bdiddy
Waterboy
Please let me know your thoughts.
It now appears unlikely that the Texans will get the first pick in the draft, unless they some how find a way to lose to the hapless 49ers. Here is my plan assuming we end up with the #2 pick.
Draft
We should trade the #2 pick to either the Jets, Saints, or Dolphins for their first and second round picks. Each of these teams is in need of a quarterback and is likely to be interested in drafting Matt Leinart.
With our new (lower)first round pick we should select the best offensive tackle available, hopefully Ferguson (there are several offensive tackles available in this draft, making this situation less risky than most years). Then with the now 2 second round picks we should pick (1) a pass-rushing DE/OLB (depending on whether or not we switch to the 4-3 scheme), and (2) a difference making WR or CB.
The third round pick should be used on a quality TE, who tend to slip and get drafted below their value. Perhaps Anthony Fasano of Notre Dame might be available. I know this would be a novel suggestion (to current management), but we need a TE that can both block and catch passes.
Rounds four-seven should be used to add depth with particular attention paid towards the offensive line, in particular guard, noting that Zach Weigart is aging.
Free Agency
Sign LeCharles Bently, a center with the New Orleans Saints. I know no one has heard of him but this is mainly because he is an offensive lineman and plays for the Saints. He was voted Offensive Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2002, went to the pro bowl in 2003 at guard, and was a pro bowl alternate a center (his position in college at Ohio State) last year. Bently will be cheaper than some other suggested free agent lineman in that he is a center, the lowest paid position on the o-line and because he is coming from New Orleans/San Antonio/Baton Rouge no player wants to deal with this situation. This signing would permit the Texans to move McKinney back to his better position of LG. The newly drafted OT and Chester Pitts should compete (a new concept to the Texans) for the starting left tackle job with the loser moving to right tackle. I know this makes Todd Wade an extremely highly paid backup, but so be it until is makes economic sense to release him.
If the team switches to a 4-3 defense they definitely need a strong middle linebacker. Even if there is no switch a serviceable veteran in this role (ala Jamie Sharper-type) would be useful.
Possibly a quality number 2 wide receiver depending on expense and the draft outcome. This may require letting go of Jabar Gaffney and going with his cheaper clone Derrick Armstrong.
Front Office and Coaching
Dan Reeves shall remain as the General Manager with Charlie Casserly being reassigned to have control solely over football operations and not personnel (assuming Casserly is willing to accept this).
Dom Capers has to go, I do not necessarily like it but it is time for a change. I think we should bring in Wade Phillips has Head Coach. This would allow us to maintain a simplified 3-4 scheme for at least a year, so that we can focus the predominate part of the draft on the offensive side of the ball. Phillips has a winning record as a coach, something that cannot be said of the current coaching staff. His worst season as a coach is 8-8, which would be the Texans best season. He has a history of turning average to below average defenses in to first-tier units.
If Phillips is brought in as Head Coach it is absolutely imperative that the Texans hirer an established Offensive Coordinator to bring along a new and improved offense. I suggest Al Saunders from Kansas City. All signs are pointing to Dick Vermeil retiring at the end of the season and management does not consider Saunders a viable Head Coaching candidate, favoring Mike Lewis (NY Giants) or Ron Rivera (Bears). Saunders would bring an open attach that still respects the running game, which is exactly what the Texans need.
With the suggested changes I foresee dramatic improvements with a record ranging somewhere between 7-9 and 9-7.
It now appears unlikely that the Texans will get the first pick in the draft, unless they some how find a way to lose to the hapless 49ers. Here is my plan assuming we end up with the #2 pick.
Draft
We should trade the #2 pick to either the Jets, Saints, or Dolphins for their first and second round picks. Each of these teams is in need of a quarterback and is likely to be interested in drafting Matt Leinart.
With our new (lower)first round pick we should select the best offensive tackle available, hopefully Ferguson (there are several offensive tackles available in this draft, making this situation less risky than most years). Then with the now 2 second round picks we should pick (1) a pass-rushing DE/OLB (depending on whether or not we switch to the 4-3 scheme), and (2) a difference making WR or CB.
The third round pick should be used on a quality TE, who tend to slip and get drafted below their value. Perhaps Anthony Fasano of Notre Dame might be available. I know this would be a novel suggestion (to current management), but we need a TE that can both block and catch passes.
Rounds four-seven should be used to add depth with particular attention paid towards the offensive line, in particular guard, noting that Zach Weigart is aging.
Free Agency
Sign LeCharles Bently, a center with the New Orleans Saints. I know no one has heard of him but this is mainly because he is an offensive lineman and plays for the Saints. He was voted Offensive Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2002, went to the pro bowl in 2003 at guard, and was a pro bowl alternate a center (his position in college at Ohio State) last year. Bently will be cheaper than some other suggested free agent lineman in that he is a center, the lowest paid position on the o-line and because he is coming from New Orleans/San Antonio/Baton Rouge no player wants to deal with this situation. This signing would permit the Texans to move McKinney back to his better position of LG. The newly drafted OT and Chester Pitts should compete (a new concept to the Texans) for the starting left tackle job with the loser moving to right tackle. I know this makes Todd Wade an extremely highly paid backup, but so be it until is makes economic sense to release him.
If the team switches to a 4-3 defense they definitely need a strong middle linebacker. Even if there is no switch a serviceable veteran in this role (ala Jamie Sharper-type) would be useful.
Possibly a quality number 2 wide receiver depending on expense and the draft outcome. This may require letting go of Jabar Gaffney and going with his cheaper clone Derrick Armstrong.
Front Office and Coaching
Dan Reeves shall remain as the General Manager with Charlie Casserly being reassigned to have control solely over football operations and not personnel (assuming Casserly is willing to accept this).
Dom Capers has to go, I do not necessarily like it but it is time for a change. I think we should bring in Wade Phillips has Head Coach. This would allow us to maintain a simplified 3-4 scheme for at least a year, so that we can focus the predominate part of the draft on the offensive side of the ball. Phillips has a winning record as a coach, something that cannot be said of the current coaching staff. His worst season as a coach is 8-8, which would be the Texans best season. He has a history of turning average to below average defenses in to first-tier units.
If Phillips is brought in as Head Coach it is absolutely imperative that the Texans hirer an established Offensive Coordinator to bring along a new and improved offense. I suggest Al Saunders from Kansas City. All signs are pointing to Dick Vermeil retiring at the end of the season and management does not consider Saunders a viable Head Coaching candidate, favoring Mike Lewis (NY Giants) or Ron Rivera (Bears). Saunders would bring an open attach that still respects the running game, which is exactly what the Texans need.
With the suggested changes I foresee dramatic improvements with a record ranging somewhere between 7-9 and 9-7.
