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What's the next move for the Texans?
- Thread starter djohn2oo8
- Start date
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
We might wait until after the draft and then pick up some guys to fill whatever perceived holes we've got. I wouldn't be surprised if we pick Dobbins and Ruud back up but we might wait until after the draft to do it.
IF we're going to go after someone, I don't expect it to be a big, high-priced guy. I'd be interested to see us picking up Dansby but he's probably too high-priced even at this stage of his career. I expect us to pick up a flotsam and jetsam WR as well as draft one or two.
And I honestly would not be surprised to see us sign Winston back. He might not be the greatest RT of all time but he could stabilize that position for a bit; I expect us to re-sign Harris and Butler, instead.
IF we're going to go after someone, I don't expect it to be a big, high-priced guy. I'd be interested to see us picking up Dansby but he's probably too high-priced even at this stage of his career. I expect us to pick up a flotsam and jetsam WR as well as draft one or two.
And I honestly would not be surprised to see us sign Winston back. He might not be the greatest RT of all time but he could stabilize that position for a bit; I expect us to re-sign Harris and Butler, instead.
ThaJokaa
True Texans Fan
I dont see any other FA's that contribute on our team right now so...
Who can we draft at ILB in the draft? Other than Manti Te'o?
With the Rams losing Almendola, I'm sure they'll pick up Tavon Austin from WV. I wanted to pick him up, but seems like we'll be going with an ILB if that happens.
Who can we draft at ILB in the draft? Other than Manti Te'o?
With the Rams losing Almendola, I'm sure they'll pick up Tavon Austin from WV. I wanted to pick him up, but seems like we'll be going with an ILB if that happens.
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
I'm expecting us to go with Minter (if we go early), or Bostic or Reddick if we wait until the 2-3, or Klein, Cain, or Greer if we go later than that.
badboy
Hall of Fame
My guy A J Klein can be selected in 4-5th and should be a perfect fit. I would start him in this defense. I do expect a vet to be signed cheaply and let's not forget possible additions after June 1st cuts.
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
I think the following three things MUST happen before the draft:
1. free agent wide receiver with some speed
2. capable free agent OT (likely Ryan Harris)
3. at least one free agent LB to play OLB or ILB with coverage ability.
My thinking is still WR in the 1st. Don't know how it's all going to shake out, but I think if Allen or Hopkins is there at #27, that's who they'll get. They may try to trade back a little if only Hopkins is there and they have someone who wants to move up, possibly for a QB. As for ILB, my guess is 2nd or 3rd round.
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
I'd like to see us go after Daryl Smith if he is healthy. Don't think he has had much action since FA began so hopefully he won't be asking much. Also I would be interested in Sedrick Ellis as a backup NT. Technically though Lechler is really the next move.
I would also be interested in knowing whats the deal with Shaun Phillips? I've seen him on all the FA lists but haven't heard if he is going back to San Diego or if he is injured or what. Seems like he could be a nice OLB for us which might allow Brooks to slide to ILB if thats what the coaching staff wants.
I would also be interested in knowing whats the deal with Shaun Phillips? I've seen him on all the FA lists but haven't heard if he is going back to San Diego or if he is injured or what. Seems like he could be a nice OLB for us which might allow Brooks to slide to ILB if thats what the coaching staff wants.
BullNation4Life
All Pro
Where? There isn't a FA WR with speed, unless you want one that cannot catch the ball. If so go get Heyward-Bey...
as for LB, I see several on the FA Tracker that might come here. One that comes to mind that played with Ed Reed is Bart Scott to play next to Cushing...
We'll need to know Ed Reed's numbers as far as cap space to determine whether we can afford a mid-level FA.
Obviously, if they find a borderline guy (with potential to improve), they can still restructure a contract or two to make room for him.
But otherwise; yeah, I think it's better to stay pat until after the Jun 1 cut or only sign guys at min vet salary so that we can get a couple of comp picks next year.
GP
Go Texans!
I don't know what the final numbers are for Ed Reed....
But if I were to be able to make one more big FA move, I'd bring in Eric Winston. I'd put him on a 2-year deal at about $2.5 million-per and structure it so that we have room for one more middle-of-the-road signing and the rest for rookie salaries and PS guys.
Why Winston?
Because I'd put him at RT and slide Newton inside to RG. I think he fits better at G than T right now. He needs to get things shaped up before manning the edge, IMO, and I like Winston's run blocking more than Newton's. Winston can road-grade on a more consistent basis.
On the left side, I'd have DB at LT, and then Ben Jones at LG, with a platoon of guys working in and out of the G and T positions to spell the starters. Mondek might be a sleeper guy for us in 2013, too.
I think we need a return to 2011 in terms of our right side of the OL.
Winston might be holding out for bigger money than what we could give him. I'm sure his vet minimum is not much less than what we could stand to offer him, which I think he would reject since we dumped him.
BUT...if I were to be able to manageably add another key player to improve this team and know that it's a relatively safe bet...it'd be Winston, if it could happen.
However, more realistically I can see us adding middle of the road talent to keep the cap space healthy enough for us on rookie signings, PS guys, and emergency money at preseason and reg season if we needed it. In other words, vet minimum deals.
But if I were to be able to make one more big FA move, I'd bring in Eric Winston. I'd put him on a 2-year deal at about $2.5 million-per and structure it so that we have room for one more middle-of-the-road signing and the rest for rookie salaries and PS guys.
Why Winston?
Because I'd put him at RT and slide Newton inside to RG. I think he fits better at G than T right now. He needs to get things shaped up before manning the edge, IMO, and I like Winston's run blocking more than Newton's. Winston can road-grade on a more consistent basis.
On the left side, I'd have DB at LT, and then Ben Jones at LG, with a platoon of guys working in and out of the G and T positions to spell the starters. Mondek might be a sleeper guy for us in 2013, too.
I think we need a return to 2011 in terms of our right side of the OL.
Winston might be holding out for bigger money than what we could give him. I'm sure his vet minimum is not much less than what we could stand to offer him, which I think he would reject since we dumped him.
BUT...if I were to be able to manageably add another key player to improve this team and know that it's a relatively safe bet...it'd be Winston, if it could happen.
However, more realistically I can see us adding middle of the road talent to keep the cap space healthy enough for us on rookie signings, PS guys, and emergency money at preseason and reg season if we needed it. In other words, vet minimum deals.
So you are ok with what we currently have at NT?
We still need a starting FB, WR, DT, P. We have our starters at both ILB positions and RT coming off major surgeries. On top of that we are one injury away from KEO becoming a starter and that can never happen. We need to address as many of these spots as possible before the draft and hope that we hit a couple out of the park on draft day.
Here is what I would be looking at...
FB - Draft
WR - Draft
DT - Alan Branch, Casey Hampton, and or draft
P - Lechler, Jones, or draft
ILB - Larry Grant, Brad Jones or draft. Also need to sign Dobbins or Ruud.
RT - Ryan Harris and draft
S - Draft
Here is what I would be looking at...
FB - Draft
WR - Draft
DT - Alan Branch, Casey Hampton, and or draft
P - Lechler, Jones, or draft
ILB - Larry Grant, Brad Jones or draft. Also need to sign Dobbins or Ruud.
RT - Ryan Harris and draft
S - Draft
dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
That list was a minimum expectation based on how I believe the Texans see their needs and reasonable expectations regarding what can be addressed in the draft.
I think they are pretty happy with their DL situation, with 5 returning contributors from last season, including a "co-starter" at DT (Mitchell). They also have some young guys they have hope for... Regardless, I believe they would be comfortable addressing NT depth in the draft (or afterwards).
WR: I just don't believe they want to go into the draft with so little speed and vet... I don't know who they will get, but I'm not suggesting a top tier guy with elite speed... Perhaps someone like D. Henderson or Ted Ginn jr. (not my choices but reasonable possibilities)
rolyat93
Waterboy
TheGoldenGreek
Practice Squad
What's the status of Tim Dobbins?
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
Unsigned and waiting by the phone, last I heard.
I am not too confident in Sharpton either. If I had to pick one move I would sign Brad Jones. He is a 3 down backer and would allow us to not address ILB in the draft. I would feel really good with Cushing and Jones as our starters and then have Sharpton and either Dobbins or Ruud as our 4th ILB. That would be ideal. We would have two 3 down backers like the 49ers.
Doppelganger
None
I can't wait to see the message board blow up when he is resigned as the "vet WR"!!!
Playoffs
Hall of Fame
ILBs seem to be the "new RBs" -- value(cost) quickly dropping. Some decent options out there that look better than what we had in '12. Hopefully we can steal one in this buyer's market. May depend on Reed's numbers.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
I wouldn't have a problem re-signing KDub. As long as we don't trot him out there as our #2
ASidd_1990
Waterboy
Sebastian Vollmer or Brandon Lloyd please!
Agreed again. At first I thought that that there was no way we could sign Brad Jones. Guy is 27 years old and a proven 3 down backer. Now since the feeding frenzy has subsided I believe that it is a real possibility that we can sign a starter at ILB for a reasonable price. IMO Brad Jones is clearly the cream of the crop but Dansby would also be a massive upgrade. We could probably sign Larry Grant for cheap but I would prefer a proven starter.
GP
Go Texans!
Ah, thanks.
Have been a bit absence on the Internet the past 48 hours, so I didn't know.
Well, Miami certainly is signing guys up left and right. I think they could be pretty good if Hartline continues his streak of good play. With Mike Wallace added, and a QB a year older, might be pretty good and can challenge Patriots.
TexanSam
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure if they're ready to challenge the Patriots just yet. Ryan Tannehill had a decent season as a rookie, but he would have to take a big step forward in order for them to even think about winning the AFC East. I would not be surprised if they are a wild card team next season though.
Brad Jones stays with Packers http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/21/brad-jones-returns-to-packers/
According to my estimation, the Texans should have a couple of MM left (after allowing for Reed, Gardner, and all the draft picks.)
They can sign a mid-level player with that.
They can still sign guys at higher dollar level, since they can always cut another guy later on when they need to reduce the roster to 53.
For example, if they are comfortable with Meyers, Brook, Jones, White (and a rookie) they can cut Wade Smith to have an extra $2M.
However, if they plan to retain W Smith, the Texans would probably be better of signing veterans like Harris and Dobbins to minim veteran deals.
Last year, they didn't sign Demps until the end of March and Dobbins and James until mid April, and Harris was signed after the final cut, so we might not see much if any action for awhile.
Why did he take a one-yr deal?
Will he get a chance to start?
If he doesn't start, how is he going to prove himself for the next contract?
Don't they usually leave 4-5 mil in the piggy bank to sign street urchins to replace injured folks?
If they don't dole out signing bonus like crazy, all of the contracts are non-guaranteed and can be void at any time. The guys that we currently have on the roster like Hunter, McGee, etc. can be cut any time, so there's no need for additional cap space.
They just need to stay under according to league rules; besides, if the want to they can restructure a contract or two to get more cap space for 2013.
TexanBacker93
Veteran
I wonder if this is because with the increased emphasis on the passing game and the proliferation of mutant TEs that are too fast for LBs to cover that teams are playing their ILBs less.
It's why I don't see the Texans using a high draft pick on an ILB. I'd rather them get a cheap vet and use a lower pick on someone to backup.
I don't think we see anyone else signed until after the draft. Maybe a minor guy or a returning player.
With 4 picks in the first 95 I would like to see:
WR
NT
S
OLB or T if they don't think Newton's the guy
With the final 5 picks:
CB
ILB
OLB or T
TE
QB/P/FB It would depend on if there is a QB they think can be the guy at some point.
kingtexan
All Pro
Maybe they will overpay someone else who is at the end of their career and has more chance of going "Boselli", than improving the team for a considerable amount of next year. I could see them making a run a Urlacher. Instead of making a run at young talent for the future of the team, they seem to be going all in on the next two years, which says they are saying to the HC, QB, etc that if it doesn't happen by then it will be time to keep a few key elements and start completely over.
Uncle Rico
Ur apology should be as loud as Ur disrespect was
Disagree with the notion that a good ILB or 2 depending on the scheme can be played by just anybody. This team was soft up the middle last year, and it was most definitely because the ILB was poor, PLUS the NT wasn't much better.
If you're soft up the middle you're in trouble.
If you're soft up the middle you're in trouble.
TexanBacker93
Veteran
Our ILB was poor because we were missing an All Pro level player. You add him back in there and the rest of those players aren't playing as many snaps and we are solidified up the middle. Well, at least at LB.
I think we need better play at NT to help our ILBs. We had a lot of injuries at that spot all year and I think having a better guy in the middle of the line can only help the LBs.
tru80texan
Waterboy
Lol! When will the Walter silliness die? He isn't worth a roster spot & obviously the Texans finally woke up & realized it. They forced him to take a pay cut last season & then finally just cut him this season which, if I recall correctly, did cost the Texans in some dead money. It wouldn't be smart to bring back a player that contributes very little as a wr, costed you some cap space already & then re-sign them again to cost you even more money. Walter's time is over here & I for one am glad. It's time to improve & actually have a potential playmaker opposite of Andre instead of an out position FB.
DX-TEX
#TomSavageDontCare
Don't forget giving him some crazy contract and even then you have to hope the Giants don't match.
Not worth the risk
tru80texan
Waterboy
Man, I wish!! He proved this past season that he can make plays even if he's the primary target when Nicks got hurt. I can see him being worth the pick, it's the big money contract the Texans can't handle at this point. It seems the Texans are preparing themselves for what Cushing & Watt will demand in the future & we all know it won't be cheap.
ASidd_1990
Waterboy
Victor Cruz would most likely command a salary of 15 million a year or a contract similar to what Calvin Johnson got. Plus you have to give up a 1st rounder? Not worth it.
Besides we have to worry about Cushing and Watt contract coming up.
I'd look at Brandon Lloyd for cheap. He's the perfect weapon next to AJ.
Besides we have to worry about Cushing and Watt contract coming up.
I'd look at Brandon Lloyd for cheap. He's the perfect weapon next to AJ.