LBs in the Later Rounds...

[texasguy346]

Many of us would like to see a Chad Greenway or A.J. Hawk on the Texans, but I think most agree they'll go in the first. With that in mind I thought we might want to take a look at some of the LB prospects that are more likely to get picked in the 2nd Round and beyond. I'll list a few of my favorites. Feel free to list your own as well.

Spencer Havner UCLA (6'4, 245) - He's got the size to play in the middle, and he's excells in coverage. He's got good speed, he's a smart player, and he should be available in the 3rd round. Good value.

A.J. Nicholson FSU (6'2, 235) - He's a speedy and talented LB who has a knack for making big plays. His run-ins with police could drop his stock dramatically. He's another player I'd expect to be availabe in the 3rd round and beyond, but if he has an impressive season this year he might elevate himself into the 2nd round despite his baggage.


Roger McIntosh Miami (6'3, 237) - He makes my list mostly because he could be had in the second day. He's got plenty of talent but it's just a matter of him putting it all together. At worst he'd make for quality depth, and he'd be a great special teamer.

D'Qwell Jackson Maryland (6'0, 233) - This guy is a gem, and I'd expect him to go in the 2nd round. It wouldn't be surprising to see him sneak into the late first. He's got everything you could ask for in a LB. He performs well against the run and the pass, and he doesn't have much of a problem shedding blockers to get to the ball carrier. He's strong, fast, and has good instincts.


Anthony Schlegel Ohio St (6'2, 245) - He transferred to Ohio State from the Air Force academy. He's a tough and gritty player, and he does a good job of taking on blockers. He's better against the run than in coverage, but he's still a good value you pick early in the 2nd day.

 

[beerlover]

nice

I assume your targeting Wong, or his successor. frankly the Texans defense this year should rock, but we still need protection for Carr and the ability to dictate ball control. So I'm sticking with offensive line in the 1st couple round's, maybe a guard, tackle or TE being targets. if AJ Hawk where available I agree that would make a difficult decison easier. as for the others I'll have to follow and see how they do this coming season.

I predict that the Texans defense will be far more aggressive and effective in 05, maybe even top 10 in the NFL. the offense continues to bother me, many question marks that need to be addressed (one of them having nothing to due with personel but play calling, listening Palmer)

 

[texasguy346]

Yeah I started with the ILBs first. I'll add some of the OLB prospects I'll be watching this upcoming season once I get a little more time. Basically this whole thread is to help give people an idea of just a few of the other LB prospects to keep an eye on during the season. I figure once others post some of the LBs they'll be watching that we should have quite a list of talented prospects. I think our D will be pretty good this season, and I'd expect Cass & Capers would want to add more talent and competition to our LB core. We've got ok depth at ILB with Polk and Moreno, and on the outside there's not a whole lot there except for Anderson. Picking up some talented young guys capable of challenging the starters would only serve to improve the defense as a whole.

 

[Texas_Thrill]

I think other than Wong we are probably set as far as LB's go. I certainly think we are good on the outside (assuming Peek does well).

 

[texasguy346]

I'm speaking more of depth than starters. Outside of Peek and Babin we don't have much for depth. Anderson seems like a good player, but I doubt any of us would be comfortable with him and/or Pettway seeing significant time at OLB this year due to an injury to a starter.

 

[texasguy346]

Now for some of the 3-4 OLB Prospects I think could be available in the later rounds for a good value.

Manny Lawson NC St (6'5, 245) - He's a DE and he's a natural at rushing the passer and taking on bit OTs on a regular basis. The interesting thing about him is that he's very fast, and will probably be up among the fastest LB prospects. He plays well against the run, and overall a quality player. His team mate Mario Williams garners a bit more attention, but Lawson is definately a good fit for a 3-4 team. He could go first day depending on how he performs this season.

Javon Nanton Miami (6'3, 250) - Again he's a DE for the Hurricanes, but he's proven to be an effective speed rusher with good strength. He is pretty quick to react to the ball with very good agility, and should be able to make the adjustment to OLB. Not sure where he'll end up going, but I doubt he goes in the first round.

Pierre Woods Michigan (6'5, 247) - This guy reminds me alot of Peek. He's got a non-stop motor, and is excellent at applying pressure to the QB. Woods is always around the ball, and with some work could become a very solid player. I think he definately goes in the first day so we'd have to grab him early.