Goldensilence
hipster elite
DM don't think anyone is disagreeing with your assesment up and down the line. I think the point is there are...ya know several other rounds to go after the first to help fill replacements for guys like Studdard.
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Why is everyone calling for a LB?
- Thread starter dalemurphy
- Start date
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
Just because you think Kevin Walter is the worst WR in the NFL doesn't mean that everyone else thinks he is the best. Yay for hyperbole.
beerlover
Hall of Fame
texans as a team w/Mario ranked 27th in sacks (25) just one ahead of two teams Buffalo & Washington (24). the three worst teams in the sack department are the Bengals & Browns tied w/17 then KC @ 10. think they have second thoughts sending Allen packing? now they are going to probably draft Curry if still there to address this need, FROM THE LB POSITION.
Did I mention the Texans did not record a safety?
23rd against the run
17th against the pass
22nd in yards allowed
27th in points allowed
individually DeMeco ranked 20th in the league with 112 tackles
next Diles (66) ranked 77th
Bentley (57) ranked 91st
ex-Texan Morlan Greenwood (45) 104th
Xavier Adibi (35) 121st
how about interceptions? Diles 1 matched his sack total & thats it. so your saying this is a pretty decent group of LB's & "Now, we're trying to go from being pretty decent to great"? not so fast, my wanna cut Casey Studdard Texan, NOT WITHOUT A FIRM COMMITMENT IN THIS DRAFT TO ABOVE AVERAGE LB CLASS AS A WHOLE.
just don't understand how you can't understand or think I don't understand or ah screw it
Did I mention the Texans did not record a safety?
23rd against the run
17th against the pass
22nd in yards allowed
27th in points allowed
individually DeMeco ranked 20th in the league with 112 tackles
next Diles (66) ranked 77th
Bentley (57) ranked 91st
ex-Texan Morlan Greenwood (45) 104th
Xavier Adibi (35) 121st
how about interceptions? Diles 1 matched his sack total & thats it. so your saying this is a pretty decent group of LB's & "Now, we're trying to go from being pretty decent to great"? not so fast, my wanna cut Casey Studdard Texan, NOT WITHOUT A FIRM COMMITMENT IN THIS DRAFT TO ABOVE AVERAGE LB CLASS AS A WHOLE.
just don't understand how you can't understand or think I don't understand or ah screw it
MESS WITH THE BULL GET THE HORN
TimeKiller
Guest
there you go....
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
Welcome to the 2009 NFL Draught.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
OK, let's leave injuries out of it. Adibi can, and likely will, be the Will starter if he remained healthy.
Diles OTOH is not quick enough to be a good NFL LB. It's been mentioned by several other posters than he doesn't have the sideline to sideline speed. And IMO, he's not very good at all in coverage. Couple his poor coverage with D-Ryans average coverage abilities and you slot WR, TE's and RB's ripping us a new one.
This thread has run it's course, IMO. Talk about beating a dead horse, geez. The original poster starts a new thread asking a question, but refuses to absorb other opinions given. He'd rather argue it and call people ignorant for not sharing his beliefs. So be it.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
edit: posted in the wrong thread
I havn't called for a LB in quite a while... my phone's broken (badoom ch)
I havn't called for a LB in quite a while... my phone's broken (badoom ch)
P
Polo
Guest
texans as a team w/Mario ranked 27th in sacks (25) just one ahead of two teams Buffalo & Washington (24). the three worst teams in the sack department are the Bengals & Browns tied w/17 then KC @ 10. think they have second thoughts sending Allen packing? now they are going to probably draft Curry if still there to address this need, FROM THE LB POSITION.
Did I mention the Texans did not record a safety?
23rd against the run
17th against the pass
22nd in yards allowed
27th in points allowed
individually DeMeco ranked 20th in the league with 112 tackles
next Diles (66) ranked 77th
Bentley (57) ranked 91st
ex-Texan Morlan Greenwood (45) 104th
Xavier Adibi (35) 121st
how about interceptions? Diles 1 matched his sack total & thats it. so your saying this is a pretty decent group of LB's & "Now, we're trying to go from being pretty decent to great"? not so fast, my wanna cut Casey Studdard Texan, NOT WITHOUT A FIRM COMMITMENT IN THIS DRAFT TO ABOVE AVERAGE LB CLASS AS A WHOLE.
just don't understand how you can't understand or think I don't understand or ah screw it
MESS WITH THE BULL GET THE HORN
Yes...I'm saying it's a pretty good group of LB's. No it's not great, but you could do that little trick you just did with every level of the defense, so I'm not really moved by the lack of stats...Especially since Adibi only played a little towards the end, and Diles got hurt halfway through...
That said, who in the secondary are you sold on? Who besides MArio on the D-line?
I wouldn't be mad if they drafted a player at any of the levels on defense, but I don't think you can build an argument to say that LB is an obviously glaring need compared to the rest of the defense based on stats.
Texans_Chick
Utopian Dreamer
For those who are interested, I just put up a blog post that looks at a lot of these issues on a macro level, trying to put my arms around it:
Houston Texans defense: Looking at sunshine and storm clouds
With bonus random picture and references to bleeding eyeballs.
I invite comments over there because I'm trying to spread TT thinking over at the Chron. Not that we are all in lockstep in our thinking, but because we are talking about these issues at all.
Houston Texans defense: Looking at sunshine and storm clouds
With bonus random picture and references to bleeding eyeballs.
I invite comments over there because I'm trying to spread TT thinking over at the Chron. Not that we are all in lockstep in our thinking, but because we are talking about these issues at all.
Goldensilence
hipster elite
edit: posted in the wrong thread
I havn't called for a LB in quite a while... my phone's broken (badoom ch)
Wait didn't you call to draft some Linebacker from Ole Miss? Patrick something?
So, 2 sacks and 1 pick out ot the LB's and you're ok with it? We need an overhaul everywhere, but thats almost legendarily bad. I can't look it up right now, but I bet our tackle for loss numbers are just as putrid. Even if you hardly ever blitz, you should accedentally get more than 2 sacks from your LB's.
I was all over him, and we *********up and took a project 19 year old DT. That may go down as our worst draft blunder ever.
Goldensilence
hipster elite
I really don't think anything can top trading up with an in division rival to get Jason Babin.
Maybe, but Willis is SOOOO good. While Okoye is slowly fading away. Who did the Titans get with those picks? I dont remember.
beerlover
Hall of Fame
Just a shower of numbers that reflect production, to be fair sample size is too small to make absoulte certain projections. Total production is down for the group thats just a fact so it's prudent & wise to anticapate Texans will address this area via the draft, with above average class @ need position available. Infusion of talent is critical going forward.
I'm bullish on the Texans secondary its young & talented. could they use another playmaker sure, I've stated several guys coming out to take a look @ but Rick Smith has done a nice job back filling & replenishing the secondary both in free agency & the draft. The DL goes without saying the Texans have invested a ton of #1's & money their way. this is probably where scheme & coaching can play a bigger part than anywhere given the Texans do have talent across the board. take a tip from the OL improvement with Gibbs & what affect he's had with basiclly adding one first rd. draft pick.
Its simple, plain English
MESS WITH THE BULL GET THE HORN
Goldensilence
hipster elite
The Titans didn't really get anyone noteworthy but we didn't get a chance to with those picks either.
This year is a make or break year for Okoye, but good news I think he's going to be in a scheme that is much better suited to his strengths.If Bush's scheme really does mean we're going to go to a "aggressive" scheme I think the way Kollar's Line typically plays it could be a lot more disruptive.
Ok, Okoye is the 2nd worst draft move. Thats still bad. If he picks it up and plays like he did the 1st half of his 1st year, we'll be ok. I just hope we're more agressive. I'd rathe be agressive and get burnt than be unagressive and consistantly driven on.
Hooston Texan
Rookie
Actually, the Titans did get some good players out of the Babin trade. We gave up our 2, 3 and 4 in addition to switching our 5th round picks. The 3rd round pick netted them DT Randy Starks whom Bill Parcells saw fit to sign to a $20 million contract in the 2008 offseason. With our 5th round pick, they got G Jacob Bell who signed a FA deal last offseason with the Rams worth in excess of $30 million and has been a starter pretty much his whole career.
The other two picks were TE Ben Troupe (a couple decent years) and Bo Schobel (not much on him).
We traded the 5th rounder we got in the pick switch to the Jaguars for a 6th and a 7th round pick. Those two picks became Jammal Lord and Raheem Orr. So after we selected Dunta at #10, we basically traded our entire draft for a few magic beans.
Of course, that may only be the second-worst trade of the Texans' miserable history: Philip Bucahnon for a 2 and a 3 remains a towering achievement of stupid that will be nearly impossible to top.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I was reading the MB as I often do and just wanted to thank each of you for your thoughtful and insightful ideas. I have made both Mr Smith and Mr. Kubiak aware of what you want us to do and believe me when I say I have told them to do exactly what you want. Any ideas about how much I should lower ticket prices and concession stand costs can be adressed on another thread if someone will be so kind as to start.
Sincerely, Robert (BOB) McNair
Sincerely, Robert (BOB) McNair
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
P-Dub Pat Willis. Safest pick in the draft, guaranteed stud, pro bowler and DROY. 4 for 4... that's batting 100%. I'm still picking tar and feathers off of me for wanting him at MLB and suggesting moving Demeco outside.
Amobi is going to be fine though. He was a potential pick and he's only improved each year here. He'll develop into a good pro. Maybe not quite Willis talent, but if he becomes a great DT which I think he can... it will really do our team wonders.
Amobi is going to be fine though. He was a potential pick and he's only improved each year here. He'll develop into a good pro. Maybe not quite Willis talent, but if he becomes a great DT which I think he can... it will really do our team wonders.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
Is there a pun in there somewhere or am I reading too much into it!? Where's Curly and Moe!?Its simple, plain English
The1ApplePie
Hall of Fame
The weakest starter on the offense not the worst WR in the NFL. I simply think replacing him with a stud like Maclin and moving him to the slot makes the team better than some one-dimensional lineman in the first
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
You missed the point of my post about hyperbole. You exaggerated about everyone being totally in love with Walter and I exaggerated about how you thought he must be the worst WR in the NFL.
As for Walter, he isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread but you are vastly underrating him IMO. Maclin is a great prospect and I won't be terribly upset if we take him but I don't think he adds as much to the team as a similar talent on defense would. If you think that Maclin will be some great deep threat that Walter isn't I believe you are mistaken.
Here is a snippet from a recent KC Joyner chat over at ESPN:
Zaneidria (houston,texas): I've been thinking about T.O and where he'll go since he got released late last night. Do you think the Houston Texans will be a great fit for him? Andre will benefit from him and Matt will find him, the team have shown promise and i think he's just what they need to make to the playoffs.
SportsNation KC Joyner: Houston doesn't need him. Kevin Walter ranked 2nd in vertical YPA among WRs last year and they also have Anderson. Add in a quality receiving TE like Owen Daniels and Schaub has all of the receiving targets he needs.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=25322
GP
Go Texans!
That pretty much sums up the reasons as to why Capers and Casserly were able to reduce the Texans to a 2-14 team.
mexican_texan
Furry Tractors
Its simple, plain English
MESS WITH THE BULL GET THE HORN
Larry?
beerlover
Hall of Fame
winner winner chicken dinner
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-03-11-sw-nfl-draft-countdown-linebackers_N.htm
Last edited:
threetoedpete
Hall of Fame
Well Dale....they were pretty devoid of talent when they got here. So far what I've seen is they only start rookies when they are basically desperate. I'd call Duane, coupled with Matt's injury in '07, a pretty desperate act last year. wouldn't You ?
Trade down and select someone who everyone else declared a reach ?
Board howled all summer. And what did they do ?
.....they rotated Salam in every third series so he wouldn't run out of Gas with the sixteen game schedule.
Funny you should site Steve Slaton....what I recall last year....is them going back to Green over and over and over again. It wasn't until they were totally convinced that he, Green was a train wreck that they basically gave up and IRed the guy. And then, and only then Slaton became the Texans lead back. And exactly when was that Dale Murphy ?...enlighten us. Damn sure wasn't in September. Or October.
They've got time and money invested in these DBs. And until two of them get killed or something....no matter who they select or where they select them those are your starters come September. Rookies, they'll start at the bottom and have to work their way up. Haven't seen Molden Yet. Out of your own post...Harrison or Barber....every time they talk about them...they love them. I got it ...you don't like it.
Get over it.
They sink or swim with who they have in the back four. Even if they draft some one in the second...move down in the first....their pattern has been you won't see the guy start until October.
Finally, even though I know you won't let it go....Take out the tweener guys in this class of Linebackers....and it's a very weak class. Going to be a heck of a lot easier finding a sure rookie starter in the first than it will be on the second day. Now DB on the other hand.....their numbers suggest you're just as likely to hit a prospect in the fourth as you are in the first. there's not much difference between one or fifteen. and my money says there isn't one in the pile...corner or safety, which will beat out anyone currently on the roster by November. Much less out of summer camp. I call that there thingy a pattern.
Trade down and select someone who everyone else declared a reach ?
Board howled all summer. And what did they do ?
.....they rotated Salam in every third series so he wouldn't run out of Gas with the sixteen game schedule.
Funny you should site Steve Slaton....what I recall last year....is them going back to Green over and over and over again. It wasn't until they were totally convinced that he, Green was a train wreck that they basically gave up and IRed the guy. And then, and only then Slaton became the Texans lead back. And exactly when was that Dale Murphy ?...enlighten us. Damn sure wasn't in September. Or October.
They've got time and money invested in these DBs. And until two of them get killed or something....no matter who they select or where they select them those are your starters come September. Rookies, they'll start at the bottom and have to work their way up. Haven't seen Molden Yet. Out of your own post...Harrison or Barber....every time they talk about them...they love them. I got it ...you don't like it.
Get over it.
They sink or swim with who they have in the back four. Even if they draft some one in the second...move down in the first....their pattern has been you won't see the guy start until October.
Finally, even though I know you won't let it go....Take out the tweener guys in this class of Linebackers....and it's a very weak class. Going to be a heck of a lot easier finding a sure rookie starter in the first than it will be on the second day. Now DB on the other hand.....their numbers suggest you're just as likely to hit a prospect in the fourth as you are in the first. there's not much difference between one or fifteen. and my money says there isn't one in the pile...corner or safety, which will beat out anyone currently on the roster by November. Much less out of summer camp. I call that there thingy a pattern.
El Tejano
Hall of Fame
What made that deal even more dumb was releasing Aaron Glenn right after. He had at least one more good year in him.
GP
Go Texans!
I am somewhat agreeing with what you're saying.
I am puzzled over exactly which players in our secondary are the real secondary guys. I can't even name all of them without looking at a roster list, and that's because they are not on the field more than a few times per game.
I hear we have some guy named Molden, and some guy named Barber, and then there's a few more I think. Are these invisible players supposed to be the heirs of the secondary spots taken by Reeves, Faggins and possibly Dunta if he doesn't pan out this year? If so, the coaches are doing a poor job of getting them ready. It looks like a fire drill out there to me.
Our secondary has the feel of gym class when you have the majority of students doing the drills, working out, and then there's that group of pranksters over in the corner under the bleachers...horsing around and nobody knows where they are at.
In short: Who ARE these players, and what's the freaking PLAN for them? because right now it looks pretty puzzling to me. Outside of Eugene Wilson, I'm not cool with any of our DBs in terms of being skilled and stable at their position. Anybody feel the same?
And like Pete said: This draft class is scary, but not for the right reasons.
Texecutioner
Hall of Fame
Agree with you and ThreetoedPete GP. Our secondary is still pretty horrible. I've got no confidence that Molden or Barber will ever be anything special for us. WHy would I? What have they done or shown, or better yet what has the coaching staff allowed them to show?
That is one of the reasons why I just don't like Rick Smith. I may be in the minority on that, but I'm a firm believer that you have to improve your team every year in free agency as well as the draft. You don't have to act like Snyder or anything, but every off season there are players that we could afford that aren't guys breaking the bank or anything and we don't grab squat for our secondary except for guys like Buchanon (Casserly, I know) and Reeves whom I said wasn't going to do jack for us. There are some guys out there that could help us out next season that wouldn't cost all that much.
Historyhorn
Waterboy
Put me down as thinking we should go some other direction besides LB with our first round pick. I hear the arguments that picking 15th puts us in a bad spot, where we could be reaching for a player that could be had at the end of the round instead of one that is truly worthy of a number 15 slot.
I just don't like the pick of a LB in round one simply because it is one of the least valuable positions on the field unless you run a 3-4 defense. In a 3-4, the pass rushing OLB becomes one of the most valuable.
In today's NFL, LB and RB seem to be the spots where you can throw players at the position and be OK. There are some teams that have stud LB and they are difference makers, but most of the time, those other teams also had stud DL to play in front of the LB.
On most downs in the current NFL incarnation, you only have 2 LB's on the field when you run a 4-3 anyway. One guy is usually on the bench in favor of a nickel or dime package unless it is clearly a running situation. For that reason, most teams put a premium on having lots of good to serviceable DB's and a stud DL in order to build a dominant defense.
My vote goes to best DL or DB available in the first round. I would rate the most valuable positions in a 4-3 defense as DE, CB, DT, S, LB. My gut says to draft another DL in the first round and find another CB somewhere either later in the draft or through trade/FA.
Go Texans
I just don't like the pick of a LB in round one simply because it is one of the least valuable positions on the field unless you run a 3-4 defense. In a 3-4, the pass rushing OLB becomes one of the most valuable.
In today's NFL, LB and RB seem to be the spots where you can throw players at the position and be OK. There are some teams that have stud LB and they are difference makers, but most of the time, those other teams also had stud DL to play in front of the LB.
On most downs in the current NFL incarnation, you only have 2 LB's on the field when you run a 4-3 anyway. One guy is usually on the bench in favor of a nickel or dime package unless it is clearly a running situation. For that reason, most teams put a premium on having lots of good to serviceable DB's and a stud DL in order to build a dominant defense.
My vote goes to best DL or DB available in the first round. I would rate the most valuable positions in a 4-3 defense as DE, CB, DT, S, LB. My gut says to draft another DL in the first round and find another CB somewhere either later in the draft or through trade/FA.
Go Texans
Dallas Clark loves you. Thats why Tight Ends run uncovered up and down the field on us. Thats why teams average 4-6 yards a carry on the ground. Thats why we can't stop a 4th and 1. Thats why we hit a guy in the backfield and he gains 3 yards. Every position is important. Good linebackers make plays and are invaluable.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
Sorry, but this is crazy thinking. Crazy I tell ya
TheRealJoker
Hall of Fame
What do you call resigning Eugene Wilson and Nick Ferguson? Drafting Bennett, Molden, Barber, and Harrison? Signing and then resigning Will Demps (though it didn't pan out)? Jacques Reeves, like it or not, was our most consistent CB last season (another Rick Smith signing).
He has made moves in FA and the draft to improve the secondary. Sure he hasn't broken the bank by signing Asante Samuel or drafting a DB in the 1st, but he certainly hasn't been ignoring the position.
The only real argument you could make is him passing on Darelle Revis by drafting Okoye. For all intensive purposes however, most people would've drafted Willis over Okoye and Revis hindsight being 20/20. We made that pick to give Mario help, the jury is still out on Amobiwan but he's gonna need to make a big jump this year.
Historyhorn
Waterboy
More quality DB's on the field mean Dallas Clark doesn't run free on patterns because you have a better defensive coverage. A dominant DL means you don't give up 4 and 1. A dominant DL means you stuff the running game. Ask Ray Lewis....arguably one of the best LBers in the game how hard it is when you don't have a quality DL in front of you to fill gaps and take on blocks. Unless I run a 3-4, I'll take a dominant DL and defensive backfield any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
I would recommend reading the book "Blind Side" by Micheal Lewis. The current NFL game is changing the way we value positions and players. It just so happens the Texans are following the script for winning in the changed NFL to a tee. Pass rushing DE, strong interior DL, Left OT, ????? A little hint....LB doesn't come next in value.
Take a look at what Free Agents command on open market. LB is way down on the list on salaries commanded in FA when looked at as a positional group.....unless it is a pass rushing OLB which equals pass rushing DE in the 4-3.
Go Texans
TimeKiller
Guest
I'm not trying to argue with you, I'm just trying to pick your brain a little...
Let's call Demeco Ryans, a 2nd round pick, the 1st LB in a nickel package. Who is next, Adibi? Would any of the USC LBers or maybe Laraunitis beat him out for nickel responsibilities? Maybe 60/40 for Adibi just because he has a slight experience advantage.
Now who do we rotate in the interior DL? Okoye probably takes a lion share of snaps, TJ gets his, Bulman, Robinson looked pretty darn solid, ASmith occasionally...a guy like Jerry probably doesn't come in and set the world on fire year 1 and our depth here has shown itself to be pretty solid without a nice free agent signing and in all probability another draft pick DE. God forbid either of our other 2 1st round DT's show themselves worthy of their pick. We've also got Mario, a new DB coach, a new DC and scheme that apparently is more fitting to the personnel we've already accumulated. Point is Jerry doesn't add what we don't have where a stud DB dropping or a LB does. Or at least attempts to.
Also I think it's fishy you would say most downs we only have 2 LB's but are so opposed to the selection of one. Especially a guy who has a shot at making a difference from the other spot. Anyway I'd be okay with Jenkins or Davis if they fell. IF.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
Interesting thoughts, I like where this is heading.
LB- in nickle situations, I think Demeco and Adibi would most likely be the LBs while we add an extra DB. With that said, my hopes would be "what if" a guy we draft for SLB like Matthews would be able to move up to the RDE pass rushing spot, moving Mario to LDE. Then at DT we'd have options of Smith, Okoye, TJ, etc.
Jerry- I can see Jerry as being a pretty flexible kind of player. Drew Boylhart believes his best position should be a 4-3 DE and that he should lose some weight to get there. He thinks Jerry has been misused. I'd love to know what some others think about this possibility or at least just the thought of having him line up all along the line in different packages. If Okoye can come in as raw as he was and get 4.5 sacks his rookie year, I see no reason Jerry couldn't get at least that because he's (i) more polished (ii) has better players around him and (iii) may have a better scheme in place allowing him to get in the backfield.
Both are just some thoughts I'd like to throw out there. No guarantee Matthews could make it as a 4-3 SLB and/or even kick over to RDE. If we're to take a 'D' player at 15, I hope we can use him in lots of different packages.
If you go into a season with below par LB's, it'll be a long season. Anytime you put you're three LB's on the field, its pass time. TE's WILL be running free down the field, and your dominant DL better get there before the QB's back foot hits the ground. If you stay in dime/nickle the whole game, 4 yards a carry. You have to have all positions strong on defense, or you will get beat down. Whether its a 3-4. 4-3, or whatever. COaches, for the most part, are way to smart to not crush you if you have a glaring weakness in the LB corp.
HoustonFrog
Dallas Frog
I completely disagree. Let me give you a list and tell me what you think....I'll give you a clue..they all change games in different defenses.....this is a random list I saw awhile back of Top 20 guys in 2007
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Top_20_Linebackers_in_the_NFL/23278
Now look at recent drafts and tell me who are many of the players who stood out and changed teams in the 1st round or 2nd....Patrick Willis(defensive rookie of the year) and DeMeco....Last year we had Mayo (defensive rookie of the year) for the Pats. Keith Rivers was going strong and a top rookie until his jaw was broken. EVERY year the standout Defensive rookies seem to be LBs. They lead, change games, change defenses, add dimensions in run and pass coverage.
I'm not saying we have to take LB but if we are in a position where there are no takers in moving down..a good possibility these days...then the top talent on the board at 15 may be LB and I have no problem with that considereing our size at LB and the injuries.
GP
Go Texans!
I agree.
If your LBs are sub-standard, you're asking offenses to (A) run the ball, or (B) flare TEs and RBs out into the flats and crossing patterns where they can burn a soft LB squad.
If that middle portion (the LB squad) of the field is strong, it gives the DLs and the DBs an easier time at their jobs. The LBs really are the down-and-dirty guys who do the heavy lifting, IMO.
Good defensive teams, at the time when they are good, such as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Chicago, New England...they all have a really great LB squad. Maybe it doesn't last long, maybe it fades in and out (Baltimore, for example), but when those defenses are shutting down offenses on a consistent basis, it's my opinion that the LBs are leading the way.
Like I said: There's no way of knowing what we'll do in Round 1.
I expect a twist.
This is a strange draft class. I don't think there's many sure-fire Pro Bowlers in it, not even Crabtree (whom I expect to have a hard time adjusting to the concept of running actual routes and not just running to open spots on the field like he did at Tech). I think he's over-hyped, even though I'm a Tech fan.
Historyhorn
Waterboy
It's not that I disagree with you that we need good to great LB. It is that I disagree about the value of the position and the order in which we need to address it.
And when we talk about linebackers, let's make sure we are talking about apples to apples. A good number of those top 20 guys are OLB which equates to DE. Others on that list have MONSTER D lines to protect them and allow them to make plays.
It's nice to have great linebackers, but it isn't the most critical piece as you construct your team into a contender. How many great LB are there on the Titan's roster? Bullock is a player, but I can't name another. We've got a guy better than him on our roster right now. Derrick Brooks got cut. Zack Thomas was allowed to go to the Cowboys for a song.
The Texans may well pick a stud LB in the first round and he could potentially make a splash as a rookie. LB, CB, & RB seem to be the spots where rooks can come in right away and make big time contributions.
I don't think however, our number one should be spent there over a DB (what I prefer) or a DL (I'm ok with this).
And when we talk about linebackers, let's make sure we are talking about apples to apples. A good number of those top 20 guys are OLB which equates to DE. Others on that list have MONSTER D lines to protect them and allow them to make plays.
It's nice to have great linebackers, but it isn't the most critical piece as you construct your team into a contender. How many great LB are there on the Titan's roster? Bullock is a player, but I can't name another. We've got a guy better than him on our roster right now. Derrick Brooks got cut. Zack Thomas was allowed to go to the Cowboys for a song.
The Texans may well pick a stud LB in the first round and he could potentially make a splash as a rookie. LB, CB, & RB seem to be the spots where rooks can come in right away and make big time contributions.
I don't think however, our number one should be spent there over a DB (what I prefer) or a DL (I'm ok with this).
Historyhorn
Waterboy
Is our LB corps a glaring weakness? I like Adibi & I love Demeco. I'm meh on Bentley, but I'm even lower on our DB corps.
I think Dunta will get back. Reeves was so/so. We were stopgap at SS and FS and I think they performed better than expectations, but I grade one of our corner spots and both of our S spots as bigger holes than SLB. Plus, I believe that DB is a more valuable spot than LB in today's NFL.
Go Texans
LB - DeMeco & who? Weak group. Doesn't even approach the problem with depth.
CB - Dunta and who? Reeves would be alright if he was the nickel back.
Safety - Free Safety anyone?
If you draft wisely, any one of these positions could be upgraded at 15.
TimeKiller
Guest
We need good LB's but for some reason the only that has ever mattered is the one we used a high pick on. I'm just sayin', they've been addressing the defense pretty much as you are asking for and this defense has been a shining example of suck for years.
OLB equates to DE? Whaaa?
You can't draft the most critical piece every year. We did that in 2006 and got two critical pieces. They still play on this team so it's time to build around them not behind them. Put guys next to Demeco, Dunta to elevate them, their position and the team. Mario has Amobi, TJ, A Smith, another pick...Adibi is FAR from a stud and who is the next best DB? Wilson? That's not good. So draft a DB? Great, who falls or who do you wildly reach on? Same question for DL? LB just happens to have a few names circling the waters of 15. Unless you want to draft offense the choices are pretty limited. While you seem to "get it" regarding the draft and drafting theory it also seems like you're ignoring the picture slowly coming into focus in the 1st.
TimeKiller
Guest
Half a season does not make a career.
The1ApplePie
Hall of Fame
The Texans have a choice
Either draft a big ass DT to soak up blockers
or
Draft a beefy MLB like Rey Rey who can take on blockers
DeMeco Ryans is a lot like Ray Lewis but shares the inability to shed blockers. DeMeco got beat down last year thanks to Okoye and TJ sucking up front. IMO Jerry is a stud but simply isn't a fit for the needs of the team
Either draft a big ass DT to soak up blockers
or
Draft a beefy MLB like Rey Rey who can take on blockers
DeMeco Ryans is a lot like Ray Lewis but shares the inability to shed blockers. DeMeco got beat down last year thanks to Okoye and TJ sucking up front. IMO Jerry is a stud but simply isn't a fit for the needs of the team
I think our LB corp is a glaring weakness. Outside of Demeco, who honestly had his worst season, wed have two guys who wouldnt start for any other team. Reeves came on strong last year. Hopefully Dunta plays like he did pre-injury. Wilson is serviceable, same for Fergi and Barber. We have alot of money tied into Dline, so its hard to look there. Linebacker has to get better, in a big way.