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Connor Barwin is a Texan!

:shrug:

I heard a lot of people talking about him before the draft...
 
The guy had one of the best workouts at the combine of any defensive player. Really athletic, an OLB/DE hybrid. Seems like he will be a great situational pass rusher.
 
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Don't like this pick at all, not with moore sitting there & safety being a need of ours. Someone said it n another thread, but all I see is jason babin 2.0 when I look at him....
 
With Cushing and Barwin (and Smith in free agency), the Texans have gotten more physical upfront. The pressure is now on Frank Bush to turn this talent into an effective unit.
 
I gather from this pick that the FO didn't see a CB/FS/SS worth the #2 spot as some of the best at those positions were taken. Texans might still get Moore or Sean Smith in the 3rd if they are there, but I think this is more of a reach then Matthews would have been. I'm not saying the pick is bad, just to soon for my taste. The kid has a ton of athletic talent and was expected to go to a 3-4 team.
 
Mr teX said:
Don't like this pick at all, not with moore sitting there & safety being a need of ours. Someone said it n another thread, but all I see is jason babin 2.0 when I look at him....
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Moore is a third round talent at best. He is more versatile than Babin. ANd remember Babin was a first rounder to boot.
 
Lucky said:
With Cushing and Barwin (and Smith in free agency), the Texans have gotten more physical upfront. The pressure is now on Frank Bush to turn this talent into an effective unit.
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I agree. Barwin's got some speed too.

For those who didn't know who he was, we've only been talking about him for the last month
 
I'm really curious, as to how the Texans are going to use this guy.

Mario will play 3 downs..... Smith will kick in on third?? Now we can put Bullman, or Connor on the end I guess for passing situations??

Not what I expected, but I knew they were going to throw a curveball some where. I think they have hit more than missed, so I'll excitedly watch this play out.
 
HOU-TEX said:
I agree. Barwin's got some speed too.

For those who didn't know who he was, we've only been talking about him for the last month
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I was looking at some of his clips and dude gets off the ball like lightning...

He also changes direction really well...
 
REPOSTED from Draft Thread (otherwise it would be lost):

CloakNNNdagger said:
Dang, this may be a monster pick!


NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Connor Barwin, DE/TE, Cincinnati
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Connor Barwin oozes confidence. And not the confidence that could easily be dismissed or categorized as arrogance, but a confidence borne of hard work and dedication, a self assuredness acquired thru discipline and performance. Confidence is a very powerful thing and has propelled Barwin to the enviable position he know finds himself in.
He may be the most versatile player available in the entire draft but the amazing thing is where he was a year ago at this time.

The 6-4, 255 pound Barwin came to the University Cincinnati as a tight end and also appeared in 41 games with the Bearcat basketball team. On the football field, he spent his first two years backing up future Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek. In 2007 he finally got the chance to start and responded with a respectful junior campaign racking up 31 receptions and two touchdowns on the season. But prior to his senior season in 2008, head coach Brian Kelly called Barwin into his office for an unexpected meeting that drastically altered his future.

“Just after winter conditioning Coach Kelly called me into his office. I thought he was calling me into his office because I was going to be a senior, to be a team leader, something along those lines,” Barwin continued. “But then he just threw it on me; “What do you think about playing defensive end?” And I said “I’ve never really thought if it.” He then told me they were ‘going to try it out in the spring but were not really trying it out, because I know you’re going to be good at it.’ And ever since first couple days of spring ball I felt natural doing it and it worked out.”

Worked out indeed. Barwin went from solid yet unspectacular tight end to the best defensive end in the Big East in less than a year, leading the conference in sacks and being named all conference. In 14 games, he had 11 sacks, 53 tackles and16 tackles for loss. To get an idea of how athletic and how much of a disruptor he is in all facets, Barwin had eight passes defended and blocked three punts adding steam to the idea of him being an ideal fit for an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. So, how does a guy go from playing tight end to leading the Big East in sacks in less than a year?

“He plays really fast and really hard,” said Barwin when posed that question. “That’s what I did all year and had success doing that. My coaches deserve a lot of credit because they kept the game plan very simple for me so it was really just me playing on my motor and my speed.”

Barwin’s individual success with the transition to defensive end served as a catalyst for the University of Cincinnati, leading the program to the Orange Bowl its first BCS bowl game in school history.

“It was really important and individually it was really satisfying to know that I played a big role in it and it worked out perfect; we had 12 wins, won the Big East outright in my senior year with a lot of other seniors Id grown close to,” said Barwin. “You feel more confident and leave the program feeling like you’ve opened it to the next level.”

That confidence was on display at the Senior Bowl, where Barwin played both positions and shifted from offensive drills to defensive drills seamlessly amongst some of the best players in the nation. In a game full of big names, no one was as talked about as Barwin.

“I went into it knowing I was going to be able to play both, but I have to give Marvin Lewis a lot of credit for allowing that to happen,” said Barwin about displaying his skill at both positions in front of a slew of NFL scouts. “I know a lot of coaches wouldn’t have even worried about it but it was important to get to show my ability on both sides of the ball and he made sure it happened. A lot of teams that looked at me didn’t really watch my junior year film as a tight end, so it was important I was able to prove myself as a legit option at tight end. I helped myself in that way and it was fun to show my ability in front of the whole country.”

Because of the nationwide exposure Barwin’s draft stock has risen considerably in the last month thanks to the versatility he displayed at the Senior Bowl. But when asked about the buzz surrounding his name, Barwin downplayed it and swiftly displays the difference between confidence and arrogance.

“As far as my draft stock rising, it’s not that exciting. I mean it’s better than having my draft stock falling, but I firmly believe to not follow that as much as possible. My agent really drills that into my head to not believe that I hear and read,” said Barwin. “I’m just doing my best to get prepared for the Combine. I’m excited for the Combine to show people how fast I am, how agile and athletic I am.”

Speaking of the Combine and how fast he is, how fast will Barwin run the 40 yard dash?
“I’m for sure a 4.6 guy but the goal is to break under 4.6, a high 4.5 for the Combine but we’ll see what happens.”

As for which position he’d rather play, Barwin is open to anything. “If I had my choice I’d ask the coach which position I’d get more plays in the game and whatever position he said, that’s the one I want to play.”

If the transition from tight end to defensive end is any indication, Connor Barwin will make the transition from college stud to productive pro just as smoothly.
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Now I'm pumped ! I honestly would have taken this guy over Cushing if given the choice. I'm really excited because maybe he's the guy across from Mario in passing situations we've been needing ? You've got to stick your neck out, take some chances and this guy has downside for sure, but he's got tons of upside ! Did I mention I was excited about Connor Barwin !
OKay, this thing may be coming together for the Texans on D !
 
Another "meh" pick

Nothing outstanding about the guy at all, kind of like Cush

I agree. Barwin's got some speed too.

For those who didn't know who he was, we've only been talking about him for the last month
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Its a bad sign about a guy when no one knows who he is before he goes to the combine. Or that he is listed as DE/TE
 
In 3 years, Rick Smith will be considered Asserly jr. for this draft
 
I remember them saying on Sirius NFL Radio that Connor Barwin has muscles where muscles shouldn't be.
 
LonerATO said:
I agree in that OL would have been a better choice
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Last year was the first year we had the same 5 guys play all 16 games on the OL. Personally, I wouldn't mess with that. I would not be looking for a starter on the OL. Not this year.
 
thunderkyss said:
Last year was the first year we had the same 5 guys play all 16 games on the OL. Personally, I wouldn't mess with that. I would not be looking for a starter on the OL. Not this year.
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Just because our offensive line stayed healthy, doesn't mean that they played good.
 
Polo said:
I was looking at some of his clips and dude gets off the ball like lightning...

He also changes direction really well...
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Yes, he does. Everythin he does has the speed and quickness you'd want in a football player. His size.......hopefully he can keep OT's hands off of him. Otherwise, he's dead meat
 
I love this pick. I can finally get excited about the draft. This kid has a non-stop motor, exceptionally quick first step, & can drop back in coverage. He's versatile enough to play DE, OLB, & TE. I'm very interested in how the Texans will use him.
 
The1ApplePie said:
Another "meh" pick

Nothing outstanding about the guy at all, kind of like Cush



Its a bad sign about a guy when no one knows who he is before he goes to the combine. Or that he is listed as DE/TE
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why? because it shows hes really athletic?

ahh you're just mad because it not a wr lol. as always kubiak & smith get the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise
 
I love Barwin in the second... BUT I don't get it. You just took Cushing, who's value is that he can put his hand on the ground on passing downs, and now you take a situational pass rusher? If Barwin is going to be your 3rd down pass rusher, then Cushing is coming off the field all together, killing his value as a first rounder.

:mcnugget:

My displeasure with Cushing at 15 is growing as he just became a two down player. They're killing me.
 
& to add insult to injury, mcbath goes right after us...I'm not liking how this draft is shaping up ....always happy to be proven wrong though....
 
Love this pick, this guy is going to be a dynamite rusher from the get go and contribute in a multitude of other ways. 3rd down pass rusher and a guy that can get into the rotation at DE immediately. If Frank wants to mix up his scheme this guy can line up at LB, he can be third string TE and play ST. In a couple of years I expect him to be a very good defensive end and that should give us 3 top notch guys there. Look at the Giants when Strahan was there if you don't think we need quality depth at that position.
 
Goatcheese said:
I love Barwin in the second... BUT I don't get it. You just took Cushing, who's value is that he can put his hand on the ground on passing downs, and now you take a situational pass rusher? If Barwin is going to be your 3rd down pass rusher, then Cushing is coming off the field all together, killing his value as a first rounder.

:mcnugget:

My displeasure with Cushing at 15 is growing as he just became a two down player. They're killing me.
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I think that on 3rd down, Barwin becomes a DE opposite Mario and Bulman becomes super depth. Smith slides inside and Cush stays on the field.
 
Maddict5 said:
why? because it shows hes really athletic?

ahh you're just mad because it not a wr lol. as always kubiak & smith get the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise
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If he made a true impact on the field, someone might have actually heard of him.

Good thing is he is basically Clay Matthews at a cheaper price. Situational pass rusher/special teamer
 
I didn't like it at first, but then I sat back and thought about it. The guy was a 1st rounder in a lot of mocks. High effort, versatile player. I kind of think it's a solid pick now.
 
Gtom NFL.com

Analysis
Positives: Tall with a well-developed upper body. ... Physical at the point of attack. ... Can get under the offensive tackle's pads and push him into the quarterback. ... Has effective stutter and spin moves. ... Relentless as a pass rusher, he also hustles down the line and chases ballcarriers downfield. ... Good backfield awareness to knock down passes and keep contain on reverses, run plays and bootlegs. ... Uses his hands well to keep blockers away and shed to make tackles. ... Stands up on some plays -- may fit as a 3-4 rush linebacker. ... Very coachable because of his intelligence, work ethic and motor. ... A special teams ace since his freshman year; he blocked three punts in 2008. ... Played power forward for the Bearcats' basketball team for two seasons as a walk-on.

Negatives: A bit tight in the hips, is not smooth changing direction or handling coverage in the flat. ... Is not a quick-twitch athlete. ... Although he showed some explosiveness and suddenness off the edge, NFL tackles will be more difficult to beat. ... Inexperienced on defense, played only one season; must continue working on his pass-rushing techniques.
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BTW, he was considered a plowing roadgrader TE blocker on goal-line plays........still a potential as a change of pace versatility use on the offense side.
 
Mari-OWNED! said:
Just because our offensive line stayed healthy, doesn't mean that they played good.
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But they did play well..... we had the #3 offense in total yards.

no doubt we have some areas to work.... but you've got your core, they are still improving, let them get another year under their belts, then we can start tweaking.

Besides, it looks like this years theme, is to get the QB.
 
Hottoddie said:
I love this pick. I can finally get excited about the draft. This kid has a non-stop motor, exceptionally quick first step, & can drop back in coverage. He's versatile enough to play DE, OLB, & TE. I'm very interested in how the Texans will use him.
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I agree. I totally love this pick!

I see much blitzing in our future. I'm pumped. IS IT SEPTEMBER YET?!!!
 
This pick doesn't seem so bad with what was left on the board after watching his highlights. He seems pretty explosive and like a guy with some natural abilities.
 
awtysst said:
I think that on 3rd down, Barwin becomes a DE opposite Mario and Bulman becomes super depth. Smith slides inside and Cush stays on the field.
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Cushing is going to play the SAM LB position which doesn't play in the nickle package for 90% of 4-3 teams. Adibi and Ryans are your nickle LBs. If you kick Smith inside and bring in Barwin then Cushing is on the sideline.

I would love the Barwin pick if we hadn't taken a SAM linebacker who's 1st round value was because of his ability to play DE on 3rd down. 2 down players are not worth 1st round picks IMO.
 
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