OptimisticTexan 2018 Preliminary Off-Season and Draft

[OptimisticTexan]

Again this is just a preliminary thought process. My draft forecast will more than likely change when the NFL Combine and Pro Days are completed.

I. Cuts I would make to improve "Salary Cap":
1. LB- Cushing
2. OG- Allen
3. RB- L. Miller
4. CB- Jackson

**These players by my estimates have all under performed their contracts**


II. Texans players I would re-sign:
1. FS- Pleasant
2. SS- Gilchrist
3. RB- Blue
4. OT- Clark. **1 yr deal**
5. CB- Joseph **1 yr deal**

**These are inexpensive players to retain. Clark would be my only reservation.**


III. RFA I would keep for 2018:
1. WR- Ellington
2. LB- Heeney
3. OC- Mancz **I would give Mancz a new contract**
4. LB- Peters

IV. UFA I would like to sign. Listed from priority down:
1. OG- Andrew Norwell (CAR) / Spotrac estimated value, 5 yr - 60M / Solid addition to OL. This signing might allow Texans to move Mancz back to C and have Martin take the other OG spot.

2. SS- Kenny Vaccaro (NO) / Estimated value, 4 yr - 26M / Better talent at SS. That isn't saying Gilchrist is a liability but it creates amazing depth with other options for the DB's that I'm sure RC will know how to utilize.

3. WR- Sammy Watkins (LAR) / Spotrac estimated value, 3 yr - 18M / Hopkins, Watkins and Watson would be fun to watch. I would expect some immediate chemistry. Lethal; Hopkins, Watkins, Fuller, Ellington and Miller.

4. CB- TJ Carrie (LVR) / Solid and young CB who has played fairly decent with the Raiders. I like his chances of advancing his game under RC. Essentially, a younger version of JJo.

5. LT- Greg Robinson (DET) / Under performing former RD1 pick until this past season. Had an ok season covering LT position for starting LT. For the right prove-it type contract (2yr - 3M + Incentives) I'd like to see if the Texans could get him back on track while he bridges the gap for Davenport or draftee. Couldn't be any worse than what the team had out there last season. Also, he's a young guy...25 yrs old.

6. RT- Seantrel Henderson (BUF) / Basically same as above except he screwed up at the Combine and fell like a rock in the draft. He's always had the tools and athleticism to play in the NFL but he's been immature from U of Miami through a good portion of his rookie contract. Might finally be maturing so I'd roll the dice to see how bad he wants to remain in the NFL. He's also a young player at 25 yrs old. I'd offer a 2yr - 2M prove-it deal with incentives.

7. OG- Jonathan Cooper (DAL) / Same as above. Had a decent season filling in this past season. Roll the dice on a 1 yr deal at 1.5M to see what he brings to the table in a make or break season.

8. RB- Alfred Morris (DAL) / Could be a nice addition if the Texans release Miller. I think Morris would better fit O'Brien's running scheme. I'd offer a 2 yr - 3M deal.

**Robinson, Henderson, Cooper, and Morris would represent low risk, high reward type of players who could be playing for their NFL careers. See who wants it bad enough.**


V. Futures/Reserves Contract Players I have interest in:
1. TE- Zach Conque- Stephen F. Austin- 6-4 @ 225 lbs. / Former QB who was pretty decent but made the switch to TE. Was having a good camp before he got injured. I also like him as the emergency QB option if he were to make the team.

2. TE- Jevoni Robinson- Basketball Player- 6-8 @241 lbs. / Former basketball player turned TE...he has size, possesses deceptive speed, has a crazy vertical for his size and can catch. What a Red Zone weapon and an option on FG/XP coverage. I'd like to see how his development went last season.

3. OT- Jake Rodgers- Western Michigan- 6-6 @ 320 lbs. / Drafted in RD7 by the Falcons in 2015. He's been a PS since and for 6 other teams before landing with the Texans.

4. DT- Marcus Hardison- Arizona State- 6-3 320 lbs / Drafted in RD4 by the Bengals in 2015. Injured in 2015 & 2016 and was on Jags and Patriots PS in 2017.

5. CB- Bruce Jones- Akron via Boston College- 6-0 @ 181 lbs. / Texans PS player in 2017.

6. CB- Josh Thornton- Southern Utah- 5-11 @ 185 lbs. / 2017 PS for Lions and Ravens.

7. CB- Dee Virgin- West Alabama via Tennessee Chattanooga- 5-9 @ 194 lbs. / Texans PS for 2017.


VI. The Draft: **Based on current draft projections**:

RD3-04: OT- Tyrell Crosby- Oregon- 6-5 @ 310 lbs. / Teams could be scrambling for every available OT on the board. Several sites have him projected in RD3, so I'm on board if e's still there.

RD3-20: RB- Josh Adams- Norte Dame- 6-2 @ 225 lbs. / O'Brien type of runner who accepts being coached.

RD3-33: CB- DJ Reed- Kansas State- 6-1 @ 194 lbs. / Good cover with better than advertised speed. Also, could be an asset in the return game I'd called upon.

RD4-04: OG- Colby Gossett- Appalachian State- 6-6 @ 320 lbs. / He's had an outstanding college career, capping off his 2017 season by giving up no sacks and having only 3 penalties called on him. Big bodied OG who can move. Could stand to get a little stronger.

RD6-04: TE- Marcus Baugh- Ohio State- 6-5 @ 258 lbs. / Big blocking TE. He can catch the ball but that's not Ohio State's offense. I think this guy could be a steal in RD6.

RD6-34: CB- Rahsaan Gaulden- Tennessee- 6-0 @ 193 lbs. / Another Tenn DB who might surprise some folks in the NFL. Likes to hit and can defend. He might represent the kind of CB who could excel with the potential of the Texans front seven.

RD6-37: OT- Bentley Spain- North Carolina- 6-6 @ 300 lbs. / A 3 year starter who has held his own at LT. Solid worker who needs to get stronger. Might be able to get him a PS season to do just that. I could see the possibility of grooming him for the right side.

RD7-04: LB- Justin Lawler- SMU- 6-4 @ 265 lbs. / If he's on the board at this pick, the Texans could have a really nice and deep draft. I'd like to see him lose 10 lbs and become a solid OLB. He might gain a little more speed, which could only mean better things on defense and ST's.

I also think this could be a very good year for the UDFA Class...at least in the Texans areas of need. This draft is deep at those positions.

 

[steelbtexan]

I just hope first and foremost thy fix the OL.

This is a well thought out plan although I would put most of my resources into protecting Watson.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I just hope first and foremost thy fix the OL.

This is a well thought out plan although I would put most of my resources into protecting Watson.

Well if I got my way, this is what the Texans would have in camp from the get-go. These would be the pieces to work with:

Under Contract

C/G- Nick Martin
C/G- Kyle Fuller

LT- Julie'n Davenport
OT- Kendall Lamm
OT- Jake Rodgers

OG- David Quessenberry
OG- Chad Slade
OG- Erik Austell **Size probably moves him inside**

LS- Jon Weeks

Team FA's Re-Signed

OT- Chris Clark **1 Yr Deal**

C/G- Greg Mancz **3 Yr Deal**

UFA I Would Sign

OG- Andrew Norwell (CAR)
OG- Jonathan Cooper (DAL)

OT- Greg Robinson (DET)
OT- Seantrel Henderson (BUF)

2018 NFL Draft Picks

OT- Tyrell Crosby (Oregon)
OT- Bentley Spain (North Carolina)

OG- Colby Gossett (Appalachian State)

Total OL I Would Project For Camp

C/G- 3
OG- 6
OT- 8
LS- 1

18 OL would be in camp. Battles for positions should be great considering only 4 (Norwell, Martin, Mancz, and Crosby) roster spots for the OL would be guaranteed under my plan. Spain could be held on PS. Not sure if Fuller played in enough games to be disqualified from being moved to PS. Davenport and the rest of the players in camp would be competing for the open OL spots. This isn't a game of favoritism, it's about putting the best players on the OL in order to give this team's offense the best chance at success.

 

[steelbtexan]

Well if I got my way, this is what the Texans would have in camp from the get-go. These would be the pieces to work with:

Under Contract

C/G- Nick Martin
C/G- Kyle Fuller

LT- Julie'n Davenport
OT- Kendall Lamm
OT- David Quessenberry
OT- Jake Rodgers

OG- Chad Slade
OG- Erik Austell **Size probably moves him inside**

LS- Jon Weeks

Team FA's Re-Signed

OT- Chris Clark **1 Yr Deal**

C/G- Greg Mancz **3 Yr Deal**

UFA I Would Sign

OG- Andrew Norwell (CAR)
OG- Jonathan Cooper (DAL)

OT- Greg Robinson (DET)
OT- Seantrel Henderson (BUF)

2018 NFL Draft Picks

OT- Tyrell Crosby (Oregon)
OT- Bentley Spain (North Carolina)

OG- Colby Gossett (Appalachian State)

Total OL I Would Project For Camp

C/G- 3
OG- 5
OT- 9
LS- 1

18 OL would be in camp. Battles for positions should be great considering only 4 (Norwell, Martin, Mancz, and Crosby) roster spots for the OL would be guaranteed under my plan. Spain could be held on PS. Not sure if Fuller played in enough games to be disqualified from being moved to PS. Davenport and the rest of the players in camp would be competing for the open OL spots. This isn't a game of favoritism, it's about putting the best players on the OL in order to give this team's offense the best chance at success.

I could live with that.

I'm more of a guy who wants proven players like Hubbard/Pugh/Nsehke. Although if he can stay off the weed Henderson is as good as any of the OL I listed above and will only get the vet min. I'm not a big fan of Robinson but I suppose taking a long shot on him is a risk worth taking for the vet min.

Luckily they have the $$$$ to spend to help build an avg, to slightly above avg OL this yr by taking chances on young guys who have performed at a high level on a limited basis Nsekhe/Hubbard and a solid OG (Pugh) although he's a bit of an injury risk. (I would like to here what CnD thinks about Pugh's injury history.)

 

[Corrosion]

I just hope first and foremost thy fix the OL.

This is a well thought out plan although I would put most of my resources into protecting Watson.

You know I don't disagree with the premise of upgrading the protection around Watson - It has to be done ....

But then I look back and think .... all those broken plays he made something out of , would they have happened if he didn't have to run for his life ? Him breaking contain and forcing DB's to commit is a big part of that success. Does he fare as well in a clean pocket or even on designed roll outs ?

I know it sounds crazy but he was at his best when those around him were failing at their jobs.

 

[steelbtexan]

You know I don't disagree with the premise of upgrading the protection around Watson - It has to be done ....

But then I look back and think .... all those broken plays he made something out of , would they have happened if he didn't have to run for his life ? Him breaking contain and forcing DB's to commit is a big part of that success. Does he fare as well in a clean pocket or even on designed roll outs ?

I know it sounds crazy but he was at his best when those around him were failing at their jobs.

While true,

Look at how he looked at Clemson with an adequate OL.

I think staying healthy is job #1 not only for Watson but for the Texans to try their best to keep him healthy.

Ask Watson if he would rather have an above avg OL or not. I think we all know what the answer to that question would be.

 

[JB]

Well if I got my way, this is what the Texans would have in camp from the get-go. These would be the pieces to work with:

Under Contract

C/G- Nick Martin
C/G- Kyle Fuller

LT- Julie'n Davenport
OT- Kendall Lamm
OT- David Quessenberry
OT- Jake Rodgers

OG- Chad Slade
OG- Erik Austell **Size probably moves him inside**

LS- Jon Weeks

Team FA's Re-Signed

OT- Chris Clark **1 Yr Deal**

C/G- Greg Mancz **3 Yr Deal**

UFA I Would Sign

OG- Andrew Norwell (CAR)
OG- Jonathan Cooper (DAL)

OT- Greg Robinson (DET)
OT- Seantrel Henderson (BUF)

2018 NFL Draft Picks

OT- Tyrell Crosby (Oregon)
OT- Bentley Spain (North Carolina)

OG- Colby Gossett (Appalachian State)

Total OL I Would Project For Camp

C/G- 3
OG- 5
OT- 9
LS- 1

18 OL would be in camp. Battles for positions should be great considering only 4 (Norwell, Martin, Mancz, and Crosby) roster spots for the OL would be guaranteed under my plan. Spain could be held on PS. Not sure if Fuller played in enough games to be disqualified from being moved to PS. Davenport and the rest of the players in camp would be competing for the open OL spots. This isn't a game of favoritism, it's about putting the best players on the OL in order to give this team's offense the best chance at success.

very nice, but a lot of question marks there. I would prefer quality over quantity. They wont keep but maybe 9 or 10 OL, plud a couple more on PS.

btw, Q won't be an UT, if he makes the team it will be at OG.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

very nice, but a lot of question marks there. I would prefer quality over quantity. They wont keep but maybe 9 or 10 OL, plud a couple more on PS.

btw, Q won't be an UT, if he makes the team it will be at OG.

Glad you caught this...yes, "Q" would be an OG. Corrected my post to reflect the change of positions for "Q".

 

[OptimisticTexan]

very nice, but a lot of question marks there. I would prefer quality over quantity. They wont keep but maybe 9 or 10 OL, plud a couple more on PS.

btw, Q won't be an UT, if he makes the team it will be at OG.

The body count should create some decent competition and hopefully allow the Texans to field a much more competitive OL. From the group listed above, I would be extremely happy with the following:

LT- Crosby (R)
LG- Martin (C/G)
OC- Mancz (C/G)
RG- Norwell
RT- Davenport

OT- Robinson
OT- Henderson
OG- Gossett (R)
C/G- Fuller

**I think Robinson and Henderson could beat Clark for his spot. I like the veterans on the inside to help with the young guys on the outside but if they should faulter, having a couple of veterans in the wings could be valuable. If Robinson and Henderson came in and performed their way into the starting lineup, then the OL could look like this:**

LT- Robinson
LG- Martin
OC- Mancz
RG- Norwell
RT- Henderson

LT- Crosby
RT- Davenport
OG- Gossett
C/G- Fuller

Practice Squad OL
OT- Spain
OT- Rodgers
OG- Quessenberry

This would still be a reasonably young group of OL with years of potential ahead of them. The key for a group like this would be their ability to improve during the course of the season. Enjoying a little success in 2018 with this OL could really change the outlook for the 2019 Draft since it would finally appear that the team has found some square pegs to fit those square holes, with few still on the table.

The athletes listed above would be begging to see a ZBS incorporated...as should Watson along with play action and designed roll-outs to keep defenses on their toes. Having a 1,500 yard RB in the backfield would also go a long way in making Watson that much more effective and scary to defend.

 

[PapaL]

I do t think Greg Robinson is a good risk/reward type player. Love what you’re planning but any plan that has Robinson as an immediate relief to OL isn’t going to do well.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I do t think Greg Robinson is a good risk/reward type player. Love what you’re planning but any plan that has Robinson as an immediate relief to OL isn’t going to do well.

The Texans survived Clark and Lamm last season and Robinson had a slight rebound in Detroit. Couldn't be any worse, but I'd sure like to see what a 1 Year Veterans Minimum Contract would do in getting his competitive juices going again. Same would go for Henderson, since he's at the same juncture in his NFL career.

 

[Texansphan]

The Texans survived Clark and Lamm last season and Robinson had a slight rebound in Detroit. Couldn't be any worse, but I'd sure like to see what a 1 Year Veterans Minimum Contract would do in getting his competitive juices going again. Same would go for Henderson, since he's at the same juncture in his NFL career.

The question you should be asking is are they an immediate upgrade as is?

 

[OptimisticTexan]

The question you should be asking is are they an immediate upgrade as is?

Being that this is a re-building process and lack of quality talent at the right price, I think they would be an upgrade over last season'e bodies.

 

[WolverineFan]

Some of you are so hell bent on OL patch fixing that you have developed blind spots to the rest of the roster. We have depth concerns everywhere. Adding 7 OL over one offseason is just overkill. It's quantity for quantity's sake. Just throwing as many darts as you can hoping to get lucky while at the same time ignoring the rest of the roster. You're throwing away roster spots that could be used to develop competition elsewhere. With that approach, you might fix the OL in a couple years. Then you turn around and realize the defense has evaporated while you weren't paying attention.

Robinson, Henderson, and Cooper all busted and have been jettisoned multiple times by other teams. You want to take a shot at one? Okay. All 3? Why? Not enough snaps to go around to 'develop quality competition' when you have 4 FA's and 3 rookies vying for 3 roster spots. Not sure how splurging cap space and roster spots on them is creating competition. Same with using half your picks on mid to late round OL when we have a ton of other depth concerns on the rest of the roster.

 

[steelbtexan]

Some of you are so hell bent on OL patch fixing that you have developed blind spots to the rest of the roster. We have depth concerns everywhere. Adding 7 OL over one offseason is just overkill. It's quantity for quantity's sake. Just throwing as many darts as you can hoping to get lucky while at the same time ignoring the rest of the roster. You're throwing away roster spots that could be used to develop competition elsewhere. With that approach, you might fix the OL in a couple years. Then you turn around and realize the defense has evaporated while you weren't paying attention.

Robinson, Henderson, and Cooper all busted and have been jettisoned multiple times by other teams. You want to take a shot at one? Okay. All 3? Why? Not enough snaps to go around to 'develop quality competition' when you have 4 FA's and 3 rookies vying for 3 roster spots. Not sure how splurging cap space and roster spots on them is creating competition. Same with using half your picks on mid to late round OL when we have a ton of other depth concerns on the rest of the roster.

For me I want 3 OL in the 1st 4 picks and a CB or S. (Jesse Bates being there would make me change this strategy.

Then if there in the 6th You have to take an OL like Richardson/Harrison who are too talented not to pick if they fall to the 6th rd.

 

[JB]

For me I want 3 OL in the 1st 4 picks and a CB or S. (Jesse Bates being there would make me change this strategy.

Then if there in the 6th You have to take an OL like Richardson/Harrison who are too talented not to pick if they fall to the 6th rd.

So you want to use 4 of 5 draft picks on OL? Plus play heavily on OL in FA?

What about TE, RB, WR, etc?

I hope Gaine/OB have different wants.
Got to get the best players we can

 

[justmy2cents]

We may already have the best offensive player that this franchise will ever have. I didn't want to draft him .... and I was wrong. Now, the only sensible thing we can do, is give him all the protection that we possibly can.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Some of you are so hell bent on OL patch fixing that you have developed blind spots to the rest of the roster. We have depth concerns everywhere. Adding 7 OL over one offseason is just overkill. It's quantity for quantity's sake. Just throwing as many darts as you can hoping to get lucky while at the same time ignoring the rest of the roster. You're throwing away roster spots that could be used to develop competition elsewhere. With that approach, you might fix the OL in a couple years. Then you turn around and realize the defense has evaporated while you weren't paying attention.

Robinson, Henderson, and Cooper all busted and have been jettisoned multiple times by other teams. You want to take a shot at one? Okay. All 3? Why? Not enough snaps to go around to 'develop quality competition' when you have 4 FA's and 3 rookies vying for 3 roster spots. Not sure how splurging cap space and roster spots on them is creating competition. Same with using half your picks on mid to late round OL when we have a ton of other depth concerns on the rest of the roster.

Yes, this would be a fishing exercise to see if the team could find some decent OL who can serve as starters and reliable backups. The majority of these players and their contracts could be dumped in, during or after camp with little to no "cap" damage. At the moment, the best 2 payers on the OL are Centers who can play OG. The Texans finally have a star QB and protecting him, is or should be, the highest priority for the upcoming season. Also, an improved OL could do wonders for the running game, which is another way to protect Watson.

In my projection, the Norwell signing is a top priority. I like Solder but the Patriots will find a way to keep him or maybe they let him walk and go with their 2017 Draft Pick...Hernandez. If the Texans can find the cap space to add Norwell and Solder, this OL mess is literally solved in one off-season. I would be extremely happy with:

LT- Solder (FA)
LG- Martin
OC- Mancz
RG- Norwell (FA)
RT- Davenport or Crosby (R)

OT- Davenport or Cosby (R)
OT- Henderson (FA)
C/G- Fuller
OG- Gossett (R) or Quessenberry

PS-OT- Spain (R)
PS-OG- Gossett (R) or Quessenberry

This could represent a great group of young OL who would have years to establish continuity. I think the City of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital could be a great chip for the Texans in regards to convincing the Solder Family on a move to Houston. A nice contract would help as well.

The biggest key here, could the Texans find enough money to get both Norwell and Solder under contract?

 

[IDEXAN]

So you want to use 4 of 5 draft picks on OL? Plus play heavily on OL in FA?

What about TE, RB, WR, etc?

I hope Gaine/OB have different wants.
Got to get the best players we can

We really don't have the luxury of going with the BPA philosophy in this Draft which is usually reserved for higher picks but rather it's an organizational imperative that we draft players first and most of all with the objective of protecting our franchise QB which means offensive linemen.

 

[Texansphan]

So you want to use 4 of 5 draft picks on OL? Plus play heavily on OL in FA?

What about TE, RB, WR, etc?

I hope Gaine/OB have different wants.
Got to get the best players we can

Exactly.
We cannot ignore our defensive backfield either.

 

[FuzzyLogic]

I see this being posted multiple times...

LG- Martin
OC- Mancz

At any point in this season when the line was looking... well horrific at times... they could have made this switch. I'm not sure our coaches are ever going to make this switch.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I see this being posted multiple times...

LG- Martin
OC- Mancz

At any point in this season when the line was looking... well horrific at times... they could have made this switch. I'm not sure our coaches are ever going to make this switch.

Agree...I haven't seen the coaches make switches or coach up any of this talent. Their biggest fortay has been to play a scheme in which the talent doesn't fit or consistently play these athletes out of position.

As for me, Mancz set the building block at Center in 2016 when he got his chance to start. Based on Mancz's season, I would've had Martin mentally prepared to come into camp the following season as LG. It's not like Su'a-Filo played so well that the coaches came to conclusion that there was no way Martin would've replaced him if he'd been given the chance.

Anyone else out there satisfied with the way the coaching staff has handled this OL for the last 4 seasons? They may never change their approach to the OL...doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

 

[JB]

Based on Mancz's season, I would've had Martin mentally prepared to come into camp the following season as LG.

I would have had Allen at LG, Martin at C and X at RG and if no vast improvement in the latter by game 5, let him be the swing guard maybe or hope for a trade

 

[steelbtexan]

So you want to use 4 of 5 draft picks on OL? Plus play heavily on OL in FA?

What about TE, RB, WR, etc?

I hope Gaine/OB have different wants.
Got to get the best players we can

The draft is deep in OL. If a more talented OL is there when the Texans are picking you pick him. If you force a TE/WR/RB then you get what Ricky has given us for the last decade.

CB/OL is where most of the talent in this draft is and that's what I hope they concentrate on. I'm not saying if a TE is there in the 3rd/4th like Fumigalli or a RB like Bellage is there in those rds you shouldn't pick them. But if all things are equal I pick an OL/CB.

 

[steelbtexan]

We really don't have the luxury of going with the BPA philosophy in this Draft which is usually reserved for higher picks but rather it's an organizational imperative that we draft players first and most of all with the objective of protecting our franchise QB which means offensive linemen.

Yep,

Gotta fix the OL and DB's.

Gaine should focus on this.

Luckily this is where the depth of the draft is.

 

[Insideop]

The draft is deep in OL. If a more talented OL is there when the Texans are picking you pick him. If you force a TE/WR/RB then you get what Ricky has given us for the last decade.

CB/OL is where most of the talent in this draft is and that's what I hope they concentrate on. I'm not saying if a TE is there in the 3rd/4th like Fumigalli or a RB like Bellage is there in those rds you shouldn't pick them. But if all things are equal I pick an OL/CB.

Most reports I've read say the Draft is deep in interior OL (OG/OC) but weak at OT and it's the same with Free Agency this year too. I think the "force" is more likely to happen with an O-lineman than with a TE/WR/RB. They are desperate for an OT and may jump at one that is mediocre or highly developmental and not ready to play, and completely bypass a good CB, TE, OLB, etc... While I know it's critical they have to fix the O-line I also know they may not be able to do it all in one off season. I'd rather they would get good value during the Draft and get the BPA at a position of need (OT, OG, TE, CB, S). So, if they decide the BPA with their 1st pick is a TE or CB or an OG, then I hope that's who they pick. JMO.

 

[beerlover]

They will try to address needs first in free agency so they can stick with BPA in draft so any attempt to mock at this point merely exercise.

 

[badboy]

With a better Oline & healthy Hopkins, Fuller and if Ellington back will Watson need many passes to TEs? I'm not eliminating position as I think Stephen Anderson will have increased targets. Also hope Miller will get increased targets plus more 'dumps' if Watson has to get rid of ball.

TE Jevoni Robinson 25 is of interest signing a 3 year futures contract (Zach Conque signed for 2) he is 6'7" 241 and ran a 4.5 forty with 40" vertical, has basketball skills. He did not play football in college.

 

[Lucky]

We really don't have the luxury of going with the BPA philosophy in this Draft which is usually reserved for higher picks but rather it's an organizational imperative that we draft players first and most of all with the objective of protecting our franchise QB which means offensive linemen.

You’re not doing your QB any favors stuffing the roster with rookie offensive linemen. The Texans need to draft some offensive linemen, no doubt. But the team is likely to carry only 9 O-linemen. Among them would be two or 3 guys with one year of experience. Add 4 rookies to that mix, and the Texans would have the least experienced line in the league.

I can see 2 offensive lineman drafted. Maybe even 3, if they can use one as a 4th TE as well. But no team is carrying 4 on a roster and expecting their QB to survive.

 

[steelbtexan]

Most reports I've read say the Draft is deep in interior OL (OG/OC) but weak at OT and it's the same with Free Agency this year too. I think the "force" is more likely to happen with an O-lineman than with a TE/WR/RB. They are desperate for an OT and may jump at one that is mediocre or highly developmental and not ready to play, and completely bypass a good CB, TE, OLB, etc... While I know it's critical they have to fix the O-line I also know they may not be able to do it all in one off season. I'd rather they would get good value during the Draft and get the BPA at a position of need (OT, OG, TE, CB, S). So, if they decide the BPA with their 1st pick is a TE or CB or an OG, then I hope that's who they pick. JMO.

They said that last yrs about the OT class.

Yet there were 4 LT's starting as rookies last yr. Bolles who was serviceable. Ramczyck who played LT while Armstead was out and RT the rest of the yr and looked good. Robinson who was the starting LT on an AFCCG team. Dawkins who probably had the best season of all of the rookie OT's. Because they weren't Tyrann Smith/Trent Williams/Matthews type immediate franchise LT doesn't mean they aren't good and cant become all pro level OT's eventually.

I would say that right now Connor Williams/Orlando Brown/Kolton Miller/Crosby cant be as effective as last yrs class and some of these guys will be available in the 2nd Rd. As far as RT goes Austin Corbett can play multiple positions and will be a starting RT if the team that picks him doesn't decide to move him inside where he could become a stud.

The reason I like Crosby the most is because of his weird body type I think he should fall atleast to the 2nd and I think he's as good as Dawkins/Robinson was from last yrs draft. Which if he falls to the 2nd I would trade up and pick him.

Then you've got Davenport like guys that are a ball of clay waiting to be molded Parker/Cappa/Harrison/Richardson who an OL coach like Scarnecchia would love to mold these talented guys. I really wouldn't have a problem if Gaine selected Crosby/Richardson in the 3rd and drafted Safety (Bates/CB Hill in the 3rd/4th.)

 

[Corrosion]

So you want to use 4 of 5 draft picks on OL? Plus play heavily on OL in FA?

What about TE, RB, WR, etc?

I hope Gaine/OB have different wants.
Got to get the best players we can

In general I don't disagree with your statement here ..... But in this instance , I might pass on a slightly better player for one that fills a dire need.

This OL is horrible at best .... It has to be fixed and not just on the surface , depth has to be addressed too. They have Maybe Two starting quality players and they both play the same position - Center and the team has shown us that they have no intentions of playing one of them at OG. Other than those two we have Davenport who has potential and that's about it , if he isn't starter quality we need to bring in 4 starters and a backup or two that don't suck.

That's a lot to ask in any offseason much less one where you have no first or second round picks. They're going to have to spend in free agency , I think they have to come away with at least two starting OL - Preferably OT's as I really don't like the idea of being forced to rely on 3rd round or later talent to start as rookies at those important positions.
Then you can use those 3rd round and later picks on OG and depth in general up front.

I'm not as concerned about the back end of the defense as I am the OL - they'll play better with a better pass rush tho that is assuming that Watt and Mercilus return and at least somewhat resemble the players they were before injury. And they wont get your franchise QB broken if they suck ....

The goal of this offseason has to be keeping Watson upright and healthy for the long haul - we can address those other positions after the OL or next year.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

In general I don't disagree with your statement here ..... But in this instance , I might pass on a slightly better player for one that fills a dire need.

This OL is horrible at best .... It has to be fixed and not just on the surface , depth has to be addressed too. They have Maybe Two starting quality players and they both play the same position - Center and the team has shown us that they have no intentions of playing one of them at OG. Other than those two we have Davenport who has potential and that's about it , if he isn't starter quality we need to bring in 4 starters and a backup or two that don't suck.

That's a lot to ask in any offseason much less one where you have no first or second round picks. They're going to have to spend in free agency , I think they have to come away with at least two starting OL - Preferably OT's as I really don't like the idea of being forced to rely on 3rd round or later talent to start as rookies at those important positions.
Then you can use those 3rd round and later picks on OG and depth in general up front.

I'm not as concerned about the back end of the defense as I am the OL - they'll play better with a better pass rush tho that is assuming that Watt and Mercilus return and at least somewhat resemble the players they were before injury. And they wont get your franchise QB broken if they suck ....

The goal of this offseason has to be keeping Watson upright and healthy for the long haul - we can address those other positions after the OL or next year.

One of the board members mentioned that the Texans could pursue 2 FA's on the OL. I was skeptical about that initially but if the team made the initial cuts I originally mentioned, I wouldn't think it was too far fetched for the team to make a serious offer to both Solder and Norwell.

With Solder being 29, I think a solid offer of 4 years with 2 guaranteed would be in the neighborhood of what some of the better OT's have received. Beef up the signing bonus and get the family a complete tour of Texas Children's Hospital, which is considered the finest in the world. **Side note: My son just accepted their job offer, he'll be joining the staff there in early July or August.**. Also, Solder is coming out of a similar system so there shouldn't be any coaching up required, just plug-n-play. Based on the results from last season...he may not be the best LT in the NFL but he would be resounding step up in talent for this team.

Norwell is 26 years old and considered one of the best RG's in the NFL. Texans would have to be a lot more savvy to get this guy in the door since he's going to have a lot of interested parties. He's a line solidifier who would start the process of setting the right side of line in a big way. It also starts the process of being able to finally diversify this teams ability to run right or left with the same authority. He's going to command top dollar on a 5 year contract with 3 years guaranteed. The signing bonus amount could be a factor...so pay it.

If these 2 moves in FA could become a reality, I'd back my FA wish list down to signing; CB, TJ Carrie (Raiders) and RT, Seantrell Henderson (Bills) since I could get both for realitively affordable contracts. This could also allow the draft to get some other areas of concern addressed without commuting too many picks to the OL. I would then focus on selecting (2) OG's in this draft which should get the team through 2018 with an upgrade since this is one of the deeper positions in the draft. I'd focus on a LT in the 2019 NFL Draft and give him a year behind Solder. Solder could be a solid LT commodity in 2020, which should be the year the Texans could move him if the draft pick is developing or keep him if the process needs a little more nurturing.

I could possibly get, OG's- Clapp (LSU) and Gossett (Appalachian St) then land, WR, DJ Chark (LSU) in this draft. I've wanted Chark early on and he more than confirmed my reasoning with the show he had in the Senior Bowl. I just hope he doesn't elevate earlier than RD3. He's a crazy good weapon waiting to happen. I also like Clapp and it's based on his versatility to play up and down the OL.

 

[Texansphan]

So you want to use 4 of 5 draft picks on OL? Plus play heavily on OL in FA?

What about TE, RB, WR, etc?

I hope Gaine/OB have different wants.
Got to get the best players we can

Exactly.
We cannot ignore our defensive backfield either.

In general I don't disagree with your statement here ..... But in this instance , I might pass on a slightly better player for one that fills a dire need.

This OL is horrible at best .... It has to be fixed and not just on the surface , depth has to be addressed too. They have Maybe Two starting quality players and they both play the same position - Center and the team has shown us that they have no intentions of playing one of them at OG. Other than those two we have Davenport who has potential and that's about it , if he isn't starter quality we need to bring in 4 starters and a backup or two that don't suck.

That's a lot to ask in any offseason much less one where you have no first or second round picks. They're going to have to spend in free agency , I think they have to come away with at least two starting OL - Preferably OT's as I really don't like the idea of being forced to rely on 3rd round or later talent to start as rookies at those important positions.
Then you can use those 3rd round and later picks on OG and depth in general up front.

I'm not as concerned about the back end of the defense as I am the OL - they'll play better with a better pass rush tho that is assuming that Watt and Mercilus return and at least somewhat resemble the players they were before injury. And they wont get your franchise QB broken if they suck ....

The goal of this offseason has to be keeping Watson upright and healthy for the long haul - we can address those other positions after the OL or next year.

Agree.
Many of these evaluations are subjective. Another board may have the same players ranked in reverse order and they may be really close in ability anyway.
Ultimately, who can tell if the lower ranked player can turn out to be the better NFL player?
If your team needs a RB for instance, and he turns out to be an Alvin Kamara, then would that not be a home run pick - even though there was a very decent pass rusher ranked just above him?
If a good player at pon is right there and ranked around about your picking position, then you really should take him.
Be silly not to.
Unless of course, the highest ranked player left on the board also happens to fill another less pressing need and he's definitely a better player than the dire need.
That's the quandary for teams.

 

[badboy]

Each season comes with the discourse on need player versus best player available. As usual with Texans the needs are in critical positions. I am thrilled that at least QB seems to be resolved. I remain optimistic Houston will be very active in free agency & as I've noted before, Chris Olsen needs to work that 'contract good for cap yet enticing to get player(s) to sign. Six year deals with good signing bonus and enough other guaranteed $ should be doable. I'm looking at total contract value in the $72 million dollar range with last two years not guaranteed. The DBs and OG & OT I mentioned will fill several need spots and remain inside the cap. There will be risk and also in draft but careful selection could turn this team around.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

If the team were to pursue Solder, Norwell, Henderson, and Carrie, would there be enough money in the cap kitty to include the pursuit of CB, Malcolm Butler? And would the team be wise to make this pursuit?

Defensive Backfield could look like this:

SS- Gilchrist

CB- Butler
CB- Carrie
CB- Johnson

FS- Jackson (This move would be coming about 5 seasons too late)

 

[Texansphan]

Each season comes with the discourse on need player versus best player available. As usual with Texans the needs are in critical positions. I am thrilled that at least QB seems to be resolved. I remain optimistic Houston will be very active in free agency & as I've noted before, Chris Olsen needs to work that 'contract good for cap yet enticing to get player(s) to sign. Six year deals with good signing bonus and enough other guaranteed $ should be doable. I'm looking at total contract value in the $72 million dollar range with last two years not guaranteed. The DBs and OG & OT I mentioned will fill several need spots and remain inside the cap. There will be risk and also in draft but careful selection could turn this team around.

I think we may have to get used to the idea that we are not going to resolve every problem with just one off season.
I have a feeling we might only see 2 vets brought in here on the oline and make do with the best of the rest including rookies.
Texans like to have a solid D and that suits me fine if they go ahead and fix it but I would definitely like to see a stronger running game to help out DW4 - a reliable thumper in short yardage situations would be nice.

 

[IDEXAN]

I think we may have to get used to the idea that we are not going to resolve every problem with just one off season.
I have a feeling we might only see 2 vets brought in here on the oline and make do with the best of the rest including rookies.
Texans like to have a solid D and that suits me fine if they go ahead and fix it but I would definitely like to see a stronger running game to help out DW4 - a reliable thumper in short yardage situations would be nice.

That's a key point we need to remain aware of because we do have limited resources (which is especially true for the Draft), to work with this year.
We won't be contenders this year and we also need to give the new GM some time, so lets be a little patient with Mr Gaine.
If you want to blame somebody for what you feel is a lack of progress or success, just do what others do which is blame Gaines predecessor.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Again this is just a preliminary thought process. My draft forecast will more than likely change when the NFL Combine and Pro Days are completed.

I. Cuts I would make to improve "Salary Cap":
1. LB- Cushing
2. OG- Allen
3. RB- L. Miller
4. CB- Jackson

**These players by my estimates have all under performed their contracts**


II. Texans players I would re-sign:
1. FS- Pleasant
2. SS- Gilchrist
3. RB- Blue
4. OT- Clark. **1 yr deal**
5. CB- Joseph **1 yr deal**

**These are inexpensive players to retain. Clark would be my only reservation.**


III. RFA I would keep for 2018:
1. WR- Ellington
2. LB- Heeney
3. OC- Mancz **I would give Mancz a new contract**
4. LB- Peters

IV. UFA I would like to sign. Listed from priority down:
1. OG- Andrew Norwell (CAR) / Spotrac estimated value, 5 yr - 60M / Solid addition to OL. This signing might allow Texans to move Mancz back to C and have Martin take the other OG spot.

2. SS- Kenny Vaccaro (NO) / Estimated value, 4 yr - 26M / Better talent at SS. That isn't saying Gilchrist is a liability but it creates amazing depth with other options for the DB's that I'm sure RC will know how to utilize.

3. WR- Sammy Watkins (LAR) / Spotrac estimated value, 3 yr - 18M / Hopkins, Watkins and Watson would be fun to watch. I would expect some immediate chemistry. Lethal; Hopkins, Watkins, Fuller, Ellington and Miller.

4. CB- TJ Carrie (LVR) / Solid and young CB who has played fairly decent with the Raiders. I like his chances of advancing his game under RC. Essentially, a younger version of JJo.

5. LT- Greg Robinson (DET) / Under performing former RD1 pick until this past season. Had an ok season covering LT position for starting LT. For the right prove-it type contract (2yr - 3M + Incentives) I'd like to see if the Texans could get him back on track while he bridges the gap for Davenport or draftee. Couldn't be any worse than what the team had out there last season. Also, he's a young guy...25 yrs old.

6. RT- Seantrel Henderson (BUF) / Basically same as above except he screwed up at the Combine and fell like a rock in the draft. He's always had the tools and athleticism to play in the NFL but he's been immature from U of Miami through a good portion of his rookie contract. Might finally be maturing so I'd roll the dice to see how bad he wants to remain in the NFL. He's also a young player at 25 yrs old. I'd offer a 2yr - 2M prove-it deal with incentives.

7. OG- Jonathan Cooper (DAL) / Same as above. Had a decent season filling in this past season. Roll the dice on a 1 yr deal at 1.5M to see what he brings to the table in a make or break season.

8. RB- Alfred Morris (DAL) / Could be a nice addition if the Texans release Miller. I think Morris would better fit O'Brien's running scheme. I'd offer a 2 yr - 3M deal.

**Robinson, Henderson, Cooper, and Morris would represent low risk, high reward type of players who could be playing for their NFL careers. See who wants it bad enough.**


V. Futures/Reserves Contract Players I have interest in:
1. TE- Zach Conque- Stephen F. Austin- 6-4 @ 225 lbs. / Former QB who was pretty decent but made the switch to TE. Was having a good camp before he got injured. I also like him as the emergency QB option if he were to make the team.

2. TE- Jevoni Robinson- Basketball Player- 6-8 @241 lbs. / Former basketball player turned TE...he has size, possesses deceptive speed, has a crazy vertical for his size and can catch. What a Red Zone weapon and an option on FG/XP coverage. I'd like to see how his development went last season.

3. OT- Jake Rodgers- Western Michigan- 6-6 @ 320 lbs. / Drafted in RD7 by the Falcons in 2015. He's been a PS since and for 6 other teams before landing with the Texans.

4. DT- Marcus Hardison- Arizona State- 6-3 320 lbs / Drafted in RD4 by the Bengals in 2015. Injured in 2015 & 2016 and was on Jags and Patriots PS in 2017.

5. CB- Bruce Jones- Akron via Boston College- 6-0 @ 181 lbs. / Texans PS player in 2017.

6. CB- Josh Thornton- Southern Utah- 5-11 @ 185 lbs. / 2017 PS for Lions and Ravens.

7. CB- Dee Virgin- West Alabama via Tennessee Chattanooga- 5-9 @ 194 lbs. / Texans PS for 2017.


VI. The Draft: **Based on current draft projections**:

RD3-04: OT- Tyrell Crosby- Oregon- 6-5 @ 310 lbs. / Teams could be scrambling for every available OT on the board. Several sites have him projected in RD3, so I'm on board if e's still there.

RD3-20: RB- Josh Adams- Norte Dame- 6-2 @ 225 lbs. / O'Brien type of runner who accepts being coached.

RD3-33: CB- DJ Reed- Kansas State- 6-1 @ 194 lbs. / Good cover with better than advertised speed. Also, could be an asset in the return game I'd called upon.

RD4-04: OG- Colby Gossett- Appalachian State- 6-6 @ 320 lbs. / He's had an outstanding college career, capping off his 2017 season by giving up no sacks and having only 3 penalties called on him. Big bodied OG who can move. Could stand to get a little stronger.

RD6-04: TE- Durham Smythe- Notre Dame- 6-5 @ 255 lbs. / Big blocking TE. He can catch the ball but wasn't over utilized in the Notre dame offense. I think this guy could be a steal in RD6.

RD6-34: CB- Rahsaan Gaulden- Tennessee- 6-0 @ 193 lbs. / Another Tenn DB who might surprise some folks in the NFL. Likes to hit and can defend. He might represent the kind of CB who could excel with the potential of the Texans front seven.

RD6-37: OT- Bentley Spain- North Carolina- 6-6 @ 300 lbs. / A 3 year starter who has held his own at LT. Solid worker who needs to get stronger. Might be able to get him a PS season to do just that. I could see the possibility of grooming him for the right side.

RD7-04: LB- Justin Lawler- SMU- 6-4 @ 265 lbs. / If he's on the board at this pick, the Texans could have a really nice and deep draft. I'd like to see him lose 10 lbs and become a solid OLB/Edge. He might gain a little more speed, which could only mean better things for him and defense / ST's.

I also think this could be a very good year for the UDFA Class...at least in the Texans areas of need. This draft is deep at those positions.

I didn't realize I had added the wrong name and school to my TE pick. This has been corrected.

Also, as I mentioned that this projection was based on pre-combine information....scratch Crosby. Crosby's stock is on the rise and the top OT's in this draft will be gone before RD3 kicks off. There is just far too much demand for OT's this season.

I'm going to stick with the majority of this projected draft but will need to go back and look at the first pick in RD3. I might project a DE in an effort to put some younger talent behind Watt in preparation for his eventual departure via retirement in 2022.