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How would you rank the following units of the Houston Texans based on your 2023 expectations?

Lucky said:
I'm speaking in generalities. Not speaking about a specific person.

"You can go as far as your imagination takes you." No you specifically, powda. You're probably limited. I'm talking in a generic fashion.
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I think if you skim through the "apocalypse now" thread you'll find my imagination isn't that limited, but in a generic fashion? Ok.
 
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powda said:
I think if you skim through the "apocalypse now" thread you'll find my imagination isn't that limited, but in a generic fashion? Ok.
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And look how far your imagination has taken you. Quite the accomplishment. Here is your vitual Pulitzer award for outstanding achievement on a pro football fan forum.

R.0dbc21f12e0b0f159de293185f1ad09e
 
powda said:
Hard time to be critical when the team has hit the reset button. New coach, new qb, even ownership is trying to rebrand itself. Folks want to be hopeful and anything that infringes on that will get scrutiny.

Ultimately, we all want the same thing. A SB. If a reader doesn't, I question his Fandom. I don't question yours.

Personally, I have no problem criticizing the team as long as it's pragmatic. Even now with a reset. A 20 year history illustrates one failure after another. I want to be hopeful but I have doubts. Cj wasn't high on my list ,but now that he's here, I'll root for him.

It's wait and see for me.
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I didn't think I was criticizing the WR room. I was being pragmatic. This team has no clear WR1 going into the season. Lots of unproven potential. Identifying other factors (rookies, rookies everywhere) that are a major factor in how this group shows up this year.

That being said, I have been one of Collins' biggest defenders around these parts. I like the draft selections, including Metchie from last year who is essentially a rookie. I even rejected the tone of the recent external article that started this topic saying that this was the worst WR group in the league.

But this is still the weakest link on the team. If my fandom gets questioned for saying that, then so be it.
 
sandman said:
I didn't think I was criticizing the WR room.
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ESPN'S Bill Barnwell agrees with you. In fact, he says the Texans have the worst collection of offensive weapons in the league.

texanswire.usatoday.com

Texans dead last in ESPN's WR-RB-TE rankings

The Houston Texans have added to their skill positions in the 2023 offseason. Whether through free agency or the draft, the Texans gathered personnel to give rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud help as the No. 2 overall takes command of the offense. According to Bill…
texanswire.usatoday.com
 
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Buckeye Homer said:
ESPN'S Bill Barnwell agrees with you. In fact, he says the Texans have the worst collection of offensive weapons in the league.

texanswire.usatoday.com

Texans dead last in ESPN's WR-RB-TE rankings

The Houston Texans have added to their skill positions in the 2023 offseason. Whether through free agency or the draft, the Texans gathered personnel to give rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud help as the No. 2 overall takes command of the offense. According to Bill…
texanswire.usatoday.com
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And these terrible collection of weapons are much better than the weapons from last year.
 
Buckeye Homer said:
I think Nico Collins is underrated. I think Tank Dell is going to be really hard to cover. A healthy John Metchie will be HUGE. Dameon Pierce is good and Dalton Schultz is excellent. I think the offense is going to surprise a lot of people, especially you. :)
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I hope you're right.

I don't think that the weapons are all that bad if everybody stays healthy, which has been an issue.. I do agree that a couple of stud playmakers like Harrison or Bowers would be huge.

I can't remember his name but what do you think about the other wr from Ohio St. ?
 
steelbtexan said:
I hope you're right.

I don't think that the weapons are all that bad if everybody stays healthy, which has been an issue.. I do agree that a couple of stud playmakers like Harrison or Bowers would be huge.

I can't remember his name but what do you think about the other wr from Ohio St. ?
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Yeah we have 3 potentially really good players (nico, stingley, metchie) that hopefully can get on and stay healthy while playing at a high level.
 
steelbtexan said:
I hope you're right.

I don't think that the weapons are all that bad if everybody stays healthy, which has been an issue.. I do agree that a couple of stud playmakers like Harrison or Bowers would be huge.

I can't remember his name but what do you think about the other wr from Ohio St. ?
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Emeka Egbuka?

Last season was his first as a starter. He's a great talent but he made his share of mental errors on the field last season. Hopefully, he can avoid those mental errors in year 2 as a starter and have a stellar season. I've seen him projected as a top-15 draft pick in some mock drafts but I assume they're basing that on the assumption that he will continue to get better. I certainly wouldn't draft him in the first round based on last season alone.

Unless the Browns completely implode and go 2-15, there is virtually ZERO chance that the Texans will be able to snag Harrison Jr. If the Texans get to pick 16th, might Bowers be there? Maybe, but I doubt it.
 
Buckeye Homer said:
I think Nico Collins is underrated. I think Tank Dell is going to be really hard to cover. A healthy John Metchie will be HUGE. Dameon Pierce is good and Dalton Schultz is excellent. I think the offense is going to surprise a lot of people, especially you. :)
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The stats of Nico Collins in the article you presented show that Collins has been an average to maybe even slightly below average NFL WR. In this case the stats don't lie. He's been in the league for two solid seasons and has yet to have that "break out" game that would at least show some promise that he'll be better than average.

According to the ESPN article you posted, the Texans collection of WR's, TE's, and RB's were last in the league last year. I don't think they've done enough this offseason for the pundits to bump them up much. That's not a slam against this front office. What the previous regime did to this team was an abomination. An opponent couldn't have damaged this team on purpose anymore than what O'Brien, Gaine and Easterby did. I don't think that's an overreaction. Consequently, this team, IMHO, is still a couple years out from respectability. Meaning, people who cover the NFL aren't going to suddenly start changing their stance on the Texans. The WR/RB/TE group has to show they can do it before people change their minds. Metchie has to be healthy AND productive. Pierce has to be productive AND healthy. Schultz average 6.5 yards per reception last year. He's solid but he's not going to be the difference maker some people think he will be. If Dell can take the physicality of the NFL, he might make it in the league as a steady contributor on offense. If not, he'll be a punt return specialist and nothing else.

I'm excited to see what they can do on offense. I'm not expecting any drastic improvements in production but I think they'll be fun to watch.
 
banned1976 said:
The stats of Nico Collins in the article you presented show that Collins has been an average to maybe even slightly below average NFL WR. In this case the stats don't lie. He's been in the league for two solid seasons and has yet to have that "break out" game that would at least show some promise that he'll be better than average.

According to the ESPN article you posted, the Texans collection of WR's, TE's, and RB's were last in the league last year. I don't think they've done enough this offseason for the pundits to bump them up much. That's not a slam against this front office. What the previous regime did to this team was an abomination. An opponent couldn't have damaged this team on purpose anymore than what O'Brien, Gaine and Easterby did. I don't think that's an overreaction. Consequently, this team, IMHO, is still a couple years out from respectability. Meaning, people who cover the NFL aren't going to suddenly start changing their stance on the Texans. The WR/RB/TE group has to show they can do it before people change their minds. Metchie has to be healthy AND productive. Pierce has to be productive AND healthy. Schultz average 6.5 yards per reception last year. He's solid but he's not going to be the difference maker some people think he will be. If Dell can take the physicality of the NFL, he might make it in the league as a steady contributor on offense. If not, he'll be a punt return specialist and nothing else.

I'm excited to see what they can do on offense. I'm not expecting any drastic improvements in production but I think they'll be fun to watch.
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Great post!

I think all of the less-than-flattering statements about Houston's offense should be a tremendous motivator for them. I do think that the talking heads are a bit remiss in not considering (apparently) how CJ Stroud is likely to make all of them better. For that matter, I think CJ is also being underrated by them.

With good health and perhaps a few friendly bounces, maybe they can win 9-10 games. I can't wait to watch this team!
 
DBCooper said:
Yeah we have 3 potentially really good players (nico, stingley, metchie) that hopefully can get on and stay healthy while playing at a high level.
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I have a wait-and-see position on Metchie, at this time. He had a recovery setback and missed OTA's. He's reportedly set to be ready by TC, but I'm having a nagging doubt he'll stay healthy.
 
Lucky said:
I don't thing anyone other than fans pay attention to this stuff. These guys are just trying to figure out how to make it in the league.
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You're probably right but I would think the coaches would use it as motivation to help the players to be focused and to work hard to prove the doubters wrong. I'm actually a little offended by it and I've been a fan for only 2 months.
 
Buckeye Homer said:
You're probably right but I would think the coaches would use it as motivation to help the players to be focused and to work hard to prove the doubters wrong. I'm actually a little offended by it and I've been a fan for only 2 months.
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Coaches are way too busy to pay attention to this stuff. Making the team, getting snaps, becoming a winner. That's what's on players minds this time of year.
 
Number19 said:
Just found out his hamstring was a grade 2 partial tear/strain.
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For a non-athete, recovery is 4 to 8 weeks. Metchie has easily had this. But for an athlete who puts much more stress on the body? Of course the training facilities are top notch. Metchie's style of play/route running with his sharp cuts and acceleration is really stressful. The trainer and coaching staff are just going to need to hold him back and aim for the first game and not TC. Ease him into it.
 
Buckeye Homer said:
Emeka Egbuka?

Last season was his first as a starter. He's a great talent but he made his share of mental errors on the field last season. Hopefully, he can avoid those mental errors in year 2 as a starter and have a stellar season. I've seen him projected as a top-15 draft pick in some mock drafts but I assume they're basing that on the assumption that he will continue to get better. I certainly wouldn't draft him in the first round based on last season alone.

Unless the Browns completely implode and go 2-15, there is virtually ZERO chance that the Texans will be able to snag Harrison Jr. If the Texans get to pick 16th, might Bowers be there? Maybe, but I doubt it.
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Thanks, yes

I think Bowers goes in the 7-10 range, which is where I think the Browns pick will be. If you think Harrison is a HOF WR and I see him falling to 3-4 because of QB needy teams, if the Texans are picking say 8th and Harrison falls to 4, would you trade up to get him knowing it's going to take a 1st, 2nd and a 2025 1st to get him. I've got Harrison as a HOF type talent. Put it this way, would you do this trade for another Andre Johnson? Harrison is that talented. IMHO, I don't know if I would do this trade or not but I would think long and hard about it. Having an extra 2024 3rd might push me into saying yes to the deal. Guys look like Harrison are very rare.
 
banned1976 said:
The stats of Nico Collins in the article you presented show that Collins has been an average to maybe even slightly below average NFL WR. In this case the stats don't lie. He's been in the league for two solid seasons and has yet to have that "break out" game that would at least show some promise that he'll be better than average.

According to the ESPN article you posted, the Texans collection of WR's, TE's, and RB's were last in the league last year. I don't think they've done enough this offseason for the pundits to bump them up much. That's not a slam against this front office. What the previous regime did to this team was an abomination. An opponent couldn't have damaged this team on purpose anymore than what O'Brien, Gaine and Easterby did. I don't think that's an overreaction. Consequently, this team, IMHO, is still a couple years out from respectability. Meaning, people who cover the NFL aren't going to suddenly start changing their stance on the Texans. The WR/RB/TE group has to show they can do it before people change their minds. Metchie has to be healthy AND productive. Pierce has to be productive AND healthy. Schultz average 6.5 yards per reception last year. He's solid but he's not going to be the difference maker some people think he will be. If Dell can take the physicality of the NFL, he might make it in the league as a steady contributor on offense. If not, he'll be a punt return specialist and nothing else.

I'm excited to see what they can do on offense. I'm not expecting any drastic improvements in production but I think they'll be fun to watch.
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You see Schultz like I do, solid NFL veteran player. Which is better than anything the Texans org has put out there since OD left Kirby, which is really sad. Schultz will really help, but he's not a difference maker.
 
Buckeye Homer said:
Great post!

I think all of the less-than-flattering statements about Houston's offense should be a tremendous motivator for them. I do think that the talking heads are a bit remiss in not considering (apparently) how CJ Stroud is likely to make all of them better. For that matter, I think CJ is also being underrated by them.

With good health and perhaps a few friendly bounces, maybe they can win 9-10 games. I can't wait to watch this team!
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With the 6th easiest schedule in the NFL next season and all of the changes that have been made I expect 9-10 wins.
 
Number19 said:
I have a wait-and-see position on Metchie, at this time. He had a recovery setback and missed OTA's. He's reportedly set to be ready by TC, but I'm having a nagging doubt he'll stay healthy.
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Man I wish Caserio would have picked Pickens instead of Metchie and said so at the time and I like Metchie.
 
Expectations?

Mills finally gets a supporting cast, including coaching and has a breakout season.

Keenum solidifies the backup job giving Stroud time time to sit back and learn what the NFL is all about. If he does in fact learn.

What I don't expect is for posters who proclaim "no excuses" to ever learn the difference between an excuse and legitimate reasoning. :D

:coffee:
 
steelbtexan said:
Thanks, yes

I think Bowers goes in the 7-10 range, which is where I think the Browns pick will be. If you think Harrison is a HOF WR and I see him falling to 3-4 because of QB needy teams, if the Texans are picking say 8th and Harrison falls to 4, would you trade up to get him knowing it's going to take a 1st, 2nd and a 2025 1st to get him. I've got Harrison as a HOF type talent. Put it this way, would you do this trade for another Andre Johnson? Harrison is that talented. IMHO, I don't know if I would do this trade or not but I would think long and hard about it. Having an extra 2024 3rd might push me into saying yes to the deal. Guys look like Harrison are very rare.
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I just started entertaining the idea of this type of trade. To move up to the range of where Marvin Harrison, Jr is attainable, will cost at minimum 2024 RD1, RD2, and 2025 RD1. If the pieces from last 2.5 drafts begin to solidify....this could be a justifiable trade unless Nico Collins has a serious breakout season and takes the need off the table.

If MH has a healthy and productive season with Ohio State, it could easily justify the trade knowing that a productive Collins could stay at WR1 and Harrison would be a solid mismatch weapon at WR2. A healthy Metchie, a productive Dell, and solid production from Hutchinson and Wayne would certainly move the Texans receiver group into NFL elites.

So, all in all....I'd make the trade.

Another player that could be around in RD3 or even RD4 could be Ohio State TE, Cade Stover. This TE can evidently do it all as well. Extremely good as a blocking TE who happens to be a solid route runner and receiving TE. Unfortunately, he's just not going to get the targets needed to bump his draft stock.....I mean, how do you with a receiving room that stacked. He's going to remain under the radar and become a solid sleeper pick in the draft. It also gives Stroud a couple of familiar faces to work with, which shouldn't be a bad thing.
 
steelbtexan said:
Thanks, yes

I think Bowers goes in the 7-10 range, which is where I think the Browns pick will be. If you think Harrison is a HOF WR and I see him falling to 3-4 because of QB needy teams, if the Texans are picking say 8th and Harrison falls to 4, would you trade up to get him knowing it's going to take a 1st, 2nd and a 2025 1st to get him. I've got Harrison as a HOF type talent. Put it this way, would you do this trade for another Andre Johnson? Harrison is that talented. IMHO, I don't know if I would do this trade or not but I would think long and hard about it. Having an extra 2024 3rd might push me into saying yes to the deal. Guys look like Harrison are very rare.
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I suspect that the Texans have too many other needs to trade the farm for MHJ.
 
Lucky said:
That's why they traded up for Anderson. But they found a team that wanted to move down. That's not always possible. And the Texans had more draft capital to win that bidding war. That won't always be the case.
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True they used the draft capital from the Derrick trade on WA because Hannah just had to get her marketing center piece. I'm thinking that if the QB's go 1st and 2nd and a pass rusher goes 3rd the Texans who I think will be drafting 7th or 8th will have the draft capital to move up to 4th. This excersize is more of a would you trade up or not, than the fact that a team might not be willing to trade with you.
 
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It
steelbtexan said:
True they used the draft capital from the Derrick trade on WA because Hannah just had to get her marketing center piece. I'm thinking that if the QB's go 1st and 2nd and a pass rusher goes 3rd the Texans who I think will be drafting 7th or 8th will have the draft capital to move up to 4th. This excercize is more of a would you trade up or not you could than the fact that a team might not be willing to trade with you.
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I'm hoping that Cleveland will be awful but it's more likely that they're a playoff team.
 
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