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Welcome to Houston Woody Marks

Would be awesome and significant for the team if he performs like them. Both of them had relative athletic scores in the 3s while Marks was over double that. So there is reason to be hopeful.

I think their success just further shows there is more than what the RAS score measures to playing the RB position. Vision and “want to” is important. Quicker than fast and at the right moments be decisive.
 
After couple more weeks of evaluation, believe Woody Marks is superior RB prospect over James White. Similar build, but different running motion, natural forward lean, but athletically balanced lower body keeping weight behind contact point, with super quick feet, allowing him to accelerate into then out of trash. Great hands, plucks the ball with good extension as much as frame allows.

So I’m hoping for more of an Austin Eckler type of comp! Red Zone, pass catching threat & solid RB2. Hate Nick’s ansy pansy approach but he does get his players. End of day, all that matters.
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After couple more weeks of evaluation, believe Woody Marks is superior RB prospect over James White. Similar build, but different running motion, natural forward lean, but athletically balanced lower body keeping weight behind contact point, with super quick feet, allowing him to accelerate into then out of trash. Great hands, plucks the ball with good extension as much as frame allows.

So I’m hoping for more of an Austin Eckler type of comp! Red Zone, pass catching threat & solid RB2. Hate Nick’s ansy pansy approach but he does get his players. End of day, all that matters.
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Just curious, how would you (not from a Caserio perspective) rate/rank Marks compared to the RBs taken after him for the team.
RBs drafted after Marks.JPG
 
I see people saying Brashard Smith a lot and I have to honestly ask why?

I can’t think of a single part of the game that Smith is better at than Marks and that includes the receiving game. Pass protection isn’t even close as Smith sucks and vision isn’t particularly close either.

Agreed. And league agreed as well since Smith went round 7.
 
Just curious, how would you (not from a Caserio perspective) rate/rank Marks compared to the RBs taken after him for the team.
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Honestly, I would have double dipped (not traded up & kept extra picks to use on another back). Such a deep class it’s just a shame they couldn’t visualize moving on from current RB room, with exception of Joe Mixon of course.

Love Jordan James, could play similar role as Woods, but be the bridge RB1 post Mixon.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, in 7th? Small school transfer who ran out of eligibility time, tremendous value. East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP. Graded out about same as Marks, but not as clean path to NFL.

Hunter first team All SEC & Sampson SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Higher profile than Woody but they just preferred something more about him. Blue is fast but had fumble & production mistakes. Thought Texans liked Devin Neal early in process but has smaller hands and tested slower than he looked in film. Brashard Smith, thought was good fit for role Woods will play, also 7th rd?
 
After couple more weeks of evaluation, believe Woody Marks is superior RB prospect over James White. Similar build, but different running motion, natural forward lean, but athletically balanced lower body keeping weight behind contact point, with super quick feet, allowing him to accelerate into then out of trash. Great hands, plucks the ball with good extension as much as frame allows.

So I’m hoping for more of an Austin Eckler type of comp! Red Zone, pass catching threat & solid RB2. Hate Nick’s ansy pansy approach but he does get his players. End of day, all that matters.
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What is an ansy pansy approach?
 
I see people saying Brashard Smith a lot and I have to honestly ask why?

I can’t think of a single part of the game that Smith is better at than Marks and that includes the receiving game. Pass protection isn’t even close as Smith sucks and vision isn’t particularly close either.
Watch Smith run pass routes, he's a walking mismatch. He's also got the speed to score anytime he touches the ball. Do you like Achane? He's a poor mans Achane.
 
Watch Smith run pass routes, he's a walking mismatch. He's also got the speed to score anytime he touches the ball. Do you like Achane? He's a poor mans Achane.
Except he doesn't have anywhere near Achane's vision when running the ball. Good route runner, yes; good running the ball, huge question mark
 
I think @beerlover means Nick gets anxious and trades up too often.
He gets his guys, which is what you should want.

Unlike RS who sat their and waited until guys like Mahomes/Jimmy G/Lockett etc.... were traded up for by orgs like the Seahawks/Pats and RS was stuck with his finger up his butt when it came time for the Texans to make a pick. (Yes that was a Derrick reference) I'm just glad with Caserio we dont have to see that kinda crap anymore.
 
Except he doesn't have anywhere near Achane's vision when running the ball. Good route runner, yes; good running the ball, huge question mark
He's very good running with the ball, go back and checkout his tape. There's nothing wrong with his vision.
 
Ill say this much. Casserio makes drafts interesting. Compared to the snooze fest that was Brian Gaine, Casserio makes more trades amd deals than any other GM which adds a lot of intrigue. I like the willingness to make moves and trades. But he seems too willing at times. As Kenny Rodgers once said, you gotta know when to hold em, and know when to fold em.

As afar as RS, he made trades. Not like Casserio, but he made some draft trades. I remember trading up for some guy named DW4. Using your logic, thats a great trade. He went up and got their guy. Isnt that how we judge these things?
 
Ill say this much. Casserio makes drafts interesting. Compared to the snooze fest that was Brian Gaine, Casserio makes more trades amd deals than any other GM which adds a lot of intrigue. I like the willingness to make moves and trades. But he seems too willing at times. As Kenny Rodgers once said, you gotta know when to hold em, and know when to fold em.

As afar as RS, he made trades. Not like Casserio, but he made some draft trades. I remember trading up for some guy named DW4. Using your logic, thats a great trade. He went up and got their guy. Isnt that how we judge these things?
I’d say Nick knows when to hold ‘em and when to fold em considering how we always have plenty of ammunition.

If he was someone that only ever went all in and trade up all the time we’d have around 3-4 draft picks every year.

Nick plays every angle and trades down as well and acquires assets often. He also holds and drafts fallers like Noel.

Just because he trades up for players that aren’t high on consensus boards doesn’t mean they’re not good moves.
 
He gets his guys, which is what you should want.

Unlike RS who sat their and waited until guys like Mahomes/Jimmy G/Lockett etc.... were traded up for by orgs like the Seahawks/Pats and RS was stuck with his finger up his butt when it came time for the Texans to make a pick. (Yes that was a Derrick reference) I'm just glad with Caserio we dont have to see that kinda crap anymore.
Exactly.
 
Unable to move up in first round (overpay imo, glad they did’nt) contributed to their strategy days two & three. Big time. I’m thankful for Ersery, after passing on LT in first. Noel was example of deeper draft class than media let on & one stick and pick of whole class. From there, it went south. You can say they got there guys, because they overpayed to get them, imo they would all have been there, if not then there were better players anyway. But I get the whole culture thing, needs (Caserio says its bpa) I call BS. This could easily been a top draft class, using those thirds more wisely (now & future) but is what it is. Three starters, thats a B, with some potential depth. Actually impressed with undrafted free agents, wonder if one makes the roster and couple on practice sqaud?

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If we have a healthy lead, i see Mixon grinding things out. He has the size, physicality and toughness to grind out those heavy yards when the D knows what you are likely to do.

I see Marks as the 3rd down guy. Essentially taking over the role of Dare…and i think he is a big upgrade over Dare.

Could be wrong, but thats how i see it. If i am right, Dare will have to be a ST only guy, or he could be a tough cut.
 
Ill say this much. Casserio makes drafts interesting. Compared to the snooze fest that was Brian Gaine, Casserio makes more trades amd deals than any other GM which adds a lot of intrigue. I like the willingness to make moves and trades. But he seems too willing at times. As Kenny Rodgers once said, you gotta know when to hold em, and know when to fold em.

As afar as RS, he made trades. Not like Casserio, but he made some draft trades. I remember trading up for some guy named DW4. Using your logic, thats a great trade. He went up and got their guy. Isnt that how we judge these things?
He let the Chiefs trade ahead of him and get Mahomes.

He saw Derrick and Mahomes as equal, even though BOB wanted Mahomes. I'm just glad we dont have to worry about this kind of stuff anymore and Caserio moves around to get the guys Ryans wants.
 
Unable to move up in first round (overpay imo, glad they did’nt) contributed to their strategy days two & three. Big time. I’m thankful for Ersery, after passing on LT in first. Noel was example of deeper draft class than media let on & one stick and pick of whole class. From there, it went south. You can say they got there guys, because they overpayed to get them, imo they would all have been there, if not then there were better players anyway. But I get the whole culture thing, needs (Caserio says its bpa) I call BS. This could easily been a top draft class, using those thirds more wisely (now & future) but is what it is. Three starters, thats a B, with some potential depth. Actually impressed with undrafted free agents, wonder if one makes the roster and couple on practice sqaud?

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I dont see it this way. I'm thinking Ryans evals were higher on Smith than yours and after seeing how Caserio/Ryans naile Bullock in the 3rd I'm going to trust that they got things right with the Smith/Marks USC picks. I'm thinking in a couple of yrs that you will be very happy with the Smith pick.

I get how you feel though, I would've rather had your Ducks guys too. Conerly/James.
 
Smith was on my watch list because Texans scout USC hard, pulling Bullock in 24. His frame is average (unlike Bullock) rough technique & foot speed. He’s special teamer (we don’t need more) probably nickle depth (we don’t need anymore) he would be liability and heavily penalized playing CB. He was the worst selection of Texan draft class.

Corners are a commodity & Texans have become collectors. Xavier Watts went one pick before, huge gap in value to me. My thing would be trade for one, don’t reach in draft for one when it’s a down class. Hit the strength of prospects RB, DL.
 
Smith was on my watch list because Texans scout USC hard, pulling Bullock in 24. His frame is average (unlike Bullock) rough technique & foot speed. He’s special teamer (we don’t need more) probably nickle depth (we don’t need anymore) he would be liability and heavily penalized playing CB. He was the worst selection of Texan draft class.

Corners are a commodity & Texans have become collectors. Xavier Watts went one pick before, huge gap in value to me. My thing would be trade for one, don’t reach in draft for one when it’s a down class. Hit the strength of prospects RB, DL.

Totally agree. I wanted a DL there. We have a good…but old…group of tackles. I wanted Farmer there but there were other guys too. I just don’t see the value to trade up and take Smith that high.

I keep going back and forth because I do trust Nick on DB’s. So for now I will cede to those guys, but if he becomes more than a core ST guy…it’s bonus territory for me.
 
Texans could have knocked running back need, both talent & depth out of the park if instead of Smith, got banger RB Cam Skattebo to go with Woody Marks. But once again the offense took backstreet to the defense. Mixon has only so many snaps left in the bag (hope he stays here as RB coach) Cam & Woody would solidify the backfield in duel threat Joe Mixon mold. Caserio makes Scattebo move instead, this class would pull grade higher alphabetically. They still drafted a nickle/safety Jalen Pitre clone in 6th, Jalen Reed (whom I love). Just me, but it’s a double foul, missed opportunity.
 
Smith was on my watch list because Texans scout USC hard, pulling Bullock in 24. His frame is average (unlike Bullock) rough technique & foot speed. He’s special teamer (we don’t need more) probably nickle depth (we don’t need anymore) he would be liability and heavily penalized playing CB. He was the worst selection of Texan draft class.

Corners are a commodity & Texans have become collectors. Xavier Watts went one pick before, huge gap in value to me. My thing would be trade for one, don’t reach in draft for one when it’s a down class. Hit the strength of prospects RB, DL.
They obviously dont see Smith the way you do.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Smith was a Ryans pick.
 
Thank you for this post. Woody Marks will be referred to as "Richard Marx" if he doesn't play well. This is why you put in the extra hours on TT.



Does anyone else think this means they're going to cut Dare if Marks shows that he can fill the role? Is Pearce toast? Would they carry 4 RBs? Especially if one (Dare) is an older, more expensive, not-as-good version of another one (Marks)? Of course Marks would have to show that he can actually play.

I have been saying Pierce won't be on the roster IMO. With Marks here and a guy who is known as a KR/PR guy before a WR in Braxton Berrios. I don’t see how he fits, unless he looks like his rookie year in TC. Then maybe he stays
 
I thought Berrios was more of a PR. But even if he can handle KR duty, they often deploy two KR’s at the same time. And DP has proven to be a surprisingly good KR. And when asked to take some real carries last yeae, he did pretty darn well. They could also deploy Noel at PR, amd DP on KR. I think Dare is a more likely cut. But none of this is in stone. Thats why they have camp and whats left of PS games. Let the best men win.
 
I thought Berrios was more of a PR. But even if he can handle KR duty, they often deploy two KR’s at the same time. And DP has proven to be a surprisingly good KR. And when asked to take some real carries last yeae, he did pretty darn well. They could also deploy Noel at PR, amd DP on KR. I think Dare is a more likely cut. But none of this is in stone. Thats why they have camp and whats left of PS games. Let the best men win.

I looked at Dares stats and I think he is cemented in as either 3rd down RB or gadget play guy who is in on different types of plays. He has shown to be versatile and has ability to produce.
 
I looked at Dares stats and I think he is cemented in as either 3rd down RB or gadget play guy who is in on different types of plays. He has shown to be versatile and has ability to produce.
Dare had 30 rushes and 19 receptions last season. I think it's pretty clear the Texans are looking for something more, and that's why they selected Marks. Dare did play on 56% of special teams snaps. So he does have a big role there.
 
Dare had 30 rushes and 19 receptions last season. I think it's pretty clear the Texans are looking for something more, and that's why they selected Marks. Dare did play on 56% of special teams snaps. So he does have a big role there.

And he is the emergency PK, which aounds like a joke…until we remember that they actually used him that one game.

Its one more small feather in his cap. Still…for me if its down to Dare and DP, give me DP.
 
Which did Texans need more, add depth on defense or depth/possibly starter to lagging run game offensively?
Injuries last yr had them playing Lassiter in the slot last yr and Ross playing outside after Petrie went down. Also when Ward went down they were thin at S. That really hurt this defense against Mahomes. This yr they're 2 deep across the board. Ward and Smith can play both nickle and S positions. What happened against the Chiefs last yr wont be happening next yr. (This is if they got the Smith eval correct and I trust Ryans when it comes to defensive evals.

The DB room was thin last yr, just like the WR room was thin last yr. Caserio/Ryans deemed those 2 positions just as important as the OL and more important than the RB room. Fortunately they added good players at all of these position who will provide the depth that the team was missing last yr.

I'm just glad that come playoffs time we will be seeing Higgins/Noel out there instead of Metchie/Hutch and on defense we wont be seeing Ross out there and will instead be seeing Darby/Smith and hopefully Ward will stay healthy since he will be playing less next yr.
 
I have been saying Pierce won't be on the roster IMO. With Marks here and a guy who is known as a KR/PR guy before a WR in Braxton Berrios. I don’t see how he fits, unless he looks like his rookie year in TC. Then maybe he stays
Pierce makes the team because he's a better fit for the new offense and a dynamic weapon as a KR. With the new kickoff rules I expect Pierce to be a difference maker.
 
Pearce has the vision of Stevie Wonder, but if he knows where the hole is and he doesn't have to read and react, I could see Pearce as a viable option to spell Mixon. The fact that they didn't draft an RB that is your prototype between the tackles RB, tells you that they are still burning a candle for Pearce. I would love to see Pearce be a productive part of the RBs we have, but it would be silly for me to expect that. In a perfect world, would love to have a bruiser like Pearce behind Mixon, assuming the Pearce would be effective. I also think Pearce is SWARM and with his KR skills, adds a skillset that the Texans can use (and they value it).
 
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I looked at Dares stats and I think he is cemented in as either 3rd down RB or gadget play guy who is in on different types of plays. He has shown to be versatile and has ability to produce.
Produce what? Avg at best, if he makes the team it will be strictly because of his ST's value. Now that Marks is on the team Dare shouldn't see the field on offense except in the case of one of the top 3 RB's getting injured.
 
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