TexansTrueFan
All Pro
No shortage of options for in-progress Texans
Web Posted: 04/17/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Brent Zwerneman
Express-News Staff Writer
HOUSTON Houston Texans rookie cornerback Dunta Robinson plays fast and talks faster, and he's declared that the Texans are primed for a winning record in their fourth year.
"Next season, 8-8 isn't good enough," Robinson said.
One small problem with Robinson's bravado: Houston hasn't even reached 8-8. The Texans, who finished 7-9 last season, plan to take another step toward .500 and their first playoff berth next weekend at the NFL Draft.
Houston holds eight selections in the seven-round draft, which begins Saturday and ends Sunday with the final four rounds. The Texans own the 13th overall pick and have an extra third-round selection after trading the rights to quarterback Drew Henson to the Dallas Cowboys last year.
The Texans have finished 4-12, 5-11 and 7-9 in their three seasons, with a longtime goal of being a playoff contender by their fourth year.
"Our team has made progress, but we certainly aren't where we want to be," coach Dom Capers said.
Only one thing seems certain when the Texans, barring a trade, make their first-round selection: No one seems certain which player or position, or even side of the ball, they'll target. It all depends on who's left.
"We could use players at a number of different positions," owner Bob McNair said. "We'll see who's available and just pick the best athlete out there."
The Texans, who have had three Pro Bowl players in three seasons, need help across the board. The only position that seems safe is quarterback, where David Carr enters his fourth season as the face of the franchise.
Carr struggled last season and was even soundly booed in Houston's last game, a 22-14 loss to the 4-12 Cleveland Browns in Reliant Stadium. But he's not going anywhere, and Houston has re-signed Tony Banks as Carr's backup for a fourth season.
The Texans released veteran linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman this spring while signing free agent Morlon Greenwood, so linebacker is a position of prime need. Especially since the Texans use a 3-4 defense with emphasis on the outside linebackers rushing the quarterback.
Houston has been one of the NFL's worst teams the past two seasons in getting to the quarterback, so Capers would love the chance to draft the likes of Texas' Derrick Johnson, who likely won't be available at No. 13.
The Texans also have their eyes on another UT product, running back Cedric Benson, who also probably will be long gone by 13. Texans tailback Domanick Davis has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons but isn't big and durable enough to be an every-down back in the mold of a Benson.
Houston also needs plenty of help at left tackle. Carr has been sacked 140 times his first three seasons. If that keeps up, he may end up like Troy Aikman, who retired prematurely partly because of the early beating he took.
That's why Houston would have a hard time passing on a tackle like 320-pound Alex Barron of Florida State. Barron, who's 6-foot-7, has been injury prone but is nimble in protecting a right-handed quarterback's blind side.
Texans general manager Charley Casserly has a good track record of first-round selections: Carr (2002), Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson (2003), Robinson and outside linebacker Jason Babin (both 2004). All are starters and play prominent roles in the offensive and defensive schemes.
link: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA041705.1C.FBNtexans.draft.1e55a2348.html
..........................................................................................................................
I like robinsons attitude and i agree i think we are all just as curious to see who the texans take, cause we all really have no idea.
Web Posted: 04/17/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Brent Zwerneman
Express-News Staff Writer
HOUSTON Houston Texans rookie cornerback Dunta Robinson plays fast and talks faster, and he's declared that the Texans are primed for a winning record in their fourth year.
"Next season, 8-8 isn't good enough," Robinson said.
One small problem with Robinson's bravado: Houston hasn't even reached 8-8. The Texans, who finished 7-9 last season, plan to take another step toward .500 and their first playoff berth next weekend at the NFL Draft.
Houston holds eight selections in the seven-round draft, which begins Saturday and ends Sunday with the final four rounds. The Texans own the 13th overall pick and have an extra third-round selection after trading the rights to quarterback Drew Henson to the Dallas Cowboys last year.
The Texans have finished 4-12, 5-11 and 7-9 in their three seasons, with a longtime goal of being a playoff contender by their fourth year.
"Our team has made progress, but we certainly aren't where we want to be," coach Dom Capers said.
Only one thing seems certain when the Texans, barring a trade, make their first-round selection: No one seems certain which player or position, or even side of the ball, they'll target. It all depends on who's left.
"We could use players at a number of different positions," owner Bob McNair said. "We'll see who's available and just pick the best athlete out there."
The Texans, who have had three Pro Bowl players in three seasons, need help across the board. The only position that seems safe is quarterback, where David Carr enters his fourth season as the face of the franchise.
Carr struggled last season and was even soundly booed in Houston's last game, a 22-14 loss to the 4-12 Cleveland Browns in Reliant Stadium. But he's not going anywhere, and Houston has re-signed Tony Banks as Carr's backup for a fourth season.
The Texans released veteran linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman this spring while signing free agent Morlon Greenwood, so linebacker is a position of prime need. Especially since the Texans use a 3-4 defense with emphasis on the outside linebackers rushing the quarterback.
Houston has been one of the NFL's worst teams the past two seasons in getting to the quarterback, so Capers would love the chance to draft the likes of Texas' Derrick Johnson, who likely won't be available at No. 13.
The Texans also have their eyes on another UT product, running back Cedric Benson, who also probably will be long gone by 13. Texans tailback Domanick Davis has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons but isn't big and durable enough to be an every-down back in the mold of a Benson.
Houston also needs plenty of help at left tackle. Carr has been sacked 140 times his first three seasons. If that keeps up, he may end up like Troy Aikman, who retired prematurely partly because of the early beating he took.
That's why Houston would have a hard time passing on a tackle like 320-pound Alex Barron of Florida State. Barron, who's 6-foot-7, has been injury prone but is nimble in protecting a right-handed quarterback's blind side.
Texans general manager Charley Casserly has a good track record of first-round selections: Carr (2002), Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson (2003), Robinson and outside linebacker Jason Babin (both 2004). All are starters and play prominent roles in the offensive and defensive schemes.
link: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA041705.1C.FBNtexans.draft.1e55a2348.html
..........................................................................................................................
I like robinsons attitude and i agree i think we are all just as curious to see who the texans take, cause we all really have no idea.
. Well i dont think that him saying we will be 8-8, would be so bad, i mean the coaches "pretty much say it". He does have a good attitude though, i think he will be the leader on defense who helps motivate our team !
anyone agree ?