Kubiak is the Key to the Draft

[MikeMc]

If Kubiak is the new HC (which will happen as soon as DEN is eliminated from the playoffs), I think OL is the starting point. I could still see a trade down scenario to help gain more picks for 2006 and/or 2007. An OT like Trueblood or Colledge in the 2nd would not be bad.......both are your typical OTs for a Denver style run game. Here is what TSN says about them:

Jeremy Trueblood
T, Boston College

War Room analysis
Strengths: Is a giant with a huge wingspan. Is strong and quick. Is tough, and plays hard on every snap. Is efficient and sets up quickly in pass protection. Plays with good leverage when he gets low. Is an excellent run blocker who moves well and finishes blocks. Plays with a nasty streak. Is solid and durable.

Weaknesses: Is very tall, and can struggle with defenders who get under his pads. Lacks elite athleticism. Can struggle to stop bull rushers. Will struggle against quick NFL ends who get a step on. Must learn to use hands better in pass protection.

Bottom line: Trueblood is a solid player who gives his all on every down. He has the size and quickness to play in the NFL. He'll need time to develop behind a veteran. The '06 offensive tackle class is loaded, but Trueblood should be among the top selections.

Daryn Colledge
T, Boise State

War Room analysis
Strengths: Is explosive. Strong upper body, good footwork, balance and knee bend make him outstanding in pass protection. Good angles, speed and reach make him an above-average downfield blocker. Has all the intangibles: plays with a mean streak, plays hard to the whistle and has outstanding work ethic. Can be a leader on the line.

Weaknesses: Must add bulk to play against larger NFL defensive linemen. Needs bigger body to add strength, leverage and anchor, and to keep from getting overpowered.

Bottom line: Colledge has great experience despite playing outside a major conference. He could become the nation's best pass protector.
*******************************************

This is key if the D is switching to a 4-3. The DL basically has all DTs. Look at it this way, who plays DE?? Walker, Payne, RSmith, TJohnson, Deloach, Ioane, and Malone are all DT in a 4-3. The OLBs we have would get killed in a 4-3: Babin, Peek and Wong (and maybe Pettway) are too small to play DE in a 4-3.

So maybe the Texans trade down, but take Mario Williams (who many compare to Julius Peppers - the player most want in 2003 draft at #1). It looks like #6 and #7 spot would be the spots to take a DE (SF & Raiders), so a trade with SF would allow them to get the dream tandem of Smith & Bush (old HS teammates from SD area). This would allow the Texans to get MWIlliams or MKiwanuka. Either would be excellent choices at DE.

The rotation at DT would be incredible! Having Walker, Payne, Smith, TJ & Deloach being part of a 5-man rotation would be crazy! Plus a major Pass Rush specialist like the above mentioned rookies paired with Babin at the other DE spot!

LBs should be fine with the guys the Texans have (Greenwood, Wong, Evans, Peek) and draft at least two LBs this year.

I think the DBs can be upgraded next year. If you have a solid Front Four pressuring the QB, the LBs and DBs can take care of coverage.

 

[edo783]

Works for me.

 

[YoungTexanFan]

If Kubiak is the new HC (which will happen as soon as DEN is eliminated from the playoffs), I think OL is the starting point. I could still see a trade down scenario to help gain more picks for 2006 and/or 2007. An OT like Trueblood or Colledge in the 2nd would not be bad.......both are your typical OTs for a Denver style run game. Here is what TSN says about them:

Jeremy Trueblood
T, Boston College

War Room analysis
Strengths: Is a giant with a huge wingspan. Is strong and quick. Is tough, and plays hard on every snap. Is efficient and sets up quickly in pass protection. Plays with good leverage when he gets low. Is an excellent run blocker who moves well and finishes blocks. Plays with a nasty streak. Is solid and durable.

Weaknesses: Is very tall, and can struggle with defenders who get under his pads. Lacks elite athleticism. Can struggle to stop bull rushers. Will struggle against quick NFL ends who get a step on. Must learn to use hands better in pass protection.

Bottom line: Trueblood is a solid player who gives his all on every down. He has the size and quickness to play in the NFL. He'll need time to develop behind a veteran. The '06 offensive tackle class is loaded, but Trueblood should be among the top selections.

Daryn Colledge
T, Boise State

War Room analysis
Strengths: Is explosive. Strong upper body, good footwork, balance and knee bend make him outstanding in pass protection. Good angles, speed and reach make him an above-average downfield blocker. Has all the intangibles: plays with a mean streak, plays hard to the whistle and has outstanding work ethic. Can be a leader on the line.

Weaknesses: Must add bulk to play against larger NFL defensive linemen. Needs bigger body to add strength, leverage and anchor, and to keep from getting overpowered.

Bottom line: Colledge has great experience despite playing outside a major conference. He could become the nation's best pass protector.
*******************************************

This is key if the D is switching to a 4-3. The DL basically has all DTs. Look at it this way, who plays DE?? Walker, Payne, RSmith, TJohnson, Deloach, Ioane, and Malone are all DT in a 4-3. The OLBs we have would get killed in a 4-3: Babin, Peek and Wong (and maybe Pettway) are too small to play DE in a 4-3.

So maybe the Texans trade down, but take Mario Williams (who many compare to Julius Peppers - the player most want in 2003 draft at #1). It looks like #6 and #7 spot would be the spots to take a DE (SF & Raiders), so a trade with SF would allow them to get the dream tandem of Smith & Bush (old HS teammates from SD area). This would allow the Texans to get MWIlliams or MKiwanuka. Either would be excellent choices at DE.

The rotation at DT would be incredible! Having Walker, Payne, Smith, TJ & Deloach being part of a 5-man rotation would be crazy! Plus a major Pass Rush specialist like the above mentioned rookies paired with Babin at the other DE spot!

LBs should be fine with the guys the Texans have (Greenwood, Wong, Evans, Peek) and draft at least two LBs this year.

I think the DBs can be upgraded next year. If you have a solid Front Four pressuring the QB, the LBs and DBs can take care of coverage.

I agree, but recently I started think we could trade down with NY to #4 and take Mario.

I like how you are not calling out Buchanon and actually seem to have faith, a refreshing and shared view.

I do not agree with your assesment of the LB corps though, as Greenwood and Peek could both walk. Greenwood is stuck because of his contract. Orr earned a starting spot going into ST. Wong is solid. Babin should be a DE in the 4-3. We have almost NO starter quality MLB on our roster. I love Ahmad Brooks potential, and would not mind drafting him if we traded down again. Nick Reid seems like a good MLB to groom who can step in immediatly on special teams.

 

[texan279]

This is key if the D is switching to a 4-3. The DL basically has all DTs. Look at it this way, who plays DE?? Walker, Payne, RSmith, TJohnson, Deloach, Ioane, and Malone are all DT in a 4-3. The OLBs we have would get killed in a 4-3: Babin, Peek and Wong (and maybe Pettway) are too small to play DE in a 4-3.

Babin could play the RDE no problem. I would rather see him there in a 3 point stance. And size would not be a problem for Babin, although he may have to bulk up just a little. He is listed as 6'2'' 259, compare that to Dwight Freeney at 6'1'' 268, Javon Kearse at 6'4'' 265, and Derrick Burgess at 6'2'' 260.

 

[texan279]

I agree, but recently I started think we could trade down with NY to #4 and take Mario.

I like how you are not calling out Buchanon and actually seem to have faith, a refreshing and shared view.

I do not agree with your assesment of the LB corps though, as Greenwood and Peek could both walk. Greenwood is stuck because of his contract. Orr earned a starting spot going into ST. Wong is solid. Babin should be a DE in the 4-3. We have almost NO starter quality MLB on our roster. I love Ahmad Brooks potential, and would not mind drafting him if we traded down again. Nick Reid seems like a good MLB to groom who can step in immediatly on special teams.

One probem I see switching to a 4-3 is the ILB spot, both Wong and Greenwood have played the ILB spot in the 4-3 though they are both in high end contracts right now. I know they could battle it out for the starting spot, but what happens to the one who doesn't get the starting spot?

 

[YoungTexanFan]

One probem I see switching to a 4-3 is the ILB spot, both Wong and Greenwood have played the ILB spot in the 4-3 though they are both in high end contracts right now. I know they could battle it out for the starting spot, but what happens to the one who doesn't get the starting spot?

Neither one is a true MLB, they are both OLB...especially greenwood. Ahmad Brooks is the answer folks.

 

[CITY CAT]

You see what Kubiak can do with mediocre RBs (aka Tatam Bell, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson) imangine what he can do with president Bush. Despite Bush's "average" performance in the Rose Bowl I am jumping back on the bandwagon.

 

[gtexan02]

Im sorry but the name Trueblood is so incredibly awesome that have to draft him just so I can buy that jersey

 

[YoungTexanFan]

Im sorry but the name Trueblood is so incredibly awesome that have to draft him just so I can buy that jersey

Thats not an awsome name really.

Dwayne Slay has a cool name, and it fits.

there was a thread where we talked about this a long time ago.

 

[Texian]

Not so fast my friend...Kubiak is from the Alex Gibbs school of Zone Blocking and running backs. This is a good thing considering Atlanta and Denver lead the league in rushing. What Gibbs looks for in his OL is quickness, lateral speed and good footwork, size is not important. Alex believes he can find what he wants in OL in the 4-7 rds and 3-4 rds for RBs. Denver's OL are under 300 lbs w/ the exception of Foster. All were taken in the 4th Rd or later w/ the exception of Foster...I think this is similar to what you will find with Kubiak as HC.

 

[texan279]

Neither one is a true MLB, they are both OLB...especially greenwood. Ahmad Brooks is the answer folks.

Wong played 4 years at Minnesota and in the last 2 years there he started all 16 games, 32 total, and in that time had 211 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 INT's. In the last 2 years Greenwood played ILB at Miami, in 32 games, he had 183 tackles and .5 sack. I don't understand why you say they are not true MLB's.

 

[F-minus67]

I thought that Zach Thomas played ILB for the dolphins and Greenwood was an OLB.

 

[Grid]

yep if we get Kubiak ive got my eye on Daryn Colledge.. he looks like a great fit for the Denver blocking scheme. I also am watching Davin Joseph in the 3rd.

Here is his scouting report from TSN

Davin Joseph
G, Oklahoma

War Room analysis

Strengths: Has a good frame. Is strong and powerful, with great mobility and very good lateral movement. Moves smoothly; plays particularly well in the open field. Is tough, plays with a mean streak and can consistently reach the second level. Can knock back defenders with initial hand punch. Rarely loses a battle once locked on. Plays under control and has excellent quickness.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal height and size. Will struggle on the perimeter. Must improve footwork, hand placement and awareness against stunts and blitzes.

Bottom line: A former defensive lineman, Joseph moved to guard as freshman and will move to left tackle as a senior. He might be the 2006 draft's best guard prospect. Only a lack of height will prevent him being elite.

(he is 6'3" 312 btw)


I also think that Mark Setterstrom might make a good second day prospect(5th or 6th round) if he is available.

Mark Setterstrom
G, Minnesota

War Room analysis

Strengths: Has average upper-body strength. Is a striker. Not fast but gets into pass protection well. Can pick up a blitz. Is durable and experienced. Is a very good athlete with excellent potential.

Weaknesses: Is undersized and might not have the frame to add bulk. Must improve his technique for both pass and rushing situations. Because of his size, he will have limited opportunities and have trouble anchoring against a strong bull rusher.

Bottom line: A durable player, Setterstrom has decent upper-body strength and could be an average pass protector. He doesn't have a strong base and will not be effective in a power running game. His inferior size will result in a limited playing role

and as long as im posting them.. I wouldnt mind Cedric Griffin in the 4th.

Cedric Griffin
CB, Texas

War Room analysis

Strengths: Is big and athletic. Plays a physical, aggressive, attacking style. Likes to play bump-and-run coverage. Attacks the line of scrimmage. Is strong, and uses hands well. Shows good instincts, reads plays well and makes good decisions. Is quick, and shows a nice closing burst. Is a hard hitter and a solid tackler. Is willing in run support. Is a great special teams player. Is durable and dependable.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed, and will struggle against fast NFL receivers downfield. Will have trouble turning and running with receivers. Comes out of backpedal too high. Must improve ball skills and playmaking ability. Must become more consistent.

Bottom line: Griffin is solid and versatile; he played cornerback and safety at Texas and has the potential to play either position in the NFL. He has the size and athleticism to play cornerback but lacks the elite speed and must hone his ball skills. Griffin's talent and potential will make him a solid Day 2 pick.

 

[texan279]

I thought that Zach Thomas played ILB for the dolphins and Greenwood was an OLB.

You're right, for some reason I was thinking he played ILB. Brain fart I guess.

 

[ThaShark316]

I thought that Zach Thomas played ILB for the dolphins and Greenwood was an OLB.

You would be correct.

 

[Jerry]

Not so fast my friend...Kubiak is from the Alex Gibbs school of Zone Blocking and running backs. This is a good thing considering Atlanta and Denver lead the league in rushing. What Gibbs looks for in his OL is quickness, lateral speed and good footwork, size is not important. Alex believes he can find what he wants in OL in the 4-7 rds and 3-4 rds for RBs. Denver's OL are under 300 lbs w/ the exception of Foster. All were taken in the 4th Rd or later w/ the exception of Foster...I think this is similar to what you will find with Kubiak as HC.

Well, the thing is, Atlanta's pass blocking is terrible, and much of their edge in rushing comes from Vick. Just because they don't need top draft picks to build a functioning line doesn't mean a top pass blocking tackle won't solidify the line in terms of pass protection. If you could add an Orlando Pace lite lite (yes, two lites) to keep Carr on his feet, wouldn't you be tempted? Zone-blocking is great for the run game, but not quite as great for the passing game IMO.

 

[Grid]

its not AS great.. but that doesnt mean it cant be good. I think.. and dont quote me on this.. but I think that zone run blocking is more about technique than power. I dont see how 280-300lb linemen could be such great run blockers if that wasnt the case.

For that reason.. I think prospects like Colledge and Joseph are good investments.

As for Kubiak building his line in the later rounds.. this is true.. but I think you will also find that alot of his linemen were groomed over a couple of seasons, and I dont think we can wait two more seasons to have an effective line. We may need to invest higher picks in our line in order to get it up to snuff more quickly.

 

[texan279]

its not AS great.. but that doesnt mean it cant be good. I think.. and dont quote me on this.. but I think that zone run blocking is more about technique than power. I dont see how 280-300lb linemen could be such great run blockers if that wasnt the case.

For that reason.. I think prospects like Colledge and Joseph are good investments.

As for Kubiak building his line in the later rounds.. this is true.. but I think you will also find that alot of his linemen were groomed over a couple of seasons, and I dont think we can wait two more seasons to have an effective line. We may need to invest higher picks in our line in order to get it up to snuff more quickly.

You are right about the zone blocking. In zone blocking you basically take two or three linemen and have them block an "area" in unison instead of one on one matchups.

 

[michaelm]

I thought that Zach Thomas played ILB for the dolphins and Greenwood was an OLB.

If I remember correctly, Greenwood lead the team in tackles or maybe 2nd in tackles one or two years... at OLB

 

[michaelm]

You are right about the zone blocking. In zone blocking you basically take two or three linemen and have them block an "area" in unison instead of one on one matchups.

Yes, but I'm pretty sure that zone blocking is used ONLY in the running game. Traditional drop back blocking is used for passing plays.

 

[texan279]

Yes, but I'm pretty sure that zone blocking is used ONLY in the running game. Traditional drop back blocking is used for passing plays.

You can use zone blocking in pass protection also.

 

[Grid]

Well I dunno how Denver does it.. and they may not be the Colts.. but they dont seem to be that bad at pass blocking.

either way.. it makes Colledge a more tempting prospect. A quick, technically sound tackle that fits the Denver mold, and excels in pass blocking.

 

[Scooter]

i know it doesnt really fit kubiak's system, but would it be so bad to add 700+lbs of meat at the guard positions by adding max jean-giles & taitusi lutui? think about it ... we wouldnt have to worry about DE's getting by on the outside on passing downs because the line would have to spread out 5 steps to fit everyone in.

=p

 

[Grid]

hah.. if we were bringing in anyone but Kubiak id agree with that. But I want a line just like Denvers .. I want every RB we have to be a 1000 yard rusher. I want to see Tony Hollings rush for 150 yards in a game despite the fact that he is made of glass and has no talent.

 

[Scooter]

bah, you're no fun grid. nobody wants to watch tony hollings, what i want to see is a rookie go pound for pound with ted washington.


the quickest way to make carr more comfortable in the pocket would be to put a 365lb booty infront of him. besides, the commentators would have a field day with those rear ends each requiring their own zip code.

 

[whiskeyrbl]

I think you have to take Bush #1.DD is injury prone and coming off a knee injury.As for the OL,we have 4 of the first 66 picks this year.(clock is running)

 

[whiskeyrbl]

Our defense is going to be ok ,and a lot better with some tweaking.Our problem lies squarley on the shoulders of the offensive side of the ball.If you cant get 10 first downs in a game i don't care how good your defense is you are not going to win.A switch to 4-3 is the best thing for our type of defensive personel.As for offense Bush is our best bet.At the least he is a t
riple threat.At running back,wide receiver,or return man.On the offense this would give us our (Aikman,Irvin,Smith) or (Manning,Harrison,James).And on special teams......How would you like to decide who to kick to...Mathis or Bush.

 

[MikeMc]

Well, if the DE is not addressed in the Draft this year (assuming a switch to 4-3), who will play DE? Smith at LE and Babin at RE? Didn't Wong play some DE? I know Peek was a DE in college but was drafted to play OLB in the 3-4 (like Babin).

Reid is a solid MLB from KU, I saw him up close at the Ft Worth Bowl....solid FB skills. Played the 4-3 MLB spot.

As for the OL, the funny thing about some of the OT & OG that I like in this draft is that they are getting knocked for their lack of size. Maybe that will allow them to drop in the draft and allow the Texans to pick them up and create the next Gibbs-style OL. I know the Texans tried that (zone blocking) with the personnel they have, but it did not work....you must have the right type of personnel to make it work.

Do any of you think Cass is just saying he will take Bush #1, or do you think it will be another in a long line of Casserly Draft surprises?? (See Babin in 04 & PBuch/ TJ not DJ in 05).

 

[texan279]

Well, if the DE is not addressed in the Draft this year (assuming a switch to 4-3), who will play DE? Smith at LE and Babin at RE? Didn't Wong play some DE? I know Peek was a DE in college but was drafted to play OLB in the 3-4 (like Babin).

Reid is a solid MLB from KU, I saw him up close at the Ft Worth Bowl....solid FB skills. Played the 4-3 MLB spot.

As for the OL, the funny thing about some of the OT & OG that I like in this draft is that they are getting knocked for their lack of size. Maybe that will allow them to drop in the draft and allow the Texans to pick them up and create the next Gibbs-style OL. I know the Texans tried that (zone blocking) with the personnel they have, but it did not work....you must have the right type of personnel to make it work.

Do any of you think Cass is just saying he will take Bush #1, or do you think it will be another in a long line of Casserly Draft surprises?? (See Babin in 04 & PBuch/ TJ not DJ in 05).

To me, if we switched to the 4-3, Babin should be the automatic choice at RDE, just my opinion, I am no coach. I say bulk him up a bit, in college he played in the 280 range. As far as LDE, if one was not drafted, I guess we could stick Walker in at the LDE and we could put Payne/Smith in at DT.

 

[MorKnolle]

To me, if we switched to the 4-3, Babin should be the automatic choice at RDE, just my opinion, I am no coach. I say bulk him up a bit, in college he played in the 280 range. As far as LDE, if one was not drafted, I guess we could stick Walker in at the LDE and we could put Payne/Smith in at DT.

Babin could play 4-3 DE and would only need to add 5-10 lbs. to do it (265-270 is plenty big for a 4-3 DE). Peek could play situational DE or play full-time if he gained 20-25 lbs (that would put him up to 265-270 but probably limit his mobility a little). Gary Walker absolutely can not play a 4-3 DE anymore, early in his career he could but not now. Robaire and Seth Payne also cannot play 4-3 DE, maybe Travis Johnson but we'd lose a lot on our pass-rushing abilities and might as well stay in a 3-4 if we're going to use the three of them on the line. If we are switching to a 4-3, we need to bring in another DE somehow (John Abraham is a free agent if the Jets don't resign him, and they might have some cap problems this year and have to release him, or they could transition tag him and send him here as part of a trade for the #1 overall pick, which I think is fairly likely if the Texans decide to do that).

 

[MikeMc]

Most of the DL on the roster are onlt fit to play DT in a 4-3. Babin is the only one I see that would be a full-time starter at RDE, Peek could be a pass-rush specialist in passing downs. So drafting a DE is important. That is why I suggested the trade down and drafting of Mathias or Mario.

ANd when I say draft one, I do not mean in the 6th or 7th rds....I mean a top talented DE.

 

[edo783]

I don't think Babin will need to add any pounds. He's at the same weight as the other edge speed rushers are. The question in my mind, is he fast enough to be the edge guy....could be. Seems reasonably fast, it's just how will it translate.

 

[TheOgre]

I always liked Lance Gunn. That was a great name.

 

[TheOgre]

I don't think Babin will need to add any pounds. He's at the same weight as the other edge speed rushers are. The question in my mind, is he fast enough to be the edge guy....could be. Seems reasonably fast, it's just how will it translate.

He did very well against top competition when he was in college. He averaged 15 sacks a season and had his best games when they played BCS conference teams. You would have to think they would key on him a lot so that makes it more impressive.

Question for you: Think about the Texans over the past 4 years. How many players actually got significantly better over time? I was thinking about this the other day and it really makes you wonder about the coaching.

 

[texan279]

I don't think Babin will need to add any pounds. He's at the same weight as the other edge speed rushers are. The question in my mind, is he fast enough to be the edge guy....could be. Seems reasonably fast, it's just how will it translate.

I don't think he'll have a problem with it. In college he played in the 280 range as a DE in a 4-3 and had 299 tackles, 38 sacks, 75 stops for losses, and 8 forced fumbles. And from what I read, between the end of his final college season and the combine, he lost 20 pounds and ran a 4.69 40 at the combine.

 

[YoungTexanFan]

I don't think he'll have a problem with it. In college he played in the 280 range as a DE in a 4-3 and had 299 tackles, 38 sacks, 75 stops for losses, and 8 forced fumbles. And from what I read, between the end of his final college season and the combine, he lost 20 pounds and ran a 4.69 40 at the combine.

His 40 time is what made cass fall in love with him.

 

[texan279]

His 40 time is what made cass fall in love with him.

The point I was trying to make though is look at the stats he put up when he was 20 pounds heavier, imagine what he could do now as a 4-3 DE being 20 pounds lighter and being that much faster.

 

[YoungTexanFan]

The point I was trying to make though is look at the stats he put up when he was 20 pounds heavier, imagine what he could do now as a 4-3 DE being 20 pounds lighter and being that much faster.

I agree for the most part. Let him find the weight he feels he needs to be at. Let him line up with his hands down. If he is still running a 4.6 fourty thats great. I would be more worried about his 10 and 20 yard times. That is initial burst. That is a DE.

 

[Texian]

Well, the thing is, Atlanta's pass blocking is terrible, and much of their edge in rushing comes from Vick. Just because they don't need top draft picks to build a functioning line doesn't mean a top pass blocking tackle won't solidify the line in terms of pass protection. If you could add an Orlando Pace lite lite (yes, two lites) to keep Carr on his feet, wouldn't you be tempted? Zone-blocking is great for the run game, but not quite as great for the passing game IMO.

Oh contraire ..Jerr...I think Denver only gave up 15 sacks all year, close to league low. Denver's line has been groomed over 12 years, Atlanta is only in their 2nd year with Gibbs. Atlanta fumbled because their defense went south when Brady and Hartwell went down.

I am a new Texan fan and really don't know enough about hwo the oline plays. The priorities for a Kubiak oline is quickness, lateral movement and good footwork not size. If your 330 lbs and can do the above, great, but not many can. If the Texan Oline does not have those qualities then it won't be long before they are gone.

 

[jerek]

Babin could play the RDE no problem. I would rather see him there in a 3 point stance. And size would not be a problem for Babin, although he may have to bulk up just a little. He is listed as 6'2'' 259, compare that to Dwight Freeney at 6'1'' 268, Javon Kearse at 6'4'' 265, and Derrick Burgess at 6'2'' 260.

Babin is the right size to play a pass-rushing DE. Peek could play a situational DE, ala Mathis of the Colts. Babin pisses me off because he will be a complete non-factor for half a season (I know he's been injured, I mean when he is not) and then become a terror for a game or two. I never know which Babin I will get. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[TheOgre]

I don't think Babin ever got comfortable as our LOLB. I think he was in his head too much. At his size, he will likely always be a liability against the run on the weakside. I can live with that if he can provide a killer pass-rush like some of the other DRE's in the league (KGB, Suggs, Freeney, etc.). Babin was a terror in college averaging 15 sacks a season. Lets see what he can do in his "natural" position.

 

[edo783]

Babin pisses me off because he will be a complete non-factor for half a season (I know he's been injured, I mean when he is not) and then become a terror for a game or two. I never know which Babin I will get. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I think some/most of that dead dog can be laid at Fangio's door. His scheme required reads and drop backs for Babin. Concequently, Babin wasn't the factor off the edge like he should have been. 1st year he looked fairly solid for a rookie and most of the second he was a non-factor due to injury. However, in the last few games, it looked like the game plan was to FINALLY attack off the edge. IMO, scheme/lack of coach quality had a GREAT deal to do with how Babin has performed. It is ammazing to me how incompetent our coaching staff rally was. Is he a guy worth multipul pick to get....IMO, that's still TBD, but probably not, but he may be close to it.