]

I said not all where 1st rounders, I did not say not many where 1st rounders. Just wanted to be clear. It is still early in the draft boards game and at this time 2 years ago, Winston was still a 1st rounder, so all ranking and projected list need to be taken with a huge sack of salt.

But I have seen list that 6 OTs in the top 23 players. Will all of the juniors declare? No. Will all projected 1st rounder stay top 31 players? No (remember #32 this year will the the 1st pick of the 2nd round due to NE having to give up there 1st rounder).

But I am seeing a large number of big uglies that can play OT available for the draft. I am saying OT because I am not sold on using a rookie at LT, and besides I would be willing to give Winston a shot at LT, and drafting a road grader for the RT.

 

[TexansSeminole]

I think the depths of the positions are pretty important.

Would most of you agree that we need to DRAFT a FS/CB and O-line this year? We need to draft someone in the secondary IMO.

How deep are the FS, CB, and O-line positions in this draft?

From what I can see, FS is pretty thin but CB is actually kind of strong.

I don't know too much about O-lineman but from what I can tell it isn't a thin group at tackle or center.

If a position like FS is thin past the second round what is your draft plan?

 

[Insideop]

Demeco Ryans was a great pick. Last year I thought Patrick Willis was the safest pick in the entire draft. You know exactly what your going to get with him and that's a stud. IMO he was basically risk free...sure fire great player.

This year, I'm starting to think Jonathan Stewart is that pick. I think Stewart is going to be such a solid running back and not risky at all. When we get to FS like Phillips or a LT like Clady or Baker...I think it becomes more risky.

You take the chance of really upgrading your team with a stud LT but then again he may not turn out to be that. I think a LT would do the most for this team but it's more Risky of a pick. I think if we pick stewart, we know exactly what we're getting and that is a good thing because he's "guaranteed" to be good, in my opinion.

I voted for Sam Baker because he was the only LT on the list and we need a LT badly. Having said that though, I do agree with OMT about Stewart. For some reason I don't know why (gut feeling maybe), I think Stewart may end up being the best pick. I got the same feeling about Okoye last year and Mario the year before, even when I thought there was no way the Texans would pick them. But, it's a long way to the draft and a lot of football left to play, and a lot can happen between now and then. So, like the rest of you, I'll just keep speculating on the future of the team and what they will do, because it's fun!

 

[badboy]

I think the depths of the positions are pretty important.

Would most of you agree that we need to DRAFT a FS/CB and O-line this year? We need to draft someone in the secondary IMO.

How deep are the FS, CB, and O-line positions in this draft?

From what I can see, FS is pretty thin but CB is actually kind of strong.

I don't know too much about O-lineman but from what I can tell it isn't a thin group at tackle or center.

If a position like FS is thin past the second round what is your draft plan?

Since we are playing what if, a reasonable scenario would entail Bennett becoming a solid #2 CB and Faggins moving to Nickle. Is FS then as glaring a weakness? Especially if an OLB that can cover is brought in. Another could be picking up a solid CB in FA as we have the money. Asante Samuel could be had for $30m in first three years of a five year deal. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/07/17/no_new_deal_for_samuel/

 

[The1ApplePie]

I'd go Stewart. You don't win championships by drafting RBs in the later rounds.

Unless you find an LT who is a absolute freak like Pace, I don't see why you draft one that high with all the holes he have.

Jake Long is more of a Guard prospect I think

It will be a safety, CB, or RB. McNair needs to get the merch selling and TV markets back, and O-Linemen don't get any of that done.

I'd say Conner for a good pick if McFadden or Stewart isn't there. Kid's a freak and a good LB can run a defense.

If we could trade down and get a CB in the first and Slaton in the 2nd, that would be the best case scenario.

 

[kastofsna]

Jake Long is more of a Guard prospect I think

justify that statement.

 

[badboy]

justify that statement.

I'm interested also. Never heard that before. Also would you go with Slaton in 2nd when an Aldridge from Houston or Charles from UT may be had lower? Or other back with similar skills? I see Slaton as more of a "scat back" that could work on Texans but not for many carries.

 

[infantrycak]

I'd go Stewart. You don't win championships by drafting RBs in the later rounds.

Willie Parker, Kevin Faulk, Terrell Davis and Michael Pittman seem to like their rings just fine.

 

[tulexan]

I'm interested also. Never heard that before. Also would you go with Slaton in 2nd when an Aldridge from Houston or Charles from UT may be had lower? Or other back with similar skills? I see Slaton as more of a "scat back" that could work on Texans but not for many carries.

I wouldn't draft Charles at all. He hasn't been very good since his freshman season (who was the quarterback on that team?) and fumbles a lot. I don't think Aldridge is anything more than a 3rd down back. He may be fast, but he is too small.

 

[kastofsna]

Willie Parker, Kevin Faulk, Terrell Davis and Michael Pittman seem to like their rings just fine.

i'm sure Joseph Addai, Jamal Lewis, Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith, and of course some recent conference champs with Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson, Shaun Alexander, Eddie George, etc.

 

[infantrycak]

i'm sure Joseph Addai, Jamal Lewis, Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith, and of course some recent conference champs with Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson, Shaun Alexander, Eddie George, etc.

By no means am I saying a 1st round back is a bad thing to have--just that it is silly to act as if you have to have one to win a championship. 1st round RB's have won three of the last ten championships.

 

[tulexan]

i'm sure Joseph Addai, Jamal Lewis, Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith, and of course some recent conference champs with Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson, Shaun Alexander, Eddie George, etc.

Do you really want to bring up Cedric Benson as an example of a running back who was drafted high who carried their team to success?

 

[infantrycak]

Do you really want to bring up Cedric Benson as an example of a running back who was drafted high who carried their team to success?

Including Thomas Jones is kind of dubious as well. Yes he was a 1st rounder but one who was considered a bust until he got to his third team, who promptly drafted a replacement for him.

 

[beerlover]

Willie Parker, Kevin Faulk, Terrell Davis and Michael Pittman seem to like their rings just fine.

what works for a few more often than not eludes others many times over

news flash- the Texans still lack enough talented players to compete each week in the NFL. RB happens to be just one of many positions needing addressed, how Rick Smith goes about this buisness of projecting/fitting in roster spots to build a cohesive unit that can withstand injurys, create mis-matches & out execute the opposition is a tall order but one I'm confident he will accomplish. just because you don't need an elite RB to win a Superbowl or that Denver has never spent a 1st rd. pick on a RB does not mean if the bpa when the Texans select or trade down offers don't return enough, whatever, if Jonathan Stewart grades out here both in terms of NEED, CHARACTER, TALENT, DURABILITY & UPSIDE then he'd take him regardless what you or anybody else think's for that matter

 

[painekiller]

1 LaDainian Tomlinson SD 2001 1st round
2 Larry Johnson KC 2003 1st round
3 Frank Gore SF 2005 3rd round
4 Tiki Barber NYG 1997 2nd round
5 Steven Jackson STL 2004 1st round
6 Willie Parker PIT undrafted FA
7 Rudi Johnson CIN 2001 4th rounder
8 Brian Westbrook PHI 2002 3rd rounder
9 Chester Taylor MIN 2002 6th rounder
10 Travis Henry TEN 2001 2nd rounder
11 Thomas Jones CHI 2000 1st rounder
12 Edgerrin James ARI 1999 1st rounder
13 Ladell Betts WAS 2002 2nd rounder
14 Fred Taylor JAC 1998 1st rounder
15 Warrick Dunn ATL 1997 1st rounder
16 Jamal Lewis BAL 2000 1st rounder
17 Julius Jones DAL 2004 2nd rounder
18 Joseph Addai IND 2006 1st rounder
19 Ahman Green GB 1998 3rd rounder
20 Deuce McAllister NO 2007 1st rounder
21 Tatum Bell DEN 2004 2nd rounder
22 Ronnie Brown MIA 2005 1st rounder

Of the twenty two 1000 yd backs last year, that's only 63 yds/game, half where 1st rounders (11), 5 where 2nd rounders and 3 where not 1st day talents (4-7 rounder or UDFA).

30 1st round picks where spent on RB from 1997 to 2006 (the years of the player on above list) 85 where picked on the 1st day during this time. There is a high bust factor in selecting a RB in the 1 round, and more so in a 1st day pick.

But the reward for drafting a great back is huge, the issue lies more so in where in the 1st round the back is drafted, as to the risk cost factor, after the mid point of the 1st round the backs tend to be a lower risk than the top 10 picked backs are. IMO this is due to the teams being more established before drafting RB, and this factor alone say go with the OL in the 1st and RB in the 2nd.

 

[infantrycak]

just because you don't need an elite RB to win a Superbowl or that Denver has never spent a 1st rd. pick on a RB does not mean if the bpa when the Texans select or trade down offers don't return enough, whatever, if Jonathan Stewart grades out here both in terms of NEED, CHARACTER, TALENT, DURABILITY & UPSIDE then he'd take him regardless what you or anybody else think's for that matter

I have repeatedly made the point that people should disregard Denver's drafting history and that as Kubiak has already demonstrated he is willing to take a 1st round RB. Right now Stewart looks like a great possibility next year and I am not against 1st round RB's at all. My only point was asserting you have to have a 1st round RB to win a championship is demonstrably false--sure it helps, but it isn't a necessity.

 

[infantrycak]

Of the twenty two 1000 yd backs last year, that's only 63 yds/game, half where 1st rounders (11), 5 where 2nd rounders and 3 where not 1st day talents (4-7 rounder or UDFA).

You can do the same analysis for basically every position. On average the talent is higher at the top of the draft and therefore so are the results.

 

[kastofsna]

Do you really want to bring up Cedric Benson as an example of a running back who was drafted high who carried their team to success?

he was integral to their offense.

i was just pointing out the other side of the story. really, with any sitatuon where someone makes a point for drafting a player high or low, there's plenty of examples of the opposite. or when someone says "you have to sit a QB" or "you have to start them right away" there's always going to be a counterpoint with just as much evidence.

you don't need a first round QB or RB to win a Super Bowl, but plenty of them have won Super Bowls, and plenty of non-first rounders have won Super Bowls. really can't make a case against either one.

 

[kastofsna]

You can do the same analysis for basically every position. On average the talent is higher at the top of the draft and therefore so are the results.

i think the numbers speak to how well teams actually do draft. everyone calls it a crapshoot, but bottomline, the majority of great players tend to be first rounders.

 

[HoustonFrog]

Kenny Phillips in a heart beat. I cannot watch our current safeties blow coverages and just play plain bad any longer.

I'm with you. I've been wanting a safety for a couple of drafts now. I'm tired of seeing these guys come out and then seeing them make plays. Safety has never been a high 1st round or 1st round staple for many but that has changed over the last few years and you can see a difference when someone is hawking and hitting back there.

 

[TexansSeminole]

I'm with you. I've been wanting a safety for a couple of drafts now. I'm tired of seeing these guys come out and then seeing them make plays. Safety has never been a high 1st round or 1st round staple for many but that has changed over the last few years and you can see a difference when someone is hawking and hitting back there.

I think Kenny Phillips could do wonders for the secondary.



Also kastofsna, Steltz seems to be a SS to me. I see him make a few plays in coverage, but it looks to me like the guy plays closer to the line of scrimmage than most safeties. He makes alot of plays sideline to sideline but I just don't understand why you think he is more of a FS than Phillips. They both cover ground well but I think Phillips is better in covering the field on passing downs. I realize Kenny is not having a great year but his team is having a pretty crap year.

I just don't see Steltz being more successful than Phillips when it comes to deep zone or the ability to cover a slot guy man to man in the NFL. Please respond because I usually read you and YTF for alot of draft information.

 

[bah007]

I wouldn't draft Charles at all. He hasn't been very good since his freshman season (who was the quarterback on that team?) and fumbles a lot. I don't think Aldridge is anything more than a 3rd down back. He may be fast, but he is too small.

In 22 career games in the Big 12, Charles has 1584 yds & 17 TDs on 278 carries (thats 5.70 yds per carry).

He doesnt get many yds because Greg Davis has had no clue what to do since Vince Young left.

He is the fastest guy on the team & they cant even get him touches because Davis needs a once in a lifetime college QB to make his schemes work.

Charles has run a 4.20 (wind-aided) 40 yard dash. At 6-1, 205, even a 4.3 40 would get him a very nice signing bonus on draft day.

BTW, Charles is a junior and only 2 players have ever declared early at Texas while Mack Brown has been the head coach, so I see Jamaal sticking around until year next.

 

[badboy]

I wouldn't draft Charles at all. He hasn't been very good since his freshman season (who was the quarterback on that team?) and fumbles a lot. I don't think Aldridge is anything more than a 3rd down back. He may be fast, but he is too small.

But that is the way I see Slaton, as a not every down back. I do not see drafting a "scat back" higher than 3rd, if then. We have to many other needs. Charles has put ball on ground but has also put up some yardage numbers also. I would not draft him either unless he fell to 5th. By the way Slaton is 195lbs 5'10". Anthony is 5'9" 175.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

But that is the way I see Slaton, as a not every down back. I do not see drafting a "scat back" higher than 3rd, if then. We have to many other needs. Charles has put ball on ground but has also put up some yardage numbers also. I would not draft him either unless he fell to 5th. By the way Slaton is 195lbs 5'10". Anthony is 5'9" 175.

Steve Slaton would be a perfect draft pick for our team if we were picking at say 22 and had our OL shored up, healthy QB, 3 good wr's, 1 good strong young RB, good TE, solid DL and LB corpse and had our FS and CB #2 spot filled.

 

[HoustonFrog]

In 22 career games in the Big 12, Charles has 1584 yds & 17 TDs on 278 carries (thats 5.70 yds per carry).

He doesnt get many yds because Greg Davis has had no clue what to do since Vince Young left.

He is the fastest guy on the team & they cant even get him touches because Davis needs a once in a lifetime college QB to make his schemes work.

Charles has run a 4.20 (wind-aided) 40 yard dash. At 6-1, 205, even a 4.3 40 would get him a very nice signing bonus on draft day.

BTW, Charles is a junior and only 2 players have ever declared early at Texas while Mack Brown has been the head coach, so I see Jamaal sticking around until year next.

All good except that the guy is full of FUMBLES!!! and has made it a habit at times. If college guys are poking around knowcking balls out what are trained pros who tackle and punch in one motion going to do. Don't get me wrong, the kid can be impressive but I see him fumbling and getting banged up.

 

[badboy]

Steve Slaton would be a perfect draft pick for our team if we were picking at say 22 and had our OL shored up, healthy QB, 3 good wr's, 1 good strong young RB, good TE, solid DL and LB corpse and had our FS and CB #2 spot filled.

I could sign off on that, but I would leave off the e on corpse. They aren't that bad. J/K.

 

[badboy]

All good except that the guy is full of FUMBLES!!! and has made it a habit at times. If college guys are poking around knowcking balls out what are trained pros who tackle and punch in one motion going to do. Don't get me wrong, the kid can be impressive but I see him fumbling and getting banged up.

http://scoreboards.aol.com/football/ncaaf/player/41649/player.aspx

4 fumbles. Hmm.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I could sign off on that, but I would leave off the e on corpse. They aren't that bad. J/K.

hahahah touche my friend...touche

 

[painekiller]

http://scoreboards.aol.com/football/ncaaf/player/41649/player.aspx

4 fumbles. Hmm.

In just this season.

There is a good article online about how Earl Campbell has become his mentor and Earl is working with Charles. And if he stays in school and solves the fumbling issue he could be a top 15 draft pick in 2009.

Currently I would take a 2nd day pick on the kid. Oh and one more thing, Tiki Barber was a fumbler also until he was coached a new way to carry the ball and it worked for him.

 

[threetoedpete]

I wouldn't draft Charles at all. He hasn't been very good since his freshman season (who was the quarterback on that team?) and fumbles a lot. I don't think Aldridge is anything more than a 3rd down back. He may be fast, but he is too small.

Well all I know about him is that if he has effective blocking, he gets into the second level, he will give the Db's a run to the end zone. Ulatoski made about the best hook block I've ever seen on the left defense end in the Nebraska game and Charles poped off the right end along the sideline like a cork out of a champagne bottle. He has world class speed no doubt. But....you don't know if he's a good blocker and you don't know if he can be an effective reciever. And he's gotta be both to be on this roster with this coach.

 

[barberman]

Baker, It`s time to fix this problem once and for all. I don`t think Spencer will come back at a LT, We need OL help to get this Offense moving consistantly. And in the 3rd round draft the best available Center.

 

[rollinstone18]

If Dunta's injury is as bad as it sounds, I change my vote to none of the above. Instead I'd rather we select Malcolm Jenkins, assuming he declares.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

If Dunta's injury is as bad as it sounds, I change my vote to none of the above. Instead I'd rather we select Malcolm Jenkins, assuming he declares.

I concur. I change my vote now to Malcolm Jenkins- CB- Ohio St.

dangit this sucks.

 

[badboy]

I could sign off on that, but I would leave off the e on corpse. They aren't that bad. J/K.

Update,although beating the Raiders was significant, losing Dunte makes your original spelling more accurate than I had thought. Did you see into the future?

 

[badboy]

hahahah touche my friend...touche

No offense OMT but you need to be more selective with those words that have or could have an 'e' on the end. I'm not sure if you meant touche or inadvertantly added another 'e' as with corps(e). I am your friend, but don't go touch (e)ing me. WHAHAHAHA. I am so giddy with this win.