Which off-season moves would you like the Texans to make? (Roster/FA)

[AcresHomesTexan]

Well that makes 9 receivers on the roster right now.
Can't see any reasons to take any more on board unless they offload a bunch.

The Texans have one the best (Hopkins), a too small. big play guy who can't stay healthy (fuller), and 7 Montay Crocketts(projects and/or dart throws). I can listen to the Texans having bigger issues, but if something happens to Hopkins this would be unspeakably awful. A veteran playing the slot and a full sized guy are specific types the roster is missing.

 

[Mangler]

We need to go after a big body running back, and maybe make a move for Earl Thomas, along with whatever is out there that’s any good at Tight End.

 

[infantrycak]

We need to go after a big body running back...

What constitutes big body and why?

Kareem Hunt 5'10" 216 lbs
Todd Hurley 6'1" 227 lbs
Laveon Bell 6'1" 225 lbs
Lesean McCoy 5'10" 210 lbs
Mark Ingram 5'9" 215 lbs
Jordan Howard 6' 224 lbs
Melvin Gordon 6'1" 215 lbs
Leonard Fournette 6' 228lbs
CJ Anderson 5'8" 224 lbs
Ezekiel Elliot 6' 228 lbs

That's top 10 2017. To me 5'10" - 6' 215 - 225 lbs are middle of the road. The only one who stands out as big bodied is CJ Anderson.

 

[dream_team]

I fear that knee, Clowney had his 3rd operation on it. No way I would sign him to a long term contract. The McNair's will be making the call on Clowney's contract. Lets hope they're smart about it.

I would sign him long-term, but lets front-load the guaranteed money. Make him easily cut-able after year 2 of the contract. Something similar to what we gave Nuk.

 

[JB]

We need to go after a big body running back

I'm sure the Texans medical staff are pushing the idea that Foreman will rebound nicely... we'll hear shortly that his rehab is ahead of schedule, hopefully Gaine doesn't fall for it

 

[JB]

What constitutes big body and why?

Don't necessarily need a big body but do need an impactful runner

 

[infantrycak]

Don't necessarily need a big body but do need an impactful runner

Been thru it a bunch of times, I look at single season rushing leaders, career and single season TD record holders and it's dominated with Payton 5'10" 200 lbs, Emmitt 5'9" 215 lbs, LT 5'10 220 lbs types.

I have a preference for RBs under 6'. I think the balance and center of gravity differential helps them.

 

[JB]

Been thru it a bunch of times, I look at single season rushing leaders, career and single season TD record holders and it's dominated with Payton 5'10" 200 lbs, Emmitt 5'9" 215 lbs, LT 5'10 220 lbs types.

I have a preference for RBs under 6'. I think the balance and center of gravity differential helps them.

Used to be that a RB over 6' was considered too tall to be effective

 

[infantrycak]

I would sign him long-term, but lets front-load the guaranteed money. Make him easily cut-able after year 2 of the contract. Something similar to what we gave Nuk.

Kinda. If he is on the team in March 2018, which he will be, his 2019 salary becomes fully guaranteed.

But yes, if he was bad enough, but not injured, then they'd have an out.

 

[Nighthawk99]

Just watched film on Dallas goedert TE out of SD state and all I have to say is WOW. Favorite tight end of the draft and is somehow has a later round grade. Seem like the dude has it all as far as physical ability just could use a little work on route running and blocking (but I mean what can you expect coming from a smaller school). Would be ecstatic if we used one of our thirds on him or a fourth if he last that long.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Just watched film on Dallas goedert TE out of SD state and all I have to say is WOW. Favorite tight end of the draft and is somehow has a later round grade. Seem like the dude has it all as far as physical ability just could use a little work on route running and blocking (but I mean what can you expect coming from a smaller school). Would be ecstatic if we used one of our thirds on him or a fourth if he last that long.

I'm in the Gesicki (Penn St) and Goedert (South Dakota St) TE camp. If either guy was available in RD4 I'd be pretty satisfied with the pick. Both guys are big bodies who can block, catch and execute good routes. If it appears that TE's are heating up then I'd be cool with adjusting the pick to go in RD3; RB, OT and TE provided a targeted OG was still on the board for RD4. If it looks like one of these TE's could slip to RD4, then I'd be just fine with a RD3 that features; RB, OT and OG.

 

[Texansphan]

The Texans have one the best (Hopkins), a too small. big play guy who can't stay healthy (fuller), and 7 Montay Crocketts(projects and/or dart throws). I can listen to the Texans having bigger issues, but if something happens to Hopkins this would be unspeakably awful. A veteran playing the slot and a full sized guy are specific types the roster is missing.

Not much chance of him suffering a major injury before the draft. But if he does, then obviously that would make an elite WR a high priority.
Fuller should be good to go and was showing some real promise before he got injured plus we have Ellington and a bunch of hopefuls so I stick with my original prediction.

 

[zshawn10]

Just watched film on Dallas goedert TE out of SD state and all I have to say is WOW. Favorite tight end of the draft and is somehow has a later round grade. Seem like the dude has it all as far as physical ability just could use a little work on route running and blocking (but I mean what can you expect coming from a smaller school). Would be ecstatic if we used one of our thirds on him or a fourth if he last that long.

Pat has him on his 10 to watch list for the Texans

Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State, Tight End
At the FCS level, Dallas Goedert is a productive pass-catching threat from the tight end position. Over the past two seasons, Goedert has caught 164 passes and 18 touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per reception. His ability to not only stretch the field but also perform as a passing threat in the middle of the field could help any offense.

https://scout.com/nfl/texans/Articl...-Houston-Texans-at-the-Senior-Bowl--114100376

 

[Hervoyel]

Hopkins & Bring in Terrelle Pryor for my WR's. Pryor can also play emergency QB or throw it deep to Fuller or Ellington on a gadget play now and again. Fuller/Ellington (Between the two of them they can equal one guy staying healthy all year) in the slot to blow the top off the defense on a regular basis.

After that I don't care who the next few guys are. Young prospects and Special Teams standouts are fine with me.

 

[zshawn10]

A dream wish list

Morgan Burnett
Jarvis Landry
Malcolm Butler
Andrew Norwell
Le'veon Bell(looks like Steelers and Bell are close to an extension)
Demarcus Lawrence

with emphasis on Norwell, Butler, and Burnett

http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2018all.php

 

[DocBar]

I'm sure the Texans medical staff are pushing the idea that Foreman will rebound nicely... we'll hear shortly that his rehab is ahead of schedule, hopefully Gaine doesn't fall for it

Hopefully Gaine is a good enough talent evaluator to see that Miller and Blue aren't all that and a bag of chips at RB and will address the position.

 

[Texansphan]

Hopefully Gaine is a good enough talent evaluator to see that Miller and Blue aren't all that and a bag of chips at RB and will address the position.

Foreman looked good before he got hurt but will he be the same?
I doubt they invest another high pick on one this draft but with our style of game dependent on a good ground attack, I see no option.
Hopefully an improved oline will mean an improved ground game.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Not much chance of him suffering a major injury before the draft. But if he does, then obviously that would make an elite WR a high priority.
Fuller should be good to go and was showing some real promise before he got injured plus we have Ellington and a bunch of hopefuls so I stick with my original prediction.

well, the Texans might not address the WR position in a significant way, but it is not because they signed a guy who was on the bottom of three rosters/practice squads or because they have good positional depth.

 

[IDEXAN]

Foreman looked good before he got hurt but will he be the same?
I doubt they invest another high pick on one this draft but with our style of game dependent on a good ground attack, I see no option.
Hopefully an improved oline will mean an improved ground game.

Texans have no high picks in this Draft unless they choose to trade up for one.

 

[beerlover]

Nate Solder, LT Patriots allowing time for OL draft pick to develop. Eric Reed, 49ers to be that big time safety. Get Jags back with Allen Robinson which would give Watson three legit WR targets to spread out defenses.

 

[Texansphan]

Texans have no high picks in this Draft unless they choose to trade up for one.

Correct.
They could easily move up by trading next years 2nd from Seattle. (Trade for D Brown)

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

Foreman looked good before he got hurt but will he be the same?
I doubt they invest another high pick on one this draft but with our style of game dependent on a good ground attack, I see no option.
Hopefully an improved oline will mean an improved ground game.

What I would do is sign Jerrick McKinnon. He should not cost a whole, whole lot. He’s only 25, does not have a lot of wear on his body. He’s a plus receiver.

If anyone wants to send us any kind of compensation for miller I’d do it.

At this point I think we have to resign blue. He should be nothing more than a game finisher, emergency, spot carry, special teams guy but I think you at least bring him back until someone pushes him off the roster.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

Correct.
They could easily move up by trading next years 2nd from Seattle. (Trade for D Brown)

That’s exactly what I’d do. I’d also try to put Lamar Miller in the deal.

 

[eriadoc]

At this point I think we have to resign blue. He should be nothing more than a game finisher, emergency, spot carry, special teams guy but I think you at least bring him back until someone pushes him off the roster.

Agreed. Blue has value as a special teams guy and backup. That's all he should have ever been, but you need those guys on the team.

 

[Texansphan]

What I would do is sign Jerrick McKinnon. He should not cost a whole, whole lot. He’s only 25, does not have a lot of wear on his body. He’s a plus receiver.

If anyone wants to send us any kind of compensation for miller I’d do it.

At this point I think we have to resign blue. He should be nothing more than a game finisher, emergency, spot carry, special teams guy but I think you at least bring him back until someone pushes him off the roster.

I saw McKinnon was going to be a FA - would be a solid move.

 

[Texansphan]

Agreed. Blue has value as a special teams guy and backup. That's all he should have ever been, but you need those guys on the team.

His knowledge of this system and familiarity with team mates gives him some value here.

 

[ObsiWan]

What I would do is sign Jerrick McKinnon. He should not cost a whole, whole lot. He’s only 25, does not have a lot of wear on his body. He’s a plus receiver.

If anyone wants to send us any kind of compensation for miller I’d do it.

At this point I think we have to resign blue. He should be nothing more than a game finisher, emergency, spot carry, special teams guy but I think you at least bring him back until someone pushes him off the roster.

Mckinnon wants to be the starter (and get paid like one), not be part of a three-headed backfield. I'm afraid the Texans wouldn't be very attractive with Miller, Foreman, and Blue already here.
LINK

 

[infantrycak]

Mckinnon wants to be the starter (and get paid like one), not be part of a three-headed backfield. I'm afraid the Texans wouldn't be very attractive with Miller, Foreman, and Blue already here.
LINK

Blue is UFA. Foreman is likely a goner and cheap. Miller is oh so attractive to dump and save $4.75 mil.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

Mckinnon wants to be the starter (and get paid like one), not be part of a three-headed backfield. I'm afraid the Texans wouldn't be very attractive with Miller, Foreman, and Blue already here.
LINK

Yeah what cak said. I think this team needs a starting rb.

 

[gafftop]

Just glad to see some others not sold on Clowney. I would hope that some other GM or owner would be star struck as the Texans were when they drafted him 1.1 and give us multiple high picks for him. Is there another Smith/McNair combo out there??? Let's hope so.

 

[infantrycak]

Just glad to see some others not sold on Clowney.

Sounds as if you may be the only one not "sold on" him. Injury concerns are different.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Mckinnon wants to be the starter (and get paid like one), not be part of a three-headed backfield. I'm afraid the Texans wouldn't be very attractive with Miller, Foreman, and Blue already here.
LINK

McKinnon equals Lamar Miller, not even. Vikings saw what McKinnon could do as a full-time starter when Peterson was out in 2016. they liked it so much the team signed a RB in free agency and drafted another in the 2nd round. even this year when used "properly" he averages less than 4.0 yards a carry. mckinnon had his chance to show he was a feature back already, he is not.

Lamar Miller career.

.http://www.nfl.com/player/lamarmiller/2533034/careerstats

jerrick mcKinnon

http://www.nfl.com/player/jerickmckinnon/2543715/profile

 

[TexCas]

It is a massive Off Season and we need to make numerous changes across the roster.

We currently have around 56.75 million in cap space.

Roster cuts I would make are:
Jeff Allen - Cap Save - $4,875,000
Brian Cushing - Cap Save - $7,640,625
Kareem Jackson - Cap Save - $6,750,000
Ryan Griffin - Cap Save - $2,468,750

That saves 21.75 in cap space

So that gives you a cap space of 78.5 Million. You are really looking at spending around 40-45 million on free agents and that gives you enough flexibility to deal with extensions and draft picks.

I'm looking to pick up:
EJ Gaines - CB - Buffalo Bills - Had a solid year and we need all the help we can get at CB. I imagine you can
Nickell Robey-Coleman - CB - Los Angeles Rams - Had a very good year, with some standout plays throughout the year. Would add to our secondary and gives us much needed CB help
Cameron Brate - TE - Tampa Bay Bucaneers - With Fiedorowicz probably retiring we need at least two new TE's who can contribute to the offence. Brate is a reliable weapon and can offer us help in the redzone where we have been lacking
Bradon Fusco - G - San Francisco 49ers - Had a bit of a bounce back year and would offer a much needed upgrade to the pitiful O-Line from last season
Nate Solder - T - New England Patriots - We are in desperate need of at least two tackles, while Solder isn't a world beater he is an extremely solid Tackle and would bring dependability to the line.
Allen Robinson - WR - Jacksonville Jaguars - Probably not realistic but he has missed time and may sign a contract less than his worth, would add a dynamic alternative to Hopkins and Fuller
Chris Hubbard - T - Pittsburgh Steelers - A solid if unspectacular option for RT spot will give us a lot more stability along the O-Line
Quinton Spain - G - Tennesee Titans - In my eyes a bit of an underrated lineman, would again offer stability along the line and would help sure up the left side.
LeGarrett Blount - RB - Philadelphia Eagles - Would be relatively cheap and would offer more as a power back compared to ALfred Blue, would help especially with our tendancy to run up the middle.

Re-Signings
Marcus Gilchrist - Had a solid enough season and would be an inexpensive resign
Shane Lechler - Still one of the top Punters in the game and a must to resign
Bruce Ellington - Had an impact for us this year and worthy of a roster sport as 4th WR next year
Eddie Pleasant - Has coverage issue but does come up with some big plays at times and is a solid rotational option

 

[infantrycak]

Lamar Miller is the WTF kum-ba-yah 'alignment' "huh?". HC says "I want speed.". Meanwhile he is planning on getting away from ZBS. GM sees a speedy back who fits perfect into the existing predominantly ZBS scheme. And then it sucks trying to run a natural ZBS rusher up the A gap.

By the way, titularly that would be Gaine who recommended Miller.

What really bothers me in this equation is fine, I'm OB, 'RS didn't get me the power runner I wanted. Screw him, all ahead full with the scheme change.'. No, play the strengths of the players you have. OB is a dog on a "system" bone.

 

[DocBar]

I would still keep Allen on the team and put him back at his natural position, LG, and still go after Norwall and Solder in FA. A healthy Watt and Merci will make the secondary much better in 2018, so I would go all in on fixing the OL for the next 3-5 years and try to get the most out of what Watt and Clowney have left.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/andrew-norwell-14802/market-value/

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/nate-solder-7732/market-value/

 

[disaacks3]

hat really bothers me in this equation is fine, I'm OB, 'RS didn't get me the power runner I wanted. Screw him, all ahead full with the scheme change.'. No, play the strengths of the players you have. OB is a dog on a "system" bone.

The bolded is Bill Parcells in a nutshell.

 

[steelbtexan]

Lamar Miller is the WTF kum-ba-yah 'alignment' "huh?". HC says "I want speed.". Meanwhile he is planning on getting away from ZBS. GM sees a speedy back who fits perfect into the existing predominantly ZBS scheme. And then it sucks trying to run a natural ZBS rusher up the A gap.

By the way, titularly that would be Gaine who recommended Miller.

What really bothers me in this equation is fine, I'm OB, 'RS didn't get me the power runner I wanted. Screw him, all ahead full with the scheme change.'. No, play the strengths of the players you have. OB is a dog on a "system" bone.

With Watson the scheme looked pretty good.

If you want to blame BOB for having Savage as the backup that's fair.

 

[infantrycak]

With Watson the scheme looked pretty good.

If you want to blame BOB for having Savage as the backup that's fair.

Totally off-topic, sure. I do blame Savage on OB.

Watson didn't dictate ZB v. power. That's OB.

 

[beerlover]

Savage debacle is on OB. Question should be, does he learn from it?

 

[TheKDog]

Savage debacle is on OB. Question should be, does he learn from it?

If his attitude is similar to his clock management issues (it's a bunch of BS) then no

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

McKinnon equals Lamar Miller, not even. Vikings saw what McKinnon could do as a full-time starter when Peterson was out in 2016. they liked it so much the team signed a RB in free agency and drafted another in the 2nd round. even this year when used "properly" he averages less than 4.0 yards a carry. mckinnon had his chance to show he was a feature back already, he is not.

Lamar Miller career.

.http://www.nfl.com/player/lamarmiller/2533034/careerstats

jerrick mcKinnon

http://www.nfl.com/player/jerickmckinnon/2543715/profile

He’s never “had his chance to show he was a feature back”. That’s false. They went from AP to Dalvin cook and Latavius Murray. But besides the point anyways.

Not about finding a stud With limited draft picks and limited options the idea is to upgrade and beyond the stats it is my opinion that McKinnon is an upgrade. More explosive and a better nose for the end zone. Just as many TDs with almost 100 fewer carries and a long of 68 while Millers longest carry went for 21.

Millers ypc has been declining each year as well.

 

[Insideop]

He’s never “had his chance to show he was a feature back”. That’s false. They went from AP to Dalvin cook and Latavius Murray. But besides the point anyways.

Not about finding a stud With limited draft picks and limited options the idea is to upgrade and beyond the stats it is my opinion that McKinnon is an upgrade. More explosive and a better nose for the end zone. Just as many TDs with almost 100 fewer carries and a long of 68 while Millers longest carry went for 21.

Millers ypc has been declining each year as well.

How much of that can be attributed to the run blocking of the O-line?

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

How much of that can be attributed to the run blocking of the O-line?

Im sure that the Oline and play calling have something to do with it, however, last season Minnesota was thought to have one of the worst Olines in football. That was jerricks worst season as a pro.

As far as Miller this isn’t just a Texans thing. His ypc started declining in Miami.

But look, we could go through who played better run defenses, when and where the carries came, how the players were used...etc...

It’s just my opinion that when I watched the two of them play that Mckinon looks like the better player. More pop, more explosive, ran with more forward lean.

To me this isn’t even breaking news. Foreman as a rookie looked better than Miller. I’m not sitting here saying mckinon or bust either. It’s just that with limited draft picks, limited free agency options and the Texans lack of options at the position I think it would be a good idea to cut or trade Lamar and save money and then look at a vet like jerrick.

Either way, I think the Texans need to look at the rb position along with the oline because the combo of the oline and Lamar Miller together didn’t get it done.

 

[Jadmakaveli]

Go get any of them
Aaron Colver
Malcolm Butler although Malcolm Butler price tag will be a lot.
Trumaine Johnson
Lamarcus Joyner
Eric Reid
Nate Solder
I hate O-line is our biggest need and this FA class is weak at that.

 

[gafftop]

Sounds as if you may be the only one not "sold on" him. Injury concerns are different.

It is all part of the package in my mind. Agree to disagree in reference to Clowney.

 

[badboy]

He’s never “had his chance to show he was a feature back”. That’s false. They went from AP to Dalvin cook and Latavius Murray. But besides the point anyways.

Not about finding a stud With limited draft picks and limited options the idea is to upgrade and beyond the stats it is my opinion that McKinnon is an upgrade. More explosive and a better nose for the end zone. Just as many TDs with almost 100 fewer carries and a long of 68 while Millers longest carry went for 21.

Millers ypc has been declining each year as well.

But Miller's 36/327 @ 9.08 per and 3 Td's from passing will be considered. I think many of us would have had more plays called for Miller's skills here.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

He’s never “had his chance to show he was a feature back”. That’s false. They went from AP to Dalvin cook and Latavius Murray. But besides the point anyways.

Not about finding a stud With limited draft picks and limited options the idea is to upgrade and beyond the stats it is my opinion that McKinnon is an upgrade. More explosive and a better nose for the end zone. Just as many TDs with almost 100 fewer carries and a long of 68 while Millers longest carry went for 21.

Millers ypc has been declining each year as well.

Mckinnon was ADP injury replacement in 2016 and was overmatched when asked to be the lead. He looks great a 3rd wheel, good as a 2nd wheel and below average with the heavy lifting. could he be better in 2018 than 2016, absolutely. My guess is that the Giants would the early favorites for him if shumur really likes McKinnon.

I am stuck on the Miller question, which is the more important part of the discussion. I like the idea of cutting him for cap savings, but not if I have to go find another version of him eating up a good portion of the savings. If Foreman and Ervin were healthy, I would feel better, but overall finding a "just getting by" RB is generally one of the easier finds in the NFL.

Overall, I understand Miller is overpriced and miscast. Just don't want a younger version of the dog I already have.

 

[Bulls on Parade]

Tom Savage is a free agent. Is he worth re-signing?
No matter where he goes he'll be backup at best.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

Delete

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I like what I saw out of Blue last season, even though it was abbreviated it spoke volumes in his adjustment to the pro game. No doubt, he can be signed for a team friendly contract and provide an answer to the RB depth chart.

The Texans can only hope that Foreman rebounds from his injury but should be prepared in the event he may not ever be the same.

I would earmark one of the three RD3 picks on a RB. Since RB's no longer get the same hype in the draft as they did in the past, there could be several productive RB's drop into RD3. I'm still zero'd in on Josh Adams out of Norte Dame but that could change if some of the other backs drop. Read a nice bio on Josh Adams and it all points to the kind of player I'd like to see on the Texans. Tough, smart, determined and never satisfied with his game...if I were a coach, this guy possesses the physical gifts but it's those other traits that makes it easy to mold this type of player into a successful professional.

Gaine needs to find an inexpensive FA RB to add to this group, which justifies the release or trading of Miller. To go out and sign another Miller type of RB to a bigger contract -more than likely- just defeats the purpose of the move. If I could get a Miller type of RB at a Blue type of contract, then I can live with this move since it provides good depth at the right price.

Also worth noting, Ervin will be back healthy next season and he was drafted to be that Miller type of back. A fast back who can stretch the edges while being a threat to burn defenses when he's utilized in the passing game. I'm hoping the game might've slowed down for Ervin, as it did for Blue, and we finally get to see the player he was projected to be. I wanted the Texans to take Ervin in the draft and even mocked him in several of my drafts.