I would love to see the interviews, myself.
Speaking of metrics, 10 of the top 11 OTs listed at by NFL.com have arm lengths under the desired 34". Only LSU's Emery Jones (34-1/4") exceeds 34".
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Texans Offensive Line
- Thread starter 76Texan
- Start date
Speaking of metrics, 10 of the top 11 OTs listed at by NFL.com have arm lengths under the desired 34". Only LSU's Emery Jones (34-1/4") exceeds 34".
There was an article from a couple of years ago that showed the most productive WRs ran in the 4.4 - 4.5 area. I think that's because it is more difficult to come out of breaks for the max speed guys.
46 would be the 14th pick of the second round, or way back there from taking him with our
first round pick which is what some on our MB advocate.
I would suspect that Zabel's times have not been publisized because he's reluctant to disclose them.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Good point. I also wonder about the health of the guys that run those super fast sub 4.4 times. Maybe it's just me, but hammies and other soft tissue issues seem to abound on those guys. Probably all wet on that and it's not true to be honest. It just seems that way.
badboy
Hall of Fame
In the NFL as a wide receiver, the lions are all around you. You better have the speed, hip swivel and feet to avoid them. The Lions do not care if you are naked, in track shorts or a football uniform ; you represent lunch.
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Porky
Hall of Fame
In my analogy the corner is the lion. The WR is the gazelle. One time someone said Arian Foster wasn't very fast for an NFL RB. I think he was around 4.65 or 4.7 (someone please correct me) but point being - rarely was he caught from behind. Speed is all relative and some guys are also faster in pads than others. 40 times in track shorts is near meaningless to me. Ya, it's fun to compare and see who the track stars are. Too bad this isn't a track team.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I can't believe I typed cornerback when I meant wide receiver and I stand by the post. Thanks for catching the error and correcting.
All track stars do not make good receivers. But all good receivers with track star speed are really good.
Well, we saw the speedy Will Fuller struggle with leg injuries with the Texans. The occasional times Fuller was healthy, he made a huge impact.
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Zabel skipped many of the tests at the combine. But the ones he did take part in, he excelled at. His 36 1/2″ Vertical was not only the best result for Offensive Linemen at this combine, it was the 3rd highest for any Offensive Lineman since 2003 = Tristan Wirfs in 2020.
Errant Hothy
Hypermediocrity
Or, hear me out and this is kind of a crazy thought, his pro-day isn't till the 27th
badboy
Hall of Fame
Some information on Zabel and also on transferring from the sub level to level one college football.
www.espn.com
Goodbye to small school prospects: Why fewer NFL players come from outside the FBS
Seven non-FBS players were at the 2025 NFL combine, a 10-year low. Here's why it happened and the implications for future prospects.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Fuller was awfully fun to watch those few times he was fully healthy. Did he finally decide to retire? Dude could not stay healthy to save his life.
That's more or less what I'm talking about, but it's all anecdotal. I have no idea if these sub-4.4 guys really do have more issues staying on the field or if it's just my bias showing.
This the last wikipedia has on him
On March 20, 2021, Fuller signed a one-year, $10.6 million contract with the Dolphins.[70] He suffered a broken thumb in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve on October 6.[71] Fuller was not re-signed after the season.
and dude is going be 31 in April...still could playing if not for all the injuries
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
Why am I selecting LG- Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) if he’s on the board at 25?
Absolute solid LG during his Ohio State career….then moved over to LT when Simmons went down and helped the OL carry the team to the CFB Championship against Notre Dame.
He’s a left side answer that the Texans really need.
Absolute solid LG during his Ohio State career….then moved over to LT when Simmons went down and helped the OL carry the team to the CFB Championship against Notre Dame.
He’s a left side answer that the Texans really need.
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Drafts a crap shoot trying to project where & when propects go. Also need luck, like 3 QB’s selected before 25, that could push your guy, unexpectedly still on the board. Unfortunately, the group ahead of Texans, 20-24 could all target interior OL or WR. So while I’m not in trade up camp, certainly understand moving up to get offensive linemen, top of their board. Make sure you get him, instead of being forced to pivot.
BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
Depending on who's available at 25, I'd be happy with them trading back to the top of the 2nd round and grabbing additional picks. Say pick 25 and 166 to New England for pick 38 and 69 or Chicago for pick 39 and 72. Every mock I've done, the top OL were gone before pick 17 and none of the top receivers were there at 25. I don't think that will be the case on draft day, but if it is, trade back.
cland
Rookie
What's interesting is that both Tytus Howard and Blake Fisher have 34" arms. I think a lot of fans are down on Fisher due to his play as a rookie, but I don't think there are many rookie tackles that are going to shine as rookies. My hope is that Cole Popovich likes what he sees in Fisher and gives him the opportunity to win the job in camp. But if one of those two can perform as an average LT I'll feel a whole lot better going into next year.
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True, but I dont want Zabel to play LT. I guess he could play there for a season then move to the C position where he would be an elite C.
Number19
Hall of Fame
Fisher was projected by Draft Buzz as a late 2nd pick, and Texans took him at 59. His profile indicated his technique needed some refinement. But solid upside. There is no reason not to expect improvement this coming year.
I don't think Fisher played that poorly. He had a hold and gave up a sack in his first start. Had some issues early in the WC game vs Bosa and Mack. Everyone looked like crap on Christmas. But the O-line played better when Fisher was in the lineup. Fisher has the tools, needs more experience. I would like to see him on the left side, but there are pass rushers on the right side, too.
Agreed
Also a lot of times a team will put its best pass rusher against the RT because the RT is the weaker of the OT's in pass protection. They used to do this with Watt all of the time.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Yeah. I just found this:
Texans Restructure OT Tytus Howard's Contract
According to Aaron Wilson, the Texans have restructured OT Tytus Howard's contract on Wednesday. Wilson notes Houston decreased Howard's cap hit to $11.581 million from $23.05 million. The Texans also lowered Howard's base salary to
nfltraderumors.co
Looks like he may be the left tackle for this season at least.
Suggested that it was going to extend Hunter which again would be a surprise.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
Caserio doesn't F*ck around! If he has identified a problem and is empowered to do anything about it, he is going after it 100%. When he cut Tunsil, I knew we were in good hands!
badboy
Hall of Fame
BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
I know a lot of people want to focus on drafting the LT of the future, but I think we already have that in Fisher. He's got the makings of a good LT, but it was already known he would need a few years to develop when he was drafted. Another year of seasoning behind Robinson and he should be ready to roll in 2026, unless he can win a starting job outright this year.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I agree on Fisher and have pushed him before he was drafted. Still I think Kevin Banks or a healthy Josh Simmons could be better than Fisher.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I have researched many mocks since I made the above statement. It appears that only tankathon.com has Dallas taking Banks at 12 and Seattle at 18 selecting Simmons.
Over all, it appears both would be available at 25 .
For me if available
Banks then healthy Simmons then Golden, Zabel then Conerly. I wonder if Nick could trade out of 25 and still get one of these plus a pick?
BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
I've heard some grim projections for lineman coming back from patella injuries. I don't think Simmons is worth the risk in the 1st. If Banks falls, he'd be very tempting.
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
OL Depth Chart if draft went my way:
LT- Robinson (MIN) / Pierce (R-Rutgers)
LG- Howard / Jackson (R-Ohio State)
OC- Patterson / Carvin (JAX)
RG- Scruggs / Tomlinson (SEA)
RT- Fisher / Travis (R-Iowa State)
OT- Zach Thomas / Austin Deculus / Jaylon Thomas
OG- Ed Ingram (MIN) / Tremayne Anchrum Jr / LaDarius Henderson
LT- Robinson (MIN) / Pierce (R-Rutgers)
LG- Howard / Jackson (R-Ohio State)
OC- Patterson / Carvin (JAX)
RG- Scruggs / Tomlinson (SEA)
RT- Fisher / Travis (R-Iowa State)
OT- Zach Thomas / Austin Deculus / Jaylon Thomas
OG- Ed Ingram (MIN) / Tremayne Anchrum Jr / LaDarius Henderson
I get your premise and I like it, but I don't think you can carry that many ol on the roster.
I like Juice, but I don't think he's beating anyone in a straight up contest, not yet anyway
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I know….but this is what would come into camp, let competition handle the paring down.
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cland
Rookie
I agree with this, and I think this is his last year to prove it. I think the issue with Scruggs is that he looks like a ZBS player who will be playing in a primarily gap scheme. If you asked me to predict now, I don't think he'll be getting a second contract. But who knows, maybe he'll come back with 20 lbs of extra muscle this year and prove me wrong.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
One thing I am optimistic about -
The patch worked line in 2023 was better than the entrenched starters line in 2024.
I hope this line crafted by Caserio and Ryan’s resembles that 2023 line.
The patch worked line in 2023 was better than the entrenched starters line in 2024.
I hope this line crafted by Caserio and Ryan’s resembles that 2023 line.
cland
Rookie
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
Texans have added 4 OL and gotten rid of 3 since the offseason began.
2 OT and 2 OG additions. Draft board is open…
2 OT and 2 OG additions. Draft board is open…
Juice is an avg ol that can hold up until he gets injured.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I’d say coming into that draft, I thought Juice was overdrafted by this team. And Patterson was underdrafted. We’ll see who can play to the level of NFL starter with open camp competition this year. I’d favor Patterson to win the center job.
BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
I wanted Patterson in that draft and they got him at good value. I thought Juice went a couple of rounds before he should have. I didn't understand the trade up.
BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
Interesting because Simmons also suffered a torn patellar. My conspiracy brain tells me they signed him to see what the recovery looks like:
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
Well, if you throw enough panties against the wall one of 'em is bound to stick.
cland
Rookie
Well if he can play there's your power gap guy, he's listed as 6'8" and 360!
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
Look at his contract vs Robinson and you see the league is betting against Brown making a healthy return. He is the best OL on this roster if healthy. Lets hope we just signed a finalist for NFL Comeback Player of the Year!
calishung7717
Waterboy
Maybe they panicked once Schmitz went off the board?