Where to spend the 2014 1st round pick?

[steelbtexan]

We need just about everything. We need WRs too. Martin and Jean aren't players that you want to count on. If Andre or Hopkins were to go down, we are right back in a bad situation at WR. We should be looking to add more WRs to our group. There is hardly any depth. We also don't have a slot receiver. However, we have more pressing needs that will probably not allow us to take a WR, assuming we draft on need.

I haven't done my own mock, just because it's a bit early for me. That's not to say that these mocks on the site now are worthless, it's just too early for ME to do one.

If I had to do a positional mock draft, I would take a RT in the first, OLB/ILB/NT in the next 4 rounds, RB/CB/WR in the last three rounds. If we don't resign Antonio, we will need to draft a DE.

What your saying is there's too many holes to fill in one draft?

So they if Rick can fix the OL/DL/LB's in this draft I will be happy and the team will be much better. When is the last time Rick added 3 impact players in 1 draft should be the question.

 

[76Texan]

We need just about everything. We need WRs too. Martin and Jean aren't players that you want to count on. If Andre or Hopkins were to go down, we are right back in a bad situation at WR. We should be looking to add more WRs to our group. There is hardly any depth. We also don't have a slot receiver. However, we have more pressing needs that will probably not allow us to take a WR, assuming we draft on need.

I haven't done my own mock, just because it's a bit early for me. That's not to say that these mocks on the site now are worthless, it's just too early for ME to do one.

If I had to do a positional mock draft, I would take a RT in the first, OLB/ILB/NT in the next 4 rounds, RB/CB/WR in the last three rounds. If we don't resign Antonio, we will need to draft a DE.

I've been entertaining thoughts about Watkins.
That guy is more dynamic than Tavon Austin.

10-3/4 hand.
He can be a force in the return game as well.

You give Keenum this guy underneath and AJ and Hopkins over the top. Your offense will be crazy.

The only thing that is crazier is that Watkins can outrun AJ and Hopkins, and Posey too.

 

[mussop]

I've been entertaining thoughts about Watkins.
That guy is more dynamic than Tavon Austin.

10-3/4 hand.
He can be a force in the return game as well.

You give Keenum this guy underneath and AJ and Hopkins over the top. Your offense will be crazy.

The only thing that is crazier is that Watkins can outrun AJ and Hopkins, and Posey too.

I've been flirting with this idea in my head since last week. If Case is for real, why not turn this offense into a passing juggernaut. Kinda a gift to AJ for making him suffer all these years. With a mobile QB and those three guys running around we would be tough to stop and fun as hell to watch. The only thing is the drug charges scare me a little. If that doesn't clear inspection replace him with Evans. Use the rest of the draft on defense.

 

[WolverineFan]

I've been entertaining thoughts about Watkins.
That guy is more dynamic than Tavon Austin.

10-3/4 hand.
He can be a force in the return game as well.

You give Keenum this guy underneath and AJ and Hopkins over the top. Your offense will be crazy.

The only thing that is crazier is that Watkins can outrun AJ and Hopkins, and Posey too.

Not a bad idea to grab Watkins. I actually sort of agree.

Disagree about playing him underneath though. He can blow the top off the defense. I would play Dre in the slot and Watkins outside. Dre runs fantastic routes and could be a Boldin-like beast in the slot. He's also lost a step so getting him in matchups against LB's and Safeties isn't a bad idea. Hopkins could take over his role outside and then you have Watkins to pressure the deep part of the field. Would make for a very dynamic trio. He would definitely upgrade the return game as well I agree.

 

[mussop]

What your saying is there's too many holes to fill in one draft?

So they if Rick can fix the OL/DL/LB's in this draft I will be happy and the team will be much better. When is the last time Rick added 3 impact players in 1 draft should be the question.

What about safety and nickle back? Although I think bouy will lock that down next year. Also don't forget about depth on DL.

 

[Corrosion]

What your saying is there's too many holes to fill in one draft?

So they if Rick can fix the OL/DL/LB's in this draft I will be happy and the team will be much better. When is the last time Rick added 3 impact players in 1 draft should be the question.

Sounds eerily familiar doesn't it ?!


Cameron Erving

Christian Jones

Danny Shelton

Fixing NT may go a long way towards fixing the LBers.

 

[Texian]

I've been entertaining thoughts about Watkins.
That guy is more dynamic than Tavon Austin.

10-3/4 hand.
He can be a force in the return game as well.

You give Keenum this guy underneath and AJ and Hopkins over the top. Your offense will be crazy.

The only thing that is crazier is that Watkins can outrun AJ and Hopkins, and Posey too.

Don't be going Matt Millen on me. If not Johnny Football think TE. OD is not what he used to be and Graham is a FA.

Oh and what has Tavon Austin done for you lately?

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

What your saying is there's too many holes to fill in one draft?

So they if Rick can fix the OL/DL/LB's in this draft I will be happy and the team will be much better. When is the last time Rick added 3 impact players in 1 draft should be the question.

A great QB and a great pass rusher cover the most blemishes .

 

[Scooter]

i truly think we only need 1 position on offense, that one position is currently an anchor holding the offense back. jake matthews in the first and offense is done. make that the priority, no more guessing and hoping to hit later on, get that final piece. quess replaces wade smith, jones backs up the interior, and williams become swing tackle. we can fill the backup RB roles regardless of tate's returning without using a draft pick. we're 3 deep at wide receiver. and finally, case is our quarterback, though i would look at signing a cheap(ish) veteran to backup.

defense is the problem. yall know i want linebackers, a whole lot of linebackers. if we can hit on 2 linebackers, especially someone to play inside with cushing, we can turn the defense around. the line MAY be a concern. we dont know what's going to happen with ninja, but he's probably out of our price range. we would certainly benefit from a mountain in the middle. and finally, as always, we're still looking for that centerfielder.

 

[TexansSeminole]

I like the idea of adding Watkins, but it may be a luxury that we cannot afford. We need to do something about right tackle desperately.

Sounds eerily familiar doesn't it ?!


Cameron Erving

Christian Jones

Danny Shelton

Fixing NT may go a long way towards fixing the LBers.

Christian Jones is interesting. They have him playing OLB/DE right now, but he was an ILB in previous years. He was damn good at ILB, he routinely stuck with guys in coverage. Versatile guy that will fly up draft boards, in my opinion.

 

[76Texan]

Don't be going Matt Millen on me. If not Johnny Football think TE. OD is not what he used to be and Graham is a FA.

Oh and what has Tavon Austin done for you lately?

Either OD takes half of his pay off or he's gone; either way, the money is plenty enough to pay Graham; we sure haven't been missing OD, have we?

I wanted no part of Austin.
He's a completely different player than Watkins; there's no comparison.

 

[76Texan]

I like the idea of adding Watkins, but it may be a luxury that we cannot afford. We need to do something about right tackle desperately.




Christian Jones is interesting. They have him playing OLB/DE right now, but he was an ILB in previous years. He was damn good at ILB, he routinely stuck with guys in coverage. Versatile guy that will fly up draft boards, in my opinion.

B Williams and Quizz will be back.
We can draft an OT in the second or the third; IMO, you don't want to spend a first rounder for a RT.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Either OD takes half of his pay off or he's gone; either way, the money is plenty enough to pay Graham; we sure haven't been missing OD, have we?

I wanted no part of Austin.
He's a completely different player than Watkins; there's no comparison.

I would like this team to get bigger on the lines and taller at TE . To me Jimmy Graham and Gronk are open every play in the red zone because of their length . OD is 6'3 not tall for a TE . Saying that I'd take Evans from A&M from 12-16 th pick .

 

[76Texan]

I would like this team to get bigger on the lines and taller at TE . To me Jimmy Graham and Gronk are open every play in the red zone because of their length . OD is 6'3 not tall for a TE . Saying that I'd take Evans from A&M from 12-16 th pick .

I think the Texans could be ready to let OD go.
They only have to incurred 750K in dead money, and the move will free up $5.5M
Add that to the 750K slotted for Graham last year, and the number would go up to $6.25M.
That should be plenty to resign Graham and another TE in FA if the Texans find one that they like.

Jason Witten is the number 10 highest paid in the league and he only cost $4.325M

Obviously, the Texans seem to like to draft a TE in the fourth round.
Who is the guy at Wisconsin this year? LOL

 

[76Texan]

I would rather have Watkins' speed.
He was time under 4.3 at Clemson (hand time), probably inflated, but he should be very fast anyway.

Eventually, Hopkins, AJ and a guy like Watkins will see time at different positions.
I only suggest Watkins in the slot to minimize his learning curve at the beginning.
Let him match up with the opponents' third best DB; he's plenty big and strong, and should create a mismatch for the Texans.

 

[76Texan]

Beside Evans, there are also B Coleman, a 6'6 guy from Rutgers, and Kelvin Benjamin, a 6'5 guy from Fla. St.
With high 4.5 speed, I think one of these guys can put on some weight if they want to convert them to TE.
Benjamin, for example, is already listed at 234lbs.

 

[beerlover]

I think the Texans could be ready to let OD go.
They only have to incurred 750K in dead money, and the move will free up $5.5M
Add that to the 750K slotted for Graham last year, and the number would go up to $6.25M.
That should be plenty to resign Graham and another TE in FA if the Texans find one that they like.

Jason Witten is the number 10 highest paid in the league and he only cost $4.325M

Obviously, the Texans seem to like to draft a TE in the fourth round.
Who is the guy at Wisconsin this year? LOL

Jacob Pedersen, 6040 241 4.75 (7 games) 18 receptions 251 yards 13.94 avg & 3 TD's

Owen Daniels, 6033 253 4.65

Garrett Graham, 6031 243 4.76

 

[76Texan]

Damn it, I just check and the 6'7-6'8 guy from UCLA, Joseph Fauria, that I wanted the Texans to take.

He signed with the Lions as an UDFA, and had caught 5 TDs for them already.

What a miss by the Texans scouting department.

 

[76Texan]

Jacob Pedersen, 6040 241 4.75 (7 games) 18 receptions 251 yards 13.94 avg & 3 TD's

Owen Daniels, 6033 253 4.65

Garrett Graham, 6031 243 4.76

Jake Byrne is already on the active roster for the Texans already, isn't he?
That's another guy from Wisconsin.

 

[Texian]

At the halfway point in the season the Texans have the 6th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft: http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraftorder.html

Bottom line on TEs is the Texans are mediocre at best. They definitely need a #1 TE going forward. Evans, Ebron, Sefarian-Jenkins and Amaro should all be be 1st or 2nd rd considerations. The Texans running game has declined since Dreessen left and was never replaced with a Top notch blocking TE. A very good blocking TE was a main cog and one of the most pieces to the success of Alex Gibbs ZBS.

 

[badboy]

If James is there in the late 3rd would you trade a 4/6th rd pick to move up and pick him?

The Texans should get atleast 1 comp pick in the 5th rd if Dutch is correct.

James has actually fallen on the most recent draft tracker source I use from ranking #125 to #148 so I have him in 4th where he should be when we draft. Watching him shows no reason for a slide & I am thinking it is due to Tennessee getting beaten so much. He has not changed his style of play like some players have been accused (Clowney).

I have been holding off on posting my current mock to watch one more game of a certain player.

 

[santo]

What a miss by the Texans scouting department.

Which needs to be replaced now before our next draft.

 

[beerlover]

Ryan Griffin has looked the part of blocking TE, thought he had one penalty against the Colts, but really helped protection package for Case. really good undrafted pickup not sure Jake is anything but special teams depth.....

Texans did take a stab once @ TE & got burned with a high pick (2nd rd.) Bennie Joppru mostly based off exceptional week of practice/play in Senior Bowl.

In my most recent mock I targeted Washington TE Seferian-Jenkins, big body 6060 267 similar to Witten (not as well coached) but has natural ball instincts, uses his body effective can move in space/downfield or plant underneath & absorb hits. Question for me is how fast he develops with NFL coaching? could be a huge asset, improve blocking & provide compressed red zone option. A combination of Griffen & Seferian-Jenkins in two TE sets would chip & enforce the edges helping tackles or release as another option to keep chains moving.

 

[mussop]

At the halfway point in the season the Texans have the 6th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft: http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraftorder.html

Bottom line on TEs is the Texans are mediocre at best. They definitely need a #1 TE going forward. Evans, Ebron, Sefarian-Jenkins and Amaro should all be be 1st or 2nd rd considerations. The Texans running game has declined since Dreessen left and was never replaced with a Top notch blocking TE. A very good blocking TE was a main cog and one of the most pieces to the success of Alex Gibbs ZBS.

I don't think we know what we have in Graham or our rookie just yet. Remember Schaub has been the QB. Let's see what happens now that we have someone who will look for them.

Dreeson was not a top notch blocking TE. He was good but not great. Don't really think having a top notch blocking TE has ever been as important as you suggest. This offense is at its best when it has a TE that is at least a good seal off blocker and can get behind defenses when we run bootlegs. Ala Shannon sharpe.

 

[Texian]

I don't think we know what we have in Graham or our rookie just yet. Remember Schaub has been the QB. Let's see what happens now that we have someone who will look for them.

Dreeson was not a top notch blocking TE. He was good but not great. Don't really think having a top notchhttp://drudgereport.com/ blocking TE has ever been as important as you suggest. This offense is at its best when it has a TE that is at least a good seal off blocker and can get behind defenses when we run bootlegs. Ala Shannon sharpe.

What we do know about Graham is he's FA next year. I am opposed to waiting to see what happens as I am more comfortable at making things happen.

According to PFF when Dreessen was with the Texans he in fact graded out as a Top 3 Run Blocking TE. If know anything about or have studied Alex Gibbs and his ZBS then you would know how important Gibbs thinks and uses a good blocking TE in his running game. It is no coincidence that running game has declined since Dreessen and Gibbs have departed.

http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2011/08/alex-gibbs-stretchgun-run-developments.html

 

[76Texan]

What we do know about Graham is he's FA next year. I am opposed to waiting to see what happens as I am more comfortable at making things happen.

According to PFF when Dreessen was with the Texans he in fact graded out as a Top 3 Run Blocking TE. If know anything about or have studied Alex Gibbs and his ZBS then you would know how important Gibbs thinks and uses a good blocking TE in his running game. It is no coincidence that running game has declined since Dreessen and Gibbs have departed.

http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2011/08/alex-gibbs-stretchgun-run-developments.html

The Texans missed Dreessen, that's for sure, but they can't afford him with Graham already on the roster.

Graham isn't far off from Dreessen in blocking, anyway.

We just didn't have a real FB last year, and both Foster and Tate have not been healthy this year.

 

[mussop]

At the halfway point in the season the Texans have the 6th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft: http://www.gbnreport.com/weeklydraftorder.html

Bottom line on TEs is the Texans are mediocre at best. They definitely need a #1 TE going forward. Evans, Ebron, Sefarian-Jenkins and Amaro should all be be 1st or 2nd rd considerations. The Texans running game has declined since Dreessen left and was never replaced with a Top notch blocking TE. A very good blocking TE was a main cog and one of the most pieces to the success of Alex Gibbs ZBS.

What we do know about Graham is he's FA next year. I am opposed to waiting to see what happens as I am more comfortable at making things happen.

According to PFF when Dreessen was with the Texans he in fact graded out as a Top 3 Run Blocking TE. If know anything about or have studied Alex Gibbs and his ZBS then you would know how important Gibbs thinks and uses a good blocking TE in his running game. It is no coincidence that running game has declined since Dreessen and Gibbs have departed.

http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2011/08/alex-gibbs-stretchgun-run-developments.html

Right now you're just pissin in the wind. You can't make anything happen till the offseason anyway. That's why I'm saying let's see what we have now that we have a QB that's capable.


It had more to do with no true fullback and OL problems than it did with Dreesen being gone. Not saying he wasn't good. Just that there were many factors that contributed to our running games decline after he left.

As far as Gibbs goes, of course you need a GOOD blocking TE in his system. You need one in almost any system. Top notch? It's not as important as you think. Name one top notch blocking TE that was ever used in Gibbs system. In Denver it was Shannon Sharpe. He was more of a threat receiving than blocking. He was never a dominant blocker. He was a good effort seal off guy. I don't think gins system has ever been better than when sharpe was the TE.

 

[Wolf6151]

I have started working a bit different than some who mock by filling in back up or lesser needs first. For example, I see Ed Reed being replaced by Swearinger and Manning if healthy will be in last contract year 2014 so we draft Marqueston Huff Wyoming who was a 3 year corner who moved to safety this year. To answer your question, we have needs almost everywhere but some can be resolved without panic by using lower rounds and focusing on priority needs in top 4 rounds. Issue of course is posters rarely agree what is priority plus if I decide to take care of RT by selecting Tennessee's JuWuan James who is right under the first rounders, he better be there. Still that is the fun.

Case Keenum and "priority" are the 2 biggest questions we've got right now. Making a priority list is the easy part, though no 2 people will have their priorities in the same order or ever be able to agree on one. Unfortunately nothing can be solidified right now because of the huge ? at QB. IMO, even if Keenum plays lights out this season and the Texans decide to give him next year as well, there needs to be a good/decent backup most likely taken in the 2nd round because we can't hope or take the chance that someone good/decent will fall to the 3rd. I like Murray in the 2nd and could even take McCarron in the 2nd, though he doesn't wow me, just because we can't wait til the 3rd and just hope that he'll still be there. Remember this years draft when we waited a little for an ILB and tried to get max. value at the position and came away with nothing. Not all teams prioritize players like we do, which really makes me question our scouting dept. as well. This team has also got to quit taking so many chances with 3rd round picks by taking risky/maybe/injured/project players. 3rd round picks form the heart and soul of your team and we've got to quit wasting them.

 

[Texian]

As far as Gibbs goes, of course you need a GOOD blocking TE in his system. You need one in almost any system. Top notch? It's not as important as you think. Name one top notch blocking TE that was ever used in Gibbs system. In Denver it was Shannon Sharpe. He was more of a threat receiving than blocking. He was never a dominant blocker. He was a good effort seal off guy. I don't think gins system has ever been better than when sharpe was the TE.

Shannon Sharpe was not a blocking TE, Sharpe is the same size as Andre Johnson. Alex Gibbs blocking TE for Denver during the time period was Dwayne Carswell. In Atlanta Alge Crumpler was the TE in the mold of Sharpe and Daniels. Alex Gibbs blocking TE for the Falcons was Eric Beverly. These TEs were not much in the way of receiving TE but were top notch and some of the best run blocking TE. Ask Terrel Davis and Warrick Dunn if they weren't a main reason for them being some of the best. With Joel Dreessen Arian Foster was either #1 or #2 in rushing. Foster hasn't rushed for a 4.4 ypc since Dreessen departed.

 

[infantrycak]

Shannon Sharpe was not a blocking TE, Sharpe is the same size as Andre Johnson. Alex Gibbs blocking TE for Denver during the time period was Dwayne Carswell. In Atlanta Alge Crumpler was the TE in the mold of Sharpe and Daniels. Alex Gibbs blocking TE for the Falcons was Eric Beverly. These TEs were not much in the way of receiving TE but were top notch and some of the best run blocking TE. Ask Terrel Davis and Warrick Dunn if they weren't a main reason for them being some of the best. With Joel Dreessen Arian Foster was either #1 or #2 in rushing. Foster hasn't rushed for a 4.4 ypc since Dreessen departed.

Carswell went 290 lbs. The Texans have never had a big TE in that mold The closest they have had to a primarily blocking TE was Mark Bruener who was let go while Gibbs was here. Carswell was also already with the Broncos before Gibbs got there.

Not sure who you are thinking of in Atlanta. Eric Beverly was a 300 lb C/G.

Foster hasn't reached 4.9 ypc since Leach departed. He is at 4.5 ypc this season. So basically you are only talking about 2012 which also includes getting rid of a traditional FB.

 

[Texian]

Carswell went 290 lbs. The Texans have never had a big TE in that mold The closest they have had to a primarily blocking TE was Mark Bruener who was let go while Gibbs was here. Carswell was also already with the Broncos before Gibbs got there.

Not sure who you are thinking of in Atlanta. Eric Beverly was a 300 lb C/G.

Foster hasn't reached 4.9 ypc since Leach departed. He is at 4.5 ypc this season. So basically you are only talking about 2012 which also includes getting rid of a traditional FB.

Beverly was a 300 lb G/C for Detroit he was 300 lb Blocking TE for Atlanta always lining up outside shoulder of the LT or RT. Just because Carswell was there doesn't mean that Gibbs didn't use him as his Blocking TE which is exactly what he did. Leach has been replaced by Vickers and Jones. Dreessen's quality and value has never really been replaced.

 

[infantrycak]

Beverly was a 300 lb G/C for Detroit he was 300 lb Blocking TE for Atlanta always lining up outside shoulder of the LT or RT.

The point was he was an extra OLmen lined up at TE. He wasn't really a TE. Tons of teams including the Texans throw an extra OLmen out there lined up at TE at times but it is spot duty not the base offense.

Just because Carswell was there doesn't mean that Gibbs didn't use him as his Blocking TE which is exactly what he did.

Didn't say he wasn't a blocking TE - in fact acknowledged that was exactly what he was. The point of him already being there was that he wasn't someone Gibbs brought in to implement his system.

Leach has been replaced by Vickers and Jones. Dreessen's quality and value has never really been replaced.

Leach to Vickers = -.5 ypc. Dreessen there both seasons.
Vickers & Dreessen (plus Briesel and Winston) to Casey = -.4 ypc.
Casey to Jones = +.5 ypc.

I think the evidence points to the FB being a bigger factor along with the departure of Briesel and Winston. That would also be what my eyes told me.

 

[Texian]

The point was he was an extra OLmen lined up at TE. He wasn't really a TE. Tons of teams including the Texans throw an extra OLmen out there lined up at TE at times but it is spot duty not the base offense.

Sorry I missed the point. Here is what you said, "Not sure who you are thinking of in Atlanta. Eric Beverly was a 300 lb C/G." Carswell, Beverlyand Dreessen with Gibbs were full time TEs, primarily blocking TEs and part of the base offense.

Didn't say he wasn't a blocking TE - in fact acknowledged that was exactly what he was. The point of him already being there was that he wasn't someone Gibbs brought in to implement his system.

Neither was Winston but he used Eric to implement his system


Leach to Vickers = -.5 ypc. Dreessen there both seasons.
Vickers & Dreessen (plus Briesel and Winston) to Casey = -.4 ypc.
Casey to Jones = +.5 ypc.

I think the evidence points to the FB being a bigger factor along with the departure of Briesel and Winston. That would also be what my eyes told me.

I have said for years that after Winston, Brisiel, Leach, Vickers and Dreessen were gone the Texans have never really replaced them equal or better quality players. There is an argument for Brooks but only recently. The reason this discussion was about TEs is because it was primarily about Alex Gibbs and his use of Blocking TEs. No argument from me about importance of the FB in Gibb's system but we were discussing TEs.

 

[infantrycak]

Sure Beverly was part of the base offense. That's why he had 7 starts in 3 years with Gibbs. Dreessen in contrast had 11 starts with Gibbs in 2009. Dreessen and Beverly share little more than where they lined up.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Beside Evans, there are also B Coleman, a 6'6 guy from Rutgers, and Kelvin Benjamin, a 6'5 guy from Fla. St.
With high 4.5 speed, I think one of these guys can put on some weight if they want to convert them to TE.
Benjamin, for example, is already listed at 234lbs.

Benjamin is only a RS Sophomore. He has a lot to learn and could be even a bigger part of the offense next year. I wouldn't count on him coming out.

 

[mussop]

If you want a good blocking TE who at least shows promise as a receiver who we could probably get in the late rounds check out Ben Koyack out of Norte dame.

 

[Texian]

Sure Beverly was part of the base offense. That's why he had 7 starts in 3 years with Gibbs. Dreessen in contrast had 11 starts with Gibbs in 2009. Dreessen and Beverly share little more than where they lined up.

starts vs number of snaps played are two completely different categories and while you would expect Daniels to start every game that he's not injured you wouldn't think that of a #2 or #3 TE. If you have the number of snaps played that may or may not support the # of starts discussion. You also have to take in to consideration that Beverly was injured and that Alge Crumpler besides being a very good receiving TE was also a good Blocking TE. During the time that Beverly was injured the Falcons run game suffered.

 

[mussop]

starts vs number of snaps played are two completely different categories and while you would expect Daniels to start every game that he's not injured you wouldn't think that of a #2 or #3 TE. If you have the number of snaps played that may or may not support the # of starts discussion. You also have to take in to consideration that Beverly was injured and that Alge Crumpler besides being a very good receiving TE was also a good Blocking TE. During the time that Beverly was injured the Falcons run game suffered.

If you are going to suggest these stats then why not produce them?

 

[Texian]

If you are going to suggest these stats then why not produce them?

I would if I knew where to find snap counts for 1996-98 and 2004-2006, maybe you could help out if you know. Unfortunately my source for player snaps PFF was not around during this time.

 

[infantrycak]

If you are going to suggest these stats then why not produce them?

True.

Even if Beverly played every snap it doesn't prove Gibbs' typical operation. Beverly was an aberration even for Gibbs.

 

[Texian]

True.

Even if Beverly played every snap it doesn't prove Gibbs' typical operation. Beverly was an aberration even for Gibbs.

Gibbs signed Beverly specifically to be his blocking TE in Atlanta. Beverly was a specific cog in Gibbs game plan. Whether or not this proves anything to you or whether you find it to be an aberration doesn't change the fact that Beverly was Gibbs Blocking TE and Gibbs always has had a primary Blocking TE in his ZBS wherever he has been.

 

[infantrycak]

Gibbs signed Beverly specifically to be his blocking TE in Atlanta. Beverly was a specific cog in Gibbs game plan. Whether or not this proves anything to you or whether you find it to be an aberration doesn't change the fact that Beverly was Gibbs Blocking TE and Gibbs always has had a primary Blocking TE in his ZBS wherever he has been.

I never said Beverly was not the primary blocking TE nor that he was not part of Gibbs' plan in Atlanta. He clearly was. What I asserted was it was an aberration by the standard of blocking TEs he used. The dude only caught 1 pass and that was for his token final play. Gibbs was also in unique circumstances - the left handed Michael Vick was the QB and racked up 2628 yards rushing.

Anyway, we fundamentally disagree on your characterization of Dreessen as primarily a blocking TE. But anyway, this has been beaten to death.

 

[Rey]

Dreesen is not a blocking TE.

If anything Kubiak has shown a willingness to get better blocking on the edge by Keeping Bruener from the previous Regime and also he will often throw an extra tackle out there.

But Dreesen is in now way, shape or form considered a blocking TE.

 

[STEEL BLUE TEXANS]

1. OLB Anthony Barr
2. TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins
3. ILB Shayne Skov

 

[Corrosion]

1. OLB Anthony Barr
2. TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins
3. ILB Shayne Skov

I had Barr ranked highly at one point but he's had so many games where he's done .... next to nothing.

I feel like Mercilus & Reed are a serviceable pair at OLB and that improving play at the NT spot would solve the pass rush problems as they are "always close" but just never quite get there because QB's always seem to have the ability to step up as there is no pressure from the middle. Get some push up front , those outside guy's look a lot better.

 

[mussop]

I feel like Mercilus & Reed are a serviceable pair at OLB and that improving play at the NT spot would solve the pass rush problems as they are "always close" but just never quite get there because QB's always seem to have the ability to step up as there is no pressure from the middle. Get some push up front , those outside guy's look a lot better.

I was saying this last year. I can't help but wonder if things would be different had we drafted Jonathan Hankins or kawaan Short with our first and went WR like Stills later. Not that I don't like Hopkins.

 

[Hervoyel]

OL or LB

Don't care which. Best one available. We need them both.

 

[steelbtexan]

I had Barr ranked highly at one point but he's had so many games where he's done .... next to nothing.

I feel like Mercilus & Reed are a serviceable pair at OLB and that improving play at the NT spot would solve the pass rush problems as they are "always close" but just never quite get there because QB's always seem to have the ability to step up as there is no pressure from the middle. Get some push up front , those outside guy's look a lot better.

This is why I would consider this draft a success if they ended up with

Nix
Murphy
Skov

These guys play hard all game long and are more alnog the line of Watt than Mitchell. Football means something to all of these guys. They eat and sleep it. You can never have too many guys like this on your team. Guys like these will help change the culture of this team.

Changing the culture is long overdue. IMHO

 

[steelbtexan]

I was saying this last year. I can't help but wonder if things would be different had we drafted Jonathan Hankins or kawaan Short with our first and went WR like Stills later. Not that I don't like Hopkins.

I was advocating the same thing last yr. Check out somme of my old mocks. In fact I wanted Rick to trade up for Loutellieu (SP?)

 

[mussop]

I was advocating the same thing last yr. Check out somme of my old mocks. In fact I wanted Rick to trade up for Loutellieu (SP?)

I don't need to check out old post I remember. I also said loitellieu and Sheldon Richardson were the only players I would trade up for.