I disagree with the recognition part of this post. Wilson has great recognition skills, it's probably the strongest part of his game. Cooper is also very good at this part of the game.
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Texans New 2024 Defense
- Thread starter Texansballer74
- Start date
badboy
Hall of Fame
I did like what little I saw of him this year and think this could be his Breakout year. Hope so anyway
badboy
Hall of Fame
exactly my thoughts but I don't want to trade up to get either if we can get the other lower. And that would be true for any draft positions. I still think we're going to be okay with the pics this year.
Trading up to finish out a dominant front 7 cant be a bad thing.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
I'm not picking one or the other, I'm just saying that Cooper is a lot more physical at the point and can strike. Also, he doesn't have injury concerns. He can play strong backer and also is fast enough to stay on the field in passing situations
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Anyone think Meco might be more in an odd front this year? Anderson and Hunter outside with Harris and AlShaaiir inside with the Autry,Settle,and Davis as the dl
Interesting
welsh texan
You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one
There is the opportunity to switch fronts without substitutions isn’t there? Because Hunter can play as OLB and Autry can play DE? Am I right in thinking we can get very creative even against a hurry up O?
Both Pitre and Ward seem capable of playing different positions also do they have a lot of flexibility in the back end also, hopefully they can both be healthy this year and bounce back!
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
This would make a lot of sense and fit the personnel so far. I’d say Foley over Davis in base with Davis switching in on pass downs.
Still have time to add though.
I like both of them a lot. This is not a great LB draft but I would be really happy with either.
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
Good article by John Harris breaking down the DL:
www.houstontexans.com
I particularly found the part on draft prospect targets by selection interesting:
JH Crush List - Rookies by Texans draft selection THAT MAKE SENSE
Even with all of the changes on the Texans' defensive front, I would not be surprised to see the Texans make a move to select another defensive lineman, be it inside or outside, in this draft. Now, I don't think this group is brimming with a plethora of options (like at WR or OT), but there are some strong options for the Texans, even after trading their first round pick.
2nd round - 42nd overall currently
DE/DT Darius Robinson, Missouri (6-5 ⅛, 285 lb)
DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366 lb)
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-4 ⅝, 292 lb)
2nd round - 59th overall currently
DT Kris Jenkins Jr, Michigan (6-2 ¾, 299 lb)
DT/DE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (6-3, 283 lb)
DE Bralen Trice, Washington (6-3 ½, 245 lb)
DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (6-3, 267 lb)
3rd round - 86th overall currently
DE Chris Braswell, Alabama (6-3 ⅝, 251 lb)
DT Maason Smith, LSU (6-5 ⅛, 306 lb)
DT Leonard Taylor III, Miami, FL (6-3 ½, 303 lb)
DT/DE Gabe Hall, Baylor (6-6, 291 lb)
4th round - 123rd and 127th overall currently
DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M (6-1 ½, 326 lb)
DT DeWayne Carter, Duke (6-2 ⅜, 302 lb)
DT Tyler Davis, Clemson (6-2, 301 lb)
DT Fabien Lovett, Florida State (6-3 ⅞, 314 lb)
DT Jordan Jefferson, LSU (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
DT/DE Justin Eboigbe, Alabama (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
5th round - No picks currently
DE Brennan Jackson, Washington State (6-3 ⅞, 254 lb)
6th round - 188th overall
OLB Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian (6-3 ¾, 252 lb)
7th round - 238th 247th & 252nd overall
DE Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss (6-3, 260 lb)
DT Jaylon Hutchings, Texas Tech (6-0, 310 lb)
DT Justin Rogers, Auburn (6-2 ½, 330 lb)
Position Breakdowns: Defensive Line
The Texans defensive line has gone through a significant transformation the past two years and DeMeco Ryans reminded everyone in his final press conference after the loss to Baltimore that there was more work to be done.
www.houstontexans.com
I particularly found the part on draft prospect targets by selection interesting:
JH Crush List - Rookies by Texans draft selection THAT MAKE SENSE
Even with all of the changes on the Texans' defensive front, I would not be surprised to see the Texans make a move to select another defensive lineman, be it inside or outside, in this draft. Now, I don't think this group is brimming with a plethora of options (like at WR or OT), but there are some strong options for the Texans, even after trading their first round pick.
2nd round - 42nd overall currently
DE/DT Darius Robinson, Missouri (6-5 ⅛, 285 lb)
DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366 lb)
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-4 ⅝, 292 lb)
2nd round - 59th overall currently
DT Kris Jenkins Jr, Michigan (6-2 ¾, 299 lb)
DT/DE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (6-3, 283 lb)
DE Bralen Trice, Washington (6-3 ½, 245 lb)
DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (6-3, 267 lb)
3rd round - 86th overall currently
DE Chris Braswell, Alabama (6-3 ⅝, 251 lb)
DT Maason Smith, LSU (6-5 ⅛, 306 lb)
DT Leonard Taylor III, Miami, FL (6-3 ½, 303 lb)
DT/DE Gabe Hall, Baylor (6-6, 291 lb)
4th round - 123rd and 127th overall currently
DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M (6-1 ½, 326 lb)
DT DeWayne Carter, Duke (6-2 ⅜, 302 lb)
DT Tyler Davis, Clemson (6-2, 301 lb)
DT Fabien Lovett, Florida State (6-3 ⅞, 314 lb)
DT Jordan Jefferson, LSU (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
DT/DE Justin Eboigbe, Alabama (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
5th round - No picks currently
DE Brennan Jackson, Washington State (6-3 ⅞, 254 lb)
6th round - 188th overall
OLB Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian (6-3 ¾, 252 lb)
7th round - 238th 247th & 252nd overall
DE Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss (6-3, 260 lb)
DT Jaylon Hutchings, Texas Tech (6-0, 310 lb)
DT Justin Rogers, Auburn (6-2 ½, 330 lb)
JWLCASPER
Waterboy
Good article by John Harris breaking down the DL:
Position Breakdowns: Defensive Line
The Texans defensive line has gone through a significant transformation the past two years and DeMeco Ryans reminded everyone in his final press conference after the loss to Baltimore that there was more work to be done.
I particularly found the part on draft prospect targets by selection interesting:
JH Crush List - Rookies by Texans draft selection THAT MAKE SENSE
Even with all of the changes on the Texans' defensive front, I would not be surprised to see the Texans make a move to select another defensive lineman, be it inside or outside, in this draft. Now, I don't think this group is brimming with a plethora of options (like at WR or OT), but there are some strong options for the Texans, even after trading their first round pick.
2nd round - 42nd overall currently
DE/DT Darius Robinson, Missouri (6-5 ⅛, 285 lb)
DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366 lb)
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-4 ⅝, 292 lb)
2nd round - 59th overall currently
DT Kris Jenkins Jr, Michigan (6-2 ¾, 299 lb)
DT/DE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (6-3, 283 lb)
DE Bralen Trice, Washington (6-3 ½, 245 lb)
DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (6-3, 267 lb)
3rd round - 86th overall currently
DE Chris Braswell, Alabama (6-3 ⅝, 251 lb)
DT Maason Smith, LSU (6-5 ⅛, 306 lb)
DT Leonard Taylor III, Miami, FL (6-3 ½, 303 lb)
DT/DE Gabe Hall, Baylor (6-6, 291 lb)
4th round - 123rd and 127th overall currently
DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M (6-1 ½, 326 lb)
DT DeWayne Carter, Duke (6-2 ⅜, 302 lb)
DT Tyler Davis, Clemson (6-2, 301 lb)
DT Fabien Lovett, Florida State (6-3 ⅞, 314 lb)
DT Jordan Jefferson, LSU (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
DT/DE Justin Eboigbe, Alabama (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
5th round - No picks currently
DE Brennan Jackson, Washington State (6-3 ⅞, 254 lb)
6th round - 188th overall
OLB Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian (6-3 ¾, 252 lb)
7th round - 238th 247th & 252nd overall
DE Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss (6-3, 260 lb)
DT Jaylon Hutchings, Texas Tech (6-0, 310 lb)
DT Justin Rogers, Auburn (6-2 ½, 330 lb)
I think a mid round pick on Maason Smith is worth the risk even if we take DT elsewhere. There is a lot of Chris Jones to his game and I think Demeco is the coach that could reach him if any could.
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
DeMeco defenses have a tendency to get people paid. I’d expect that trend to continue.
This is about right.Good article by John Harris breaking down the DL:
Position Breakdowns: Defensive Line
The Texans defensive line has gone through a significant transformation the past two years and DeMeco Ryans reminded everyone in his final press conference after the loss to Baltimore that there was more work to be done.
I particularly found the part on draft prospect targets by selection interesting:
JH Crush List - Rookies by Texans draft selection THAT MAKE SENSE
Even with all of the changes on the Texans' defensive front, I would not be surprised to see the Texans make a move to select another defensive lineman, be it inside or outside, in this draft. Now, I don't think this group is brimming with a plethora of options (like at WR or OT), but there are some strong options for the Texans, even after trading their first round pick.
2nd round - 42nd overall currently
DE/DT Darius Robinson, Missouri (6-5 ⅛, 285 lb)
DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366 lb)
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-4 ⅝, 292 lb)
2nd round - 59th overall currently
DT Kris Jenkins Jr, Michigan (6-2 ¾, 299 lb)
DT/DE Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (6-3, 283 lb)
DE Bralen Trice, Washington (6-3 ½, 245 lb)
DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (6-3, 267 lb)
3rd round - 86th overall currently
DE Chris Braswell, Alabama (6-3 ⅝, 251 lb)
DT Maason Smith, LSU (6-5 ⅛, 306 lb)
DT Leonard Taylor III, Miami, FL (6-3 ½, 303 lb)
DT/DE Gabe Hall, Baylor (6-6, 291 lb)
4th round - 123rd and 127th overall currently
DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M (6-1 ½, 326 lb)
DT DeWayne Carter, Duke (6-2 ⅜, 302 lb)
DT Tyler Davis, Clemson (6-2, 301 lb)
DT Fabien Lovett, Florida State (6-3 ⅞, 314 lb)
DT Jordan Jefferson, LSU (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
DT/DE Justin Eboigbe, Alabama (6-2 ¾, 313 lb)
5th round - No picks currently
DE Brennan Jackson, Washington State (6-3 ⅞, 254 lb)
6th round - 188th overall
OLB Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian (6-3 ¾, 252 lb)
7th round - 238th 247th & 252nd overall
DE Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss (6-3, 260 lb)
DT Jaylon Hutchings, Texas Tech (6-0, 310 lb)
DT Justin Rogers, Auburn (6-2 ½, 330 lb)
I've got Hant rated much higher as well as Brennan Jackson.
2nd round - 42nd overall currently
DE/DT Darius Robinson, Missouri (6-5 ⅛, 285 lb)
DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366 lb)
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-4 ⅝, 292 lb)
Honestly I wouldn’t mind if we were to draft one of these guys at 42 and another at 59 if available. Sweat is underrated because people want to label him a 2down player NT Type Because of his size. He has wiggle and finesse in his repertoire. He’s not just a blog in the middle. But what impresses me most about him might be the best run stuffer I’ve ever seen. Once he makes contact with ball carrier the play is over. And he doesn’t get moved back, ever.
Three of my favorite players in this draft. I hope we get at least one of them.
DE/DT Darius Robinson, Missouri (6-5 ⅛, 285 lb)
DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366 lb)
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-4 ⅝, 292 lb)
Honestly I wouldn’t mind if we were to draft one of these guys at 42 and another at 59 if available. Sweat is underrated because people want to label him a 2down player NT Type Because of his size. He has wiggle and finesse in his repertoire. He’s not just a blog in the middle. But what impresses me most about him might be the best run stuffer I’ve ever seen. Once he makes contact with ball carrier the play is over. And he doesn’t get moved back, ever.
Three of my favorite players in this draft. I hope we get at least one of them.
I would love to get Robinson & Sweat
Bayouboy1965
Practice Squad
1 was "invalid", the other was "HTFDIK"What are their S2 scores?
I just love how one guy beat the S-2 score, so the test is invalid.
That's like saying because the worst student in a class passed a test then the test is invalid.
That's like saying because the worst student in a class passed a test then the test is invalid.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
First the test is just information like anything else and is not meant to be the end all, be all of who will be a HoF and who will be a bust. If teams use just it to determine who they draft then they deserve what they get just as if they had drafted their first round guy based on nothing but one scouts advice.
That being said it wasn't just that CJ did horrible on the test and Young did great while on the field the reserve is true that is making people question the test. That just brought it into the public's eye but there have been alot of people saying the S2 is a very poor measurement stick. Take a look at this article that came out before everyone knew how the season would play out.
What really stood out to me is that the test is basically a video game and can be taken with an Xbox controller. Also apparently only 2 teams per division can subscribe to it with Tits and Dolts being the ones for AFCS. Honestly the more you learn about the S2 test and the company that runs it the more a scam it appears.
Bayouboy1965
Practice Squad
The S2 last year was an epic fail. It impacted CJs stock initially, but once the pick was made and especially after the season started, the negative impact was completely on the company. I'm not sure the test should even be used from this point. Not only was the test not indicative of CJs skills/abilities... but the security was terrible!
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
All this being said I for one love the S2 test as there were lots of reports saying it was what pushed Tepper over the line to force the drafting of Young. Still not sure it wasn't the Texans that leaked the results even though they weren't suppose to have them. Don't forget Caserio was a Patriot, wouldn't be the first time he's gotten information he wasn't suppose to have.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Young dad is also a psychologist too and have been taking those type of test for awhile. There are throws that CJ could make because of his size that Young couldn't make especially outside the numbers.First the test is just information like anything else and is not meant to be the end all, be all of who will be a HoF and who will be a bust. If teams use just it to determine who they draft then they deserve what they get just as if they had drafted their first round guy based on nothing but one scouts advice.
That being said it wasn't just that CJ did horrible on the test and Young did great while on the field the reserve is true that is making people question the test. That just brought it into the public's eye but there have been alot of people saying the S2 is a very poor measurement stick. Take a look at this article that came out before everyone knew how the season would play out.
What really stood out to me is that the test is basically a video game and can be taken with an Xbox controller. Also apparently only 2 teams per division can subscribe to it with Tits and Dolts being the ones for AFCS. Honestly the more you learn about the S2 test and the company that runs it the more a scam it appears.
Yeah, No S2 type of test can measure athletic ability or heart
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Fred Werner wasn't the player we see today after yr 1 or 2. He was a 5th rd pick who developed
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
Warner was a 3rd round pick out of BYU that led the Niners in tackles as a rookie. As he has each of his 6 years in the league. Every team wants a Fred Warner. There's just not enough of them to go around.
Talk about making the dline a strength.
who doesn’t? well besides the 49ers.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Posters upset or not understanding Collins and Rankins were pulled off the scrap heap. Collins was solid in Dallas, a disaster in Oakland and solid here. Rankins couldn't stay healthy in NO and had 2 solid with Jets before signing here. They can replace solid
Texansballer74
The Marine
Texansballer74
The Marine
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
It appears the Texans are aiming for certain size thresholds for positions aside from the occasional outlier (Tank at WR).
The CB room now only has three players sub 6 ft. All are at least 190 lbs.
CJ Henderson combine measurements 6’ 3/4” 204 lbs
| Desmond King II | 25 | CB | 5-10 | 200 | 29 | 7 | Iowa |
| Jeff Okudah | 30 | CB | 6-1 | 202 | 25 | 4 | Ohio State |
| Troy Pride | 28 | CB | 5-11 | 195 | 26 | 3 | Notre Dame |
| D'Angelo Ross | 37 | CB | 5-9 | 190 | 27 | 2 | New Mexico |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | 24 | CB | 6-0 | 190 | 22 | 2 | LSU |
| Mike Ford | 38 | DB | 6-0 | 194 | 28 | 6 | Southeast Missouri State |
| Lonnie Johnson Jr. | DB | 6-2 | 213 | 28 | 5 | Kentucky | |
| Josh Thompson | DB | 6-0 | 194 | 25 | 2 | Texas |
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
Moneyball in Houston?
texanswire.usatoday.com
TeX's and O's: Texans gamble on coaching and upside at cornerback
The Texans have forged ahead with a new vision for DeMeco Ryans’ defense, most notably at cornerback.
texanswire.usatoday.com
badboy
Hall of Fame
Now if we could just get some good as well as big cornerbacks to go with Stingley!
michaelm
vox nihili
Despite the poor outcome of the game, Harris really impressed me against the Ravens in the playoffs.
Texansballer74
The Marine
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
I think Hinish is the odd man out. Foley and Settle are the early 2 down run stoppers, Autry and Edwards are going to be the pass rush tackles
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
Agreed. I’d throw Davis into the pass rush down mix as well.
Really excited to see how they use Autry this season. They did not have a player like him last year that can play outside/bump inside on pass downs.
Interesting note: Edwards and Autry have played together four of their previous seasons in the league. 2015-17 (Raiders) and 2022 (Titans).
Last edited:
Number19
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure about that. Fatukasi played for JAX, Settle for BUF and Davis and Hinish for HST. It's not always apples to apples when comparing different defenses, but let's look at the numbers.
................Fat......Set......Dav.....Hin
Games... 16.......19........17.......19
Snaps.....415.....413.....481.....542
Sks.........0..........1..........2.........3
Hits........2..........1..........4.........1
Hur.........14.......12.........17.......12
Tkl.........23.......10.........24........18
Stops....20........10........19........14
Fatukasi and Davis look like the better 2. And I'd say Hinnish may edge out Settle. But they're all about the same.
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Now we will see if the coaches can bring some hidden extra talent out of 'em.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
I can't think of a less vital stat to determine the value of run stuffing DTs than the number of tackles and sacks.
Imagine if they added another fast playmaking LB like Cooper/Wilson/Coulson/Watson/Wallace to Harris/Al Shaair. The pass defense would also look much better with 3 really fast guys patrolling the 2nd level of the defense.
Yeah, but Porky thinks they've crapped the bed in FA and that's all that matters. LMAO
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
I’m warming up to the idea of getting a 3rd LB. Cooper is my favorite of the big 3. But I wouldn’t mind going all Michigan day 2. Colson/Jenkins/Sainristil!
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
LB is the only position group on the Texans' defense that doesn't have NFL-caliber players to fill the roster once the season starts so I think we are likely to see them take a LB on day two.
badboy
Hall of Fame
who are the NFL quality cornerbacks behind Stingley? Only Nickelback Desmond King might qualify.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
Lonnie Johnson
Mike Ford
Akudah
CJ Henderson
(now, I'm not asserting these are all stars. However, all of them can be justified as a CB #3-5)
badboy
Hall of Fame
You need to do some research; those guys are JAGs with a lot of potential that might become starters for us.
I have to correct myself as one of them at least will have to be the starter opposite stingly because we have no other choice. Okudha was a starter but fell apart after his first season (?).
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
If LJ stays on the roster, it will be as a ST guy.
They have to take 90 guys into training camp so they are hoping one will revive their career.
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
We have guys drafted higher than the backup LBs but in terms of what they’ve done in the league they are about on par with Hansen/To’o To’o.
For me, it looks like Ryans is implementing his defense in specific this off-season. The DLmen are split into four specific roles. DE (nine techniques)...flex DE/DT...Run stuffer Dt...classic 3 tech...At outside CB these are all height/weight/speed guys ...slot CB are shorter quicker guys.
The mock drafters should be paying attention to this.
Does it seem like Lonnie Johnson should be at about 33 by now?